Sadly, even in the most joyous of seasons, there are many who may be alone or depressed. We need to pray for those who are experiencing loss this Christmas season: relational, financial, spiritual, and physical. We have to let people know that HE is The Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Let’s remember that there is something to look forward to: Luke 2:10 tells us, “And an angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Let’s pass that good news along, amen? God bless you!
Bread and Water
I have heard it said that prisoners used to only receive bread and water for nourishment. There are also people in the world who might only have bread and water as their daily subsistence. As Christians, we are supplied with all we need to survive. John 6:35 tells us: “And Jesus said unto them, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” That sounds like a very fine meal to me. God bless you!
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!
