COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Ezekiel 34:26 I. Introduction. A. Man has a problem with fully appreciating what is done for him. B. Some seem to be born with a negative spirit: never recognizing what God or man has done for them. (Negative Nellies) C. The Lord has showered us with blessings: Ezekiel 34:26. II. Body. A. It is time for us to "count our many blessings." 1. Mephibosheth(Jonathon's son) did: II Samuel 4:4. a. The unpleasant experience could have left him bitter. b. He could count his: II Samuel 9:1-13. 2. Job recognized blessings come from God: Job 1:21; 2:10. 3. The apostle Paul: I Timothy 1:15-17. a. Did not think of: (1 All who persecuted him. (2 The false brethren(teachers). (3 Hunger, shipwreck, etc. b. Thought of what God did for him--he counted his blessings! B. What do I have that I can count? 1. Materially blessed, as a whole, more than any people who ever lived. a. Food, clothing, shelter: Matthew 15:36. b. Family and friends. c. Health. d. Freedom. e. Peace: Acts 24:2-3. 2. Yea--look at these blessings: a. Christ. b. New Covenant(remember: Gentiles). c. Christ's church. d. Lord's Supper: I Corinthians 10:16. e. Brethren: Romans 16:4. g. Even to: Ephesians 1:3. 3. Blessings do come to those who are faithful: Proverbs 10:6; 28:20. C. Learn to be thankful(count) for every blessing. 1. The Psalmist encouraged: Psalm 100:4. 2. Paul taught: Colossians 3:15. 3. Gentiles were not thankful: Romans 1:21. 4. When we cease to be thankful--cease to be faithful. D. We should be a blessing. 1. Abraham was told: Genesis 12:2. 2. Job recalled: Job 29:13-16. 3. Above all--to the work of Christ. 4. If I am not most remembered for what I have done for Christ--has my life been a blessing? E. It is easy for man to forget what God has done(and is doing) for him. 1. Too many: "What has the Lord done for me lately?"--it should be--"What have I done for the Lord?" 2. Do we forget what others have done for us?? 3. Some show more respect and concern for those who provide no blessings(in fact: harm/hurt spiritually) than for the Lord. III. Conclusion. A. When did you last count your many blessings? B. Since the Lord blesses us with such abundance, should we not always bless him with our resources?-jy