Abundant life we have from Jesus Christ! We don't always act like we are blessed. We gripe, complain and whine.
If we have food in the refrigerator, clothes to wear and a place to live we are richer than 75% of the world!
The abundance of God's love:
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
Abram asked for a son. God gave him descendants beyond counting. (Genesis 13:16)
Israel asked for a place to live, a place to be free. God gave Israel a land "flowing with milk and honey."
"So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites." Exodus 3:8
Solomon asked for wisdom. God made him the wisest person ever (besides Jesus) and also gave him everything else!
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
God wants to bless us.
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and [a]have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Abundantly can be about material stuff and money but that is not what Jesus was referring to -- inner abundance -- the well that never runs dry.
3 billion Christians in the world cannot worship freely. We all have abundant life just where we are at.
What do we need?
Peace? Jesus gives peace:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Contentment? Jesus will give you contentment:
5 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
Strength? Jesus will give you strength:
I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Wisdom? Jesus will give you wisdom.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5
If you need something ask.
Healing?
“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6
We are in a place where blessings aren't obvious because we are surrounded by them. Show my blessings. Act blessed because you are. Praise God.
"Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits--
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103:1-5
Live a life of daily gratefulness.
"Give us today our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Focus on the positive, on what we have.
What more do we need?
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 3:38-39
Just give and give and give and give and give and give. Be the shining light. We should be different -- have a great attitude. Let people see Jesus.
The world says to not be satisfied. Jesus says be satisfied. Be filled. You can't even imagine what God has for you,.
9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]--
the things God has prepared for those who love him--
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
What do we lack? Let our blessings shine through.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
"16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Our witness is our thankfulness. Act like we've received God's love because we have. Our life, our goals --reflect our love for Jesus...they should. God's hand -- nothing will break God's grip on me.