I decided to create an “Awards” page, with an explanation of why I accept awards given to me by my fellow bloggers, and I want you to understand that my reason for accepting these awards is biblical. More than anything, I want this blog to be a blessing to the Lord, and a blessing to those who take the time to read it. Therefore, this is the scripture that I am going to cite for receiving and giving awards…
You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
http://momfog.com/2011/09/22/blog-awards-thank-you/
I am aware that many of my brothers and sisters in the Lord do not accept blogging awards, and I want you to know that I understand their reasons, and I debated within myself about whether to accept blogging awards or not. You see, this blog was created in October 2012, when the Lord spoke to my heart and led me to begin writing again. He didn’t tell me what to write, He just told me to write everyday for the first 30 days, and I obeyed. While I’m not able to write a post everyday now, I still strive to post several times a week, because I love using this gift that God has given me for His glory, and it brings me great joy and release to share the words He has placed in my heart.
Many years ago, I made a promise to the Lord, to use the gifts that He has given me for His glory, and not my own, and that’s why I struggled about whether I should accept blogging awards or not. You see, I don’t want to glorify myself, and I don’t want to become prideful, and this scripture came to mind…
1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
This gave me much to think about… But another thing that kept playing in my heart and in my mind… You see, each person that nominated me for an award did so to bless me, and I thought of the words of Jesus, when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Also, one of the requirements for most of these awards is for the recipient of the award to bless others with the same award. Therefore, if I refuse to accept the gifts offered to me by my fellow bloggers, not only am I cheating them out of the blessing they receive in giving me the award, but I also cheat myself, by not participating and blessing others. I love giving, and right now, I’m at a place in my life where I’m not able to give financially to anyone, but I can bless and encourage others, and I can also share the gifts that others have given to me.
Therefore, for now, I will joyfully accept the awards offered to me, and with even greater joy, I will share the same awards with others. Please understand, that this is what I feel the Lord is leading me to do. In no way do I want to imply that those who choose not to accept these awards are wrong. This is a matter to be settled between them and God, and what He commands me to do my not be what He commands someone else to do.
Also, please understand that if you do not choose to accept an award that I give to you, I am not offended. You must do what you think is right. If I choose to send an award to you, it is because I believe that you deserve it, and I wanted to bless you. Therefore, even if you don’t accept the award, please accept the blessing that I send your way.
I pray that this clarifies why I both give and receive these blogging awards. May the Lord richly bless each one of you, as only He can!
In the love of Jesus,
Cheryl
Burning Fire Shut Up In My Bones 