30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 20

Overtaken by Blessings

All these blessings will come and overtake you, because you obey the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2

When you walk in fellowship with God, you do not have to ask Him to bless you.  He wants to bless you!  Just as you enjoy surprising someone you love with unexpected gifts, God delights in giving you His gifts in times and ways that you might never expect.  God's blessings often come in the midst of your everyday life - an encouraging telephone call in the middle of a busy morning or a letter you receive at the end of a hard day.  A friend may drop by to help when you are overwhelmed, or you may receive unexpected financial help at a time of need.  Often, God's blessings do not come in spectacular ways but in the ordinary busyness of your life.  They come just when you most need an expression of God's love.

Blessings come as a result of obedience.  When you walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come, regardless of whether you seek them.  Blessings from your obedience will also come to those around you - to your children and to your grandchildren.  Solomon enjoyed vast wealth during his reign, but God's blessing upon him came largely as a result of his father David's obedience in the previous generation.  God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3).

Do not take God's gifts for granted.  When you receive an unexpected blessing, thank God for His continuing love and be alert to recognize the  next time His blessing overtakes you!

*from Experiencing God day-by-day, November 20.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning was a very frosty morning in Seattle.  Toasty and warm in the house, I looked out the window at one of my sweet maples trees and noticed the heavy frost and the beauty settled upon its leaves.  Without a moment's hesitation, I grabbed my camera and hurried out the door to capture my garden's beauty although only 7 am.  I barely noticed the chilly temps (well, at least, until I went back into the house), as I scurried about the garden in my robe and slippers.  Filled with child-like wonder and delight, I couldn't get enough of the beauty all around me. 

When I settled down for breakfast, I grabbed my devotional and read today's entry.  I was overwhelmed with the realization that God had opened my eyes and heart to see the special blessing He had sent to me in my garden ~ frosted beauty! 

I am still in awe and my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving for this precious and amazing gift I received this morning...