Blessings

December 19th – Romans 8:25

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Romans 8:25

In the bustling holiday rush, finding patience can be as challenging as a child waiting for Santa. Yet in the midst of the chaos, it becomes the most precious gift we can give ourselves and others. Because patience teaches us to embrace the beauty of waiting, finding joy in the anticipation and savoring the season’s blessings. In the bustling preparations and the twinkling lights, patience becomes a quiet but powerful virtue. Like the expectant waiting for the fulfillment of promises, Christmas calls us to savor each moment, to linger in the warmth of love, and to find joy in the journey. As we count down the days, let us remember that the true magic of Christmas lies not just in the arrival of the day but in the patience that enriches the season. So in our excitement, may we each let patient hope, patient love, and patient joy permeate every aspect. Turning this festive time into a beautiful journey that leads us to a manger, a star, and the promise of peace on earth.

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December 15th – Psalm 136:1

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Psalm 136:1

I remember as a child the joy of Christmas Caroling. People would visit each house, singing the traditional holiday songs. And the most poignant were the melodies about gratitude. Because Christmas isn’t just about presents; it’s about His presence. And our greatest reason to be grateful. Gratitude should be the shining star on top of our holiday tree, illuminating the joy that comes from recognizing the precious gift of Christ. That’s why Psalm 136:1 is an invitation to embrace Jesus as the source of gratitude and thanksgiving. In the heartbeat of this verse lies a profound understanding of Christ’s enduring goodness and boundless love. It beckons us to center our gratitude on Him, recognizing that His love is an unwavering foundation for our thanksgiving. Christ’s goodness becomes the endless spring from which gratitude flows. And in every expression of gratitude, may our hearts give thanks not only for the blessings we receive, but for the enduring goodness of our Lord. Whose steadfast love is the cornerstone of our gratitude.

 

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December 2nd – Psalm 62:1

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Psalm 62:1

Does it feel like life is one big waiting room? Waiting to see the doctor. Waiting in line at the grocery store. Waiting for next available representative. Over the course of a lifetime, we spend almost fours years waiting. Normally we wait without giving it a second thought. But when we’re hurting, when we desperately need a victory, the waiting becomes painfully unbearable. That’s how the Israelites felt as they endured suffering while awaiting their promised Messiah. The advent season is all about waiting. And the importance of trusting in God, in His timing and promises. But although waiting isn’t easy, we can find comfort knowing we never wait in vain. Nor longer than God intends. And He always blesses our faithfulness greater than we could ever imagine. So as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and await His glorious return, this Advent season invites us to share in the joy of God’s gift to humanity. And find comfort knowing the pain of waiting is nothing compared to the awesome goodness God has in store for us.

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November 23rd – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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1 Thessalonians 5:18

I love the quote, “In the tapestry of gratitude, a thankful heart stitches the threads of hope, weaving a resilient fabric that withstands life’s challenges.” That’s why this verse in 1 Thessalonians resonates especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. Because it emphasizes the profound connection between hope, endurance, and gratitude. As we gather with thankfulness in our hearts, Paul reminds us to give thanks not only for the blessings but also during challenges. This makes giving thanks a transformative act, cultivating a spirit of hope that perseveres through difficulties. This act of expressing gratitude serves as a powerful reminder that even in the middle of trials, God’s sovereignty is at work. And through a lens of thankfulness, we can find the strength to endure, trusting that our hope is anchored in God. The Thanksgiving holiday, then, becomes a wonderful opportunity to align our hearts with the will of God, fostering enduring hope through a posture of gratitude in all circumstances.

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November 18th – Hebrews 10:36

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Hebrews 10:36

When Abraham was 75 years old, God promised to make him a great nation. The years came and went, and as each one passed no fulfillment of God’s promise came. But instead of giving up, Abraham endured and, “believed in the Lord.” (Gen. 15:6) Finally, at the age of 100, Abraham received the son he had waited for, his beloved Isaac. But then God asked the impossible. He wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son. I can’t even begin to imagine the confusion and sorrow Abraham felt because of God’s request. Regardless, Abraham continued to trust and place his hope in the Lord. And even though he didn’t understand, Abraham endured and obeyed. And because of his obedience, God blessed Abraham, and the world, mightily. What if God asked you to sacrifice what you love the most? Could you do it obediently and without hesitation? God wanted Abraham, and each of us, to learn to wait, trust, and hope in Him no matter what He asks of us. And when we do, God promises to bless our obedience greatly!

