Giving Thanks

By now, the turkey is probably sandwich meat, and the ham bone is in the freezer waiting for New Years and black-eyed peas. It’s been a long year so far, maybe with losses, definitely with blessings. We all have plenty to grateful for. Let’s remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Thanksgiving is not just a holiday it’s an attitude of praise. An anonymous quote says, “God’s giving deserves our thanksgiving.” God bless you throughout this holiday season!

Set the Example

Imagine if Jesus and one of his apostles got into a heated argument that was witnessed by a follower. Think about the damage that might cause in a church congregation. Sadly, it happens all too often. I am reminded of John 15:12 that says, “This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.” If we become involved in an uncomfortable situation, we can choose to become a part of it, or we can choose to resolve it. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Let’s all try to be peacemakers, amen? God bless you.

Our Protector

Have you ever had to stand up for someone or something and have been attacked for it, or maybe for just standing up for our beliefs and values? Some of us may have experienced volatile situations in recent months. Some of us may have faced rejection and ridicule for witnessing. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10: Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” Remember that no matter what we are facing, God is with us! I pray He blesses you today.

He’s Always Thinking of Us

Willie Nelson wrote a song titled, “You were always on my mind.” That’s the way God feels about us. Think about that for a minute. He knows us; we are always on His mind. He knows where we go, what we do and think, and He always knows what we need. Imagine that: God, who created the universe and keeps all things in perfect balance, considers us so worthwhile that we are always on His mind. Psalm 139:7 says, “How precious are your thoughts unto me, O God! How great and marvelous is the sum of them.” Let’s praise Him for always thinking about us! God bless you.

Your Protection

Have you ever wondered why you weren’t hurt in a car accident or avoided a near miss? How about being really angry, wanting to tell someone off, but calmed down? Psalm 121:7 says: “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.” With protection like that, we should be afraid of nothing. May He richly bless you today!

You Are Always On My Mind

When we see old friends, we often say “I’ve been thinking about you,” or “You’ve been on my mind a lot lately,” or maybe, “I’m thinking goods thoughts for you.” Our God is always thinking about us, always waiting to listen to us. Jeremiah 29:11 says. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” It’s comforting to know we are always on His mind. God bless you!

Take Comfort, and Give it

Most of us have faced loss, and many of us are facing it now. It is during those times that we need to be comforted, and as Christians, we also need to be comforters. Scripture gives us guidance on both; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.” If we see someone who is hurting, we should reach out and be a comfort to them. Amen? God bless you!

Seasons of Life

The older we get, the faster time seems to go by. Ecclessiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” It is in the final season of life that we have the time to live every day completely in the presence of God, experiencing the peace which comes through faith in him. In this season, we can take time to pray while growing into a closer relationship with God. Maybe the primary purpose of aging is to discipline us to become wiser and more fully committed to the important things of life as stewards of God. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, let’s serve him in every season. May He bless you today!

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

How many of us remember our mothers insisting that they hold our hand when we crossed the street or inside the store? How about asking our dads for help on a science project? Even though our parents may no longer be with us, we still have that love and support. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” He will always be there to guide and protect us. God bless you!

We Have the Power We Need

I think we can all agree that power can be used for good and bad. We only have to look at the state of politics to see the bad. Many men in scripture used the power given to them by God for bad, but I am reminded of one who used God’s power in a good way. When Elijah went up against the prophets of Baal, he called upon the power of God to destroy their idol. Psalm 77:13b says: “who is so great a God as our God?” We also have the power of God’s grace to do good things. All we have to do is ask in faith, amen? God bless you!