Taking a blessings inventory


And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

 I heard an interesting statement the other day.  A woman said that when things aren't going well, we should take a blessings inventory.  I love that.  I think that daily we should take a blessings inventory.  As Christians we have so much.  God has given us life full of joy and love.  He has given us eternal life with Him.  We have the greatest friend, brother, father, confidant, helper, savior, and Lord that anyone could ever ask for.  And it is all free.  FREE is very good.



God created us to be who we are and He only asks that we believe.  He forgives our sins, He listens to our complaints and requests.  He loves us even when we don't behave as we should.  It is very incredible to be a Christian.

 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

 What are some of the other blessings that God has given you?  Do you have a roof over your head, food to eat, friends, pets, or job?  Some people don't have these things but even still, if they have God, they have everything.  Though we may suffer at times, none of us have suffered beatings and death on a cross for sins we didn't commit.



Have you taken a blessings inventory lately?  When you come before God in prayer, do you only ask for wants and needs without praising and glorifying Him for all His has done for you?

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.  Psalms 146:5-9

Prayer is  what we call our way of communicating with God but it is really just talking to Him.  when I forget take stock of the gifts that I have received, when I pray I try to follow a simple pattern.  If it helps you, please use it.
PRAY
P is for praise.  Praise Him for His gift of life and love and all of the wonderful things He has done in your life and life of those you love.
R is for repent.  Ask Him for forgiveness for sins you have committed, even those you don't know about and/or didn't do on purpose.
A is for ask.  Ask Him to bless those who you would like Him to bless, and for your needs (and even your wants) knowing that He will answer in whatever way is best for you as He always has.
Y is for yield.  Yield yourself to His will and give yourself up to His leading.  Thy will be done Lord in all things.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many word. Matthew 6:7

One thing we need to remember when we are praying is that God is working in the lives of everyone. He is not just working in your life, but even in the lives of those you may not like.  He is working through all situations to bring everyone to a knowledge of Him.  He loves everyone. And that is one of the greatest blessings, because He loves us even when we are not that lovable too.  I know that I am not always a lovable person.


First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 timothy 2:1-4
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17


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