Month: March 2023

March 31st – James 5:17

James 5:17

Clergyman Henry Ward Beecher once said, “The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” No matter our circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for. From each breath we take to every moment in between, everything good thing in our lives is a blessing from God. For He is the Creator of the universe, who is the source of all good and perfect gifts. And as such, whether we have little or much, our hearts should be overflowing with gratitude. Because even though we might not have everything we want, our Heavenly Father promises that when we first seek His kingdom, to give us everything we need. (Matt. 6:32-33) And when we focus on the good things we have from God, we can cultivate spirits of happiness, contentment, peace, and thankfulness.

March 30th – Psalm 126:5

Psalm126:5

Easter is one of my favorite times of year. Because it’s a season of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While equally joyous Jews, celebrate the wonderful feast of Passover, thanking God for their freedom from Egypt. Both celebrations are rooted in joy and gratitude. Psalm 126 is also rooted in joy and gratitude. And contains some lessons we can reflect on as we commemorate this most holy holiday. First, is gratitude for all of God’s blessings, and how He has delivered us from past troubles. Next is perseverance in difficult times. For if we remain steadfast and persevere, God will take the seeds of our tears and make them blossom into enormous joy. Finally, trusting in God’s promises. God never goes back on His Word. So we can have faith that as our heavenly Father, God will always provide for the needs of His children.

March 29th – Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19

The number twelve is used 187 times in the Bible. In most cases it is represented as the number of perfection and authority.  And during His ministry on earth Jesus, “…summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve so that He could send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:13-14) There wasn’t anything especially remarkable about these men. They weren’t Lords or Princes. Nor were they great scholars or high priests. They were average men who throughout the Gospels we see fail, struggle, and doubt God. Yet Jesus chose them anyway. And He chooses us as well, blessing us with the same commission of sharing the Good News. Because Jesus doesn’t care about our past, our failures, or our social standing. What He wants is a close personal relationship with us. He wants us to love Him, and to tell others about Him so they too can know Him and spend eternity with Him. Will you answer His call?

March 28th – Song Of Solomon 7:10

Song of Solomon 7:10

C.S. Lewis once said, “When I have learned to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.” Although not much talked about, romantic love is a blessing sent by God. The Lord wants to have a close, personal, relationship with each of us. And when we have such an intimate relationship with the Lord, we can better love others. Romantic love is a way for people to experience deep emotional and spiritual connections with one another. And romance can bring joy to people’s lives. God wants us to experience happiness and fulfillment in life, and romantic relationships can be a source of this joy. Romantic love can also lead to the creation of new life, as it is often the foundation of marriage and family. All in all, the blessing of romantic love teaches us intimacy, patience, commitment, selflessness, and respect in our relationships. It reminds us that love is not just a human experience, but also has spiritual significance and can help us grow in our relationship with God.

 

March 27th – Deuteronomy 28:3

Deuteronomy 28:3

God doesn’t give us commands to feed His ego or to make us suffer. He loves us beyond measure and wants us to have the very best life. An abundant life that His Son sacrificed His life to give us. But the Lord will only bless us if we walk in faithful obedience to Him. And when we do, God promises those blessings will follow us no matter where we roam, or where we settle. Because God isn’t limited to specific areas or situations. His goodness and provision are available to us whenever and wherever we are, as long as we remain faithful to Him. In our obedience, we show our trust God’s wisdom and sovereignty over our lives. A trust which in turn leads to God’s very best blessings. Blessings including material prosperity, physical health, and spiritual growth.

 

March 26th – Psalm 15:1

Psalm 15:1

If the list of requirements to dwell with God forever sound impossible, it’s because it’s supposed to be. For we can’t truly realize our need for Jesus until we understand how far we have fallen short of God’s holiness. Christ is the only one who can cleanse us and prepare us to dwell in His house forever. And thankfully, we have the blessing of receiving His gift of pardon. All we must do is confess our sins and repent. What does it mean to repent? It means to turn aside from our wickedness and sin. Walking away from the things the flesh desires and walking with Jesus. Because in all the world there was only One whose walk was utterly blameless. Only One who always did what was righteous. That person was the Lord Jesus Christ. And when we abide in Him and in His strength, we can find victory in our lives.  No matter what life throws at us, we will never be shaken and can have confidence that one day we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

March 25th – Hebrews 13:16

Hebrews 13:16

Every once in awhile you’ll hear that it’s, “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” And everyone should go out and do something in service of another. But God tells us that everyday should be filled with acts of kindness for others. For the love and blessings He so generously gives to us, we are to pass on to another. You know I’ve heard it said that the service we give to others is the rent we give to live on this earth! I like that. And that rent should be collected in payments of love. Because love isn’t how we feel about someone, it’s how we treat them. So instead of just praying for God to meet someone’s need, if we can meet that need ourselves we are to do it. Becoming a blessing to others doesn’t only benefit them, but is also pleasing to God. And By reaching out to others in love and kindness, we can create a better world for ourselves and those around us.

March 24th – Deuteronomy 4:7

Deuteronomy 4:7

The people of Israel were God’s special possession, His very own. And He wanted with them, like He does with us, a close personal relationship built on love and obedience. As His chosen people, God offered them not only a land filled with milk and honey, but victory over their enemies. Gloriously and graciously the Lord led them and performed wondrous miracles in their sight. And at any time, for any reason, the people could call on God. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we too receive the blessing of becoming a part of God’s very own. He is near to us and just like the people of Israel, we can call on Him. God wants us to have the very best life possible. There is no one who loves you more, will fight harder on your behalf, or is more worthy of your complete faith and devotion. So draw near to Him, remember Him in all things, believe and obey, and watch the blessings flow!

March 23rd – Psalm 121:2

Psalm 121:2

Of the seven annual Jewish Feasts, three required the people to make a trek to the temple. Jerusalem sat upon a high hill. And as they climbed the steep road to the city, Jewish pilgrims sang songs of praise and worship to God. Psalm 121 is such a song. One the people sang with joy as they remembered how they cried out in despair, and how every time their help came from the Lord. For our God is always awake and watching over His people with infinite care. Although we aren’t required to travel to Jerusalem, we too are on a trek. Until we are called home to heaven, we are to walk the path chosen for us by God. And whatever path that is, we have the blessing of knowing as His beloved children, our Father will never let our feet be moved. He is the mighty Keeper of our souls. Protector and Sustainer of His people. And as such, night and day, coming and going, God will keep us secure and steadfast. Always helping, guiding, and providing.

March 22nd – Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3

When we want an answer to a question the first we think is to “Google” it. Because after all, the internet is a vast source of information. But God doesn’t work that way. He purposely has us on a need to know basis. Why? I like how Jon Bloom says, “God is a wise Father who knows when knowledge is too heavy for us. He is not being deceptive when he does not give us the full explanation. He is carrying our burdens.” One of the blessings God promises when we trust in Him is perfect peace. And we can only experience such a tranquility when we have deep trust in His love, guidance, and authority on all things. Especially when we don’t have all the answers. God sees everything from beginning to end. And there’s nothing out of His control. So even if we are left in the dark, we can find comfort knowing God never is. His light is always shining, and He’s always working things out for our good. (Rom. 8:28)