PSALM 103:1-5 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
EPHESIANS 1:1-3 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places”
THEME OF THE DAY: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Are we familiar with the old hymn bearing the title of today’s nugget theme? It was penned in 1897 by Johnson Oatman. Do two things with today’s nugget. First, meditate on today’s scriptures around the words “benefits” from Psalm 103 and “spiritual blessings” from Ephesians 1. Be reminded of God’s giving heart to us. Then go through the hymn below and do what it tells us. We will live with far more joy in our lives if we do!
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain]
PRAYER: Father, help me never to forget Your abundant heart toward me by the giving of many blessings.
REFLECTION: Focus on God’s blessings not life’s difficulties. It will lead to joy not complaining.