Have you ever had someone say. . . “I’ve been thinking about you.”

While we assume those thoughts are good. . .we have no idea what they’re thinking or how long they even thought about us.

There is a pick-up line that single men sometimes use on single women.  It goes like this.

“Girl, I’m so tired. . .because you’ve been running through my mind all day.”

By the way ladies, if a man ever uses that line on you. . .be flattered but quickly ask him. . .if he has a job. . .does he have a five-year plan for the future. . .if he doesn’t answer “yes” to both those questions. . .leave him in the rearview mirror of your life.

On a spiritual level. . .God does bring people to our minds. . .people he wants us to pray for.

In this teaching, I want to talk about someone who thinks about you 24/7.

We have some wonderful people in our lives who love to give us meals. They have blessed us so much that at one point I wanted to give them some money for all the great meals that we’ve received at their hand.

To which the wife replied, “Don’t steal our blessings.”

Here are seven things that blessing thieves need to know.

1.         Learn to receive.

John 1:12 in the Amplified Bible says:

“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.”

According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for receive is H2943 and it means:

“to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it; to take what is one's own, to take to one's self, to make one's own; to receive (what is given), to gain, get, obtain, to get back”

Salvation is a gift. . .but we must receive it.

Healing is a gift. . .but we must receive it.

God’s promises are a gift. . .but we must receive them.

Holy Ghost power is a gift. . .but we must receive it.

Are you expecting a promise from God to be fulfilled? Are you trusting God for a financial breakthrough? Are you facing seemingly insurmountable odds?

If so, you must make sure your faith is strong and unmovable. You must persevere and believe as Abraham and Sarah did and stand firm until your victory appears.

Write this down. . .

“I WILL STAND FIRM UNTIL MY VICTORY APPEARS.”

Confess this sentence throughout the day until it becomes engrafted in you.

Romans 4:17-22 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

17 As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.

Early this morning as I started my prayer and meditation time. . .I was reminded of a time when someone made me an offer that would make most envious of what they would perceive to be the ultimate opportunity.

As Don Corlene, the Godfather would say, it’s the kind of offer you seemingly can’t refuse. . .but there are two things I know for sure.

Never make a major decision without first asking the Lord and if married, your spouse.

My fine wife and I agreed that we would commit the offer to prayer as we sought the Lord’s direction.

So with that background info, we asked the Lord. . .if this would be the right thing for us, this ministry and the generous person who extended the offer. As I was talking with the Lord about this matter, something quickened in my spirit that got my attention.

The proper question is not whether or not the offer, if accepted, would be of benefit to the ministry or the person extending the offer; the Lord reminded me that the proper question should be. . .if we accept this offer will it advance the Kingdom of God?

There is only one person who can take the limits off your future. . .it’s you.

I’m going to share a confession with you. . .from my book Borders Without Limitations.  I encourage you to print out this confession, read it and sign your name as a commitment to live a life without limitations.

“Father God, I realize now that I have lived a life that has limited me from the blessings you designed and destined for my life… but NO MORE.

“In Jesus Name, I decree and declare that I will no longer be bound by limitations I have previously experienced in this world. I give full permission for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of my heart and let it be flooded with the ability to walk out every precious promise in the Word of God.

“I want to see more, believe more and allow your grace to take me to heights I’ve never known before. I thank you for the Word …because I know it works. Thank you for working it out in me for your glory and honor.”