Thursday, March 19
“Blessed to be a Blessing”
There really is a different perspective for those of us who trust in Jesus. Because we believe that Jesus is God’s son who conquered sin, death and the grave, our viewpoint is altered. Instead of having a “scarcity mentality” Jesus has given us an “abundance mentality.” The former implies there is not enough, we need to hoard, we need to panic. The latter says: God owns everything, God will provide, I am content.
The apostle Paul put it this way:
“
…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13. You and I can do all this (be content) through him (Christ) who gives us strength.
Today, I encourage you to pause to give thanks for what the Lord has given you. I encourage you to rely on Christ who gives you strength to be content. Remember these words from Martin Luther as he explains
”give us this day our daily bread.”
What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