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November 16th – Galatians 6:9

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Galatians 6:9

In his letter to the early church in Galatia, Paul uses a parallel between the diligence of farmers and the endurance required in our spiritual journey. Much like farmers who toil in the fields, working and patiently waiting for the harvest season, we are urged not to grow weary in doing good while we wait for God’s great harvest. The apostle uses the comparison to underscore the importance of perseverance and patience for both. Just as farmers trust that their labor will eventually yield a bountiful harvest, we too are called to maintain hope and endurance in our faith journey. Being fully assured that our efforts in living according to God’s principles will bear fruit at the appointed time. Paul also encourages us to emulate the steadfastness of farmers, who continue working the fields despite challenges. To apply that same resilience in our spiritual lives, trusting that in due season, our faithful endurance will lead to a harvest of blessings and fulfillment.

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October 30th – John 7:38

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John 7:38

All smaller bodies of water eventually run into a larger body of water. And along the way they provide life giving hydration to nourish the land. We are like streams that flow from God’s river, receiving His boundless love, wisdom, and blessings. We too can hydrate the land by flooding it with the life giving message of the gospel. And by sharing the abundant grace we receive from God. Our actions, kindness, and love are like the currents that carry God’s goodness to others. Watering the hearts and souls of those in need. By being conduits of God’s love, we not only receive His blessings but also perpetuate His abundant flow of grace in the world. Creating a cycle of spiritual nourishment and growth for all who encounter our streams of kindness. By striving to be vessels of His grace, generously sharing all we’ve received, we both enrich our own soul and bring blessings to the world. And in doing so, we find that our lives are filled with purpose and an ever-renewing sense of God’s abundant presence.

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October 29th- Malachi 3:10

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Malachi 3:10

Normally it’s not the wisest idea to put God to the test. But when it comes to His generosity, He encourages us to do just that. To give back to Him our very best and see if He doesn’t open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings. So many blessings, God says there will be no room left to receive them. The lesson here is twofold. First, it emphasizes God’s limitless abundance and willingness to bless His faithful followers. Second, it underscores the importance of trust and obedience in our relationship with the Lord. By giving back a portion of our resources in faith, we acknowledge God’s abundant provision. And we learn that our acts of obedience can unlock His overflowing blessings in our lives. It teaches us the connection between trust, generosity, and the boundless abundance of God’s grace. So give and give some more. Give generously to God and others. Create a ripple effect of kindness and abundance. Sow seeds of love and goodness, and get ready to reap a harvest of God’s blessings.

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October 26th – Luke 6:45

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Luke 6:45

We have an old apple tree on our property. Upon first glance it looks healthy and strong. But the true test lies in the fruit it bears. And that fruit is sparse, rotten, and hangs from almost barren branches. That’s because looks are deceiving. And a tree that looks good and strong on the outside, might be rotten and dead on the inside. So it is in life. A person may project a positive image, but the true quality of their character is revealed by their actions and the fruit of their deeds. When our hearts are filled with grace, love, and mercy, we naturally produce an abundance of good fruit in our lives. On the other hand, when our hearts are filled with negativity and selfishness, our actions and words will mirror that. That’s why we should always strive to cultivate an abundance of Christlike love within us. Because such a love will manifest as blessings, kindness, and positivity in our relationships and in the world around us. And we’ll produce an overflowing abundance of good fruit all for the glory of God!

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October 24th – Proverbs 3:10

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Proverbs 3:10

God loves to bless us abundantly. And He does so with the intention that we in turn, will use what He gives to help others. For just as He told Abram, we are blessed to be a blessing. (Gen. 12:1-3) That’s why it’s important to have a heart that embraces stewardship and generosity. Being mindful to use God’s blessings not only for our own needs, but also for the greater good. As Christians we no longer live under the law but under grace. That means we are no longer legally required to tithe. But it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. Because everything we have is from God and belongs to Him. And out of gratitude for all He is, does, and blesses us with, we should eagerly want to give back to Him. Whether it’s money, time, service, or prayer, we all have something to give. Something we can use to be instruments of God and bless another. We can’t out-give God. And He promises that the more we use our blessings to help others, the greater our blessings will be! So give and give so more. And watch the blessings flow!

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