Written by Danielle Hage
READ
1 Peter 3:8-10 (NKJV)
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.”
The Bible shows us over and over again that God loves to bless His sons and daughters. Blessings we receive aren’t about the object that we receive, but what it does in our life, through our life, or how we are able to bless others. In 1 Peter 3:8-10, God calls us to bless one another and situations, instead of speaking negatively (or reviling). Circumstances in your life will start to change when you bless a situation or a person, and in return, (you) might inherit a blessing.
2 Samuel, chapter 6, tells the story of David after he recovered the Ark. When he returned home, his wife, Michal, was embarrassed of David’s actions of celebration and in return, verbally attacked him. But David continued on blessing the people and blessing his home. The enemy will use other people to attack you and will try to keep you from blessing your situation and people to ultimately result in keeping you from inheriting your blessings.
Further Reading
2 Samuel 6:1-23 (NKJV) “The Ark Brought to Jerusalem”
REFLECT
Have you thought any negative thoughts or spoken any negative words about a situation or any person? Ultimately, how has the situation changed or the relationship changed–for the better or for the worse? How can you contribute to changing the situation by speaking blessings? Speak blessings over life, that people are made whole, for divine favor and wellness, happiness and blessings that praise to create joy. Bless God, because when you do, you join the Angels in Heaven when you worship and bless Him. You can even speak blessings over your material objects; finances, cars and houses; because of not what they are, but what they do for you in your life, like protect and keep your family safe.
RESPOND
Describe situations or relationships that have started to change over time because you have changed how you speak about them by speaking blessings. Have you inherited any blessings because of your conscious change in speaking blessings? Respond in the comments below.
We recommend you keep a journal of your personal responses to questions posed in each of the daily devotionals so you can meditate not only during the first 21 days during your prayer time, but you can reflect throughout the entire year to be able to see how God has really moved on your behalf in 2016 and you have record of your testimony.