Tag Archives: blessings

“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.  Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’  he asked.  ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”  (Matthew 20:29-34, NIV)

The response of the two blind men to the miraculous gift they had received from Jesus was obedience.  They “followed him.”

One cannot follow unless (or until) he/she is willing to obey.  God, by His grace, showers us with innumerable blessings.

When we receive any of the blessings of Christ, do we follow in His steps?  When God is generous to us, do we follow Him into generosity?  When God forgives us our trespasses, do we follow his example by forgiving those who have trespassed against us?

To their great credit, the two healed men responded to God’s blessings by following the One that had shown them mercy.  What is our response to God for His mercy?  – Luther

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“But a beautiful palace does not make a great king!  Why did your father Josiah reign so long?  Because he was just and fair in all his dealings.  That is why God blessed him.  He saw to it that justice and help were given the poor and the needy and all went well for him.  This is how a man lives close to God.”  (Jeremiah 22:15-16, Living Bible)

Reject the notion that possessions make a great person; or are the evidence of God’s favor.

Yes, it is difficult to reject this kind of thinking when it is both so prevalent and so prominent in our society; but Jeremiah reminds us that it is the practice of justice and fairness — particularly for the benefit of the least of our neighbors — that pleases God.

It’s never about what you have.  It’s always about what you are!  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break — as normal — tomorrow.  Back, Lord willing, on Monday for another run.  Have a great day in worship, and remember to get that extra hour tonight by setting your clock/watch for Standard Time!

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“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” (Proverbs 3:27-28, NASB)

As disciples of Jesus, we should aspire to maintain “short accounts” with everyone.  We should not put-off for tomorrow the things that can be done today: The praise that will encourage; the return of a kindness; the helping hand.

Each day, God gives us numerous opportunities to bless the lives of those around us.  Seize as many of these opportunities as strength will allow.  – Luther

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