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Friday, February 23, 2007
 
You Are Blessed!

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“UR BLSD”

“So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (Galatians 3:9).

Here in Pennsylvania you can have a personalized message placed on your license plate for an additional fee. I am aware that in many other states this is true as well. I still recall the message Tim Casey, a long-time friend from northern PA, had on his tag with the simple message Plsm 34.  (Psalm 34 was his favorite Psalm.)

Yesterday we followed a car that had the letters UR BLSD on the tag.  We immediately took it to mean “You Are Blessed.” This was an interesting means of stimulating discussion between Brooksyne and me which prompted our perspective as believers.  Since we didn’t know the owner of the car we can’t be certain it was intended as a spiritual message but we sure took it that way!

I shared the following thought earlier in the week but I want to expand upon it today as we contrast an attitude of entitlement with the attitude of blessing. The “attitude of entitlement” is rampant in our world, characterized by whining and a sense of victimization. The “attitude of blessing” is expressed far less often yet it results in joy and peace.

I read an interesting follow-up to the tragic Amish Schoolhouse shootings this last fall in our area.  The State Police Chaplain, Grover G. DeVault, had an opportunity to minister on the scene as well as follow-up care. He wrote an outstanding article in the “President’s Perspective” of Lancaster Bible College concerning the attitude of the Amish elders.

One question asked by the Amish elders really caught my attention and illustrates a group of people with an attitude of blessing and not entitlement. The State Police did an outstanding job in the tragedy and this was noted by the Amish elders who asked the police chaplain, “How can we pay the Pennsylvania State Police for all they have done for us?”  Of course, the Chaplain assured them that the expenses incurred during the tragedy were covered through the state taxes.

Galatians 3:9 states “So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”  Now certainly the Apostle Paul is not speaking of some generic notion of faith but rather our specific faith in Jesus Christ.

Do you have faith in Jesus Christ today?  If so, you are blessed! "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, I thank You that I have bounty that far exceeds my needs.  I experience laughter more often than tears.  Eternal life awaits me because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ my Lord.  I walk in the blessed hope of salvation that never diminishes.  Your surpassing peace upholds me because I know Jesus, the Peace Speaker.  I’m so glad Your ear is attentive to my effectual fervent prayers.  You promise to destroy the strongholds the enemy deposits in my life. Father, You have blessed me in more ways than I could ever recall in one sitting or even a lifetime.  Thank You for the abundant life I have in You and for every spiritual blessing in Christ.  Amen.  



Matt Redman, was in our area last night, along with Chris Tomlin - holding a concert in a large church only about six miles from our home.  Brooksyne and I stay away from big crowds (whenever possible) and chose to sit this one out. However we thorougly enjoy their music on the radio, over the internet and singing some of their songs in church. "Blessed Be Your Name" (mp3) is one we really like!  Many of you have sang this in your churches and it really is a great perspective on blessing.



Here is an online version (pdf) of the chaplain’s perspective I referred to in the message


Mark Garrett
I met Mark this last weekend at a retreat. He is a former state trooper in Massachusetts and now serves as a chaplain.


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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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