Recently, my wife and I embarked on a plan to reach out to people who are different from us—spiritually, ethnically, and otherwise. Why take on this challenge? We’ve experienced the grace and blessing of God, and we want to bless Him by loving others who are also made in His image. It’s interesting, however, that even as we’ve strived to bless Him, we’ve been greatly blessed by God through these new relationships!
King David wanted to bless Him too. He noticed that while he lived in the lap of luxury, “the Ark of God [was] was out there in a tent!” (2 Samuel 7:2). But even as he made plans to build a beautiful edifice for God’s new “home” among His people, God sent him the message that He was going to “make a house for [David]—a dynasty of kings!” (2 Samuel 7:11).
David learned, as we will too, that you can’t out-bless God!
Even though an impressive temple was eventually built for Him by David’s son Solomon (2 Samuel 7:12-13; 1 Chronicles 22:8-9), the greater, longer-lasting “house” and “kingdom” was established by God through David. Jesus, the perfect, sovereign descendant of David, reigns forever (John 18:37; Revelation 19:16).
When David was blessed by God through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4), he was humbled and grateful. “Who am I?” and “What more can I say to you?” he asked of God (2 Samuel 7:18,20). Then he declared God’s greatness, stating, “How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you” (2 Samuel 7:22). His worshipful response is one for us to imitate as God pours out His blessing in our lives.
May we continue to seek to bless and honor God—loving Him and others because of who He is. And as we receive His greater blessings, may we worship Him with full and grateful hearts!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 28:1-14
More:
Read Ephesians 1:3 and consider the ultimate way we’ve been blessed by God.
Next:
How have you been blessed by God recently? What are some ways you’re striving to bless Him by your words and actions?
Gary Shultz on November 18, 2015 at 6:54 am
It would be very interesting to hear the accounts of your new challenge. As you imply whether rich or poor we should be thankful and seeking to worship God. I usually try to start with being thankful, if I pause to see the blessings I’m usually ready to tell some one else about them. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.
Tom Felten on November 18, 2015 at 8:31 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Gary. And, yes, giving thanks and possessing a heart of gratitude—by the Spirit’s work in our life—is so important as we reach out to others. As my wife and I have encountered challenges and blessings in our relationships with those we’re reaching out to, a common theme has been to love them where they are and thank God for the privilege of being His hands and feet.
jim spillane on November 18, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Gary and Tom – over the years, I have come to learn to thank our Heavenly Father for not only the blessings that I realize almost right away, but also for all the blessings that He has given me that I have failed to realize until maybe much later. Thanx.
Tom Felten on November 18, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Jim, I’ve experienced the same thing. And some of the hardest times in life have proven to be the moments when God was truly plowing my heart, planting new works of His transforming grace. Even though the challenges can be harsh and painful at the time, the spiritual growth and opportunity to grow deeper in my relationship with Him have been true blessings!
BearPair on November 18, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Thank you, Tom, for this timely and (personally) poignant reminder/challenge that we are to reach out & love others because of who HE IS–no other reason needed. Father in heaven, when I cannot see others as you see them, cause me to love them regardless… they are Your creation as much as I am. In Jesus’ name and for His sake, Amen.
Tom Felten on November 19, 2015 at 7:53 am
Such a wonderful prayer. Thanks for sharing, BearPair!