Blessings

June 25th – Luke 11:4

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Luke 11:4

“And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.”

Like it or not, seeking forgiveness from God and extending forgiveness to others is a package deal. You can’t have one without the other. Why? Because we are the Lord’s ambassadors on earth. And when we forgive those who have wronged us, we mirror God’s forgiveness in our own lives to a watching world. But along with that, God wants us to experience the freedom and restoration that comes from receiving and extending forgiveness. And the great blessing both bring. For as Jesus teaches, as wonderful as receiving forgiveness is, it’s an even greater blessing to give. (Acts 20:35) As Christians we receive the transformative power of God’s grace. And out of thankful hearts, we should embody that forgiving spirit towards others. God’s forgiveness goes hand in hand with forgiving others. So if we want to receive the abundance of His mercy, we need to abundantly give it to others.

June 25th – Luke 11:4 Read More »

May 31st – Luke 23:21

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Luke 23:21

Have you ever been disappointed by Jesus? You’re probably saying to yourself right now, “What!?  Of course not!” But if we’re being honest, wouldn’t the answer be yes? Because the truth is, Jesus doesn’t always meet our expectations. He doesn’t promise a life free from suffering, nor to give us what we want. But what He does promise is to be our shelter in the worst of storms, and to provide for our every need. How do you handle the disappointments life throws your way? Do you trust in Jesus, His infinite wisdom, and His love for you? Or like the crowds in Jerusalem do you reject Him, turning away in bitterness and anger? Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ.” As followers of Jesus, we can have confidence that God knows best. And He knows what we need, when we need it. So trust in Him and His great love for you. And when you look back on life’s disappointments, don’t be surprised to find that they are in fact blessings that ended up being far greater than you could have ever expected!

May 31st – Luke 23:21 Read More »

May 23rd – Matthew 9:9

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Matthew 9:9

One day as Levi was at His tax booth in the city, a man came up to him and said, “Follow Me!” Without a second thought Levi got up, walked out, and immediately began following the man. In a single moment, Levi chose to leave everything behind. He gave up his wealth, influence, and comfort without looking back. That was the best decision Levi ever made. For that man was Jesus. And following the Lord gave to Levi a wealth many times greater than what he left behind. Jesus wants us to experience such spiritual wealth. So answer His call. Step out in faith, follow the Lord, and receive His immeasurable blessings. When Levi entered the service of the Lord, His life was changed forever. No longer was he known as the despised tax collector hated by his brothers. Instead Jesus gave him the new name of Matthew, meaning gift of God, and he became a mighty disciple of the Lord. And one day as we stand before Him in heaven, Jesus will welcome us in joy and love, declare us innocent, and give us a new name!

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March 31st – James 5:17

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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 31st – James 5:17 Read More »

March 27th – Deuteronomy 28:3

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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.

 

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March 25th – Hebrews 13:16

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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.

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March 24th – Deuteronomy 4:7

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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!

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March 23rd – Psalm 121:2

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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.

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March 22nd – Isaiah 26:3

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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)

 

March 22nd – Isaiah 26:3 Read More »

March 20th – John 10:10

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John 10:10

If the only gift we received by confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior was eternal life, that would be more than enough. But our God, so full of love and mercy, also gave His life so we could have the blessing of living an abundant life. Now the abundance of life that Jesus promises isn’t necessarily about material wealth or possessions, but rather about spiritual richness and fulfillment. It includes a deep and abiding relationship with God, as well as meaningful relationships with other people. An abundant life is also marked by a sense of purpose and meaning, as we are called to love and serve others. Using our gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world. I love what Dr. Charles Stanley says, “To live the abundant Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life through us. His love motivates and empowers us, so we obey Him out of joy and thankfulness.”

 

March 20th – John 10:10 Read More »