Gratitude

September 17th- Psalm 19:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 19:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Whether it’s the delicateness of a flower’s petal or the beauty of a setting sun, everywhere we look there is the evidence of God’s majesty. Leaving no room for excuses to not recognize His handiwork, and seek a deeper understanding of Him. David himself gives tells of how nature serves as a testament to the divine. The expanse of the heavens, the changing seasons, and the beautiful tapestry of the skies, all bear witness to God’s infinite creativity and power. And as we reflect on the wonders of the natural world, we are invited to also reflect on the greatness of the Creator Himself. To recognize God’s glory in every sunrise, starry night, and whispering breeze. David’s song calls us to embrace a sense of awe and gratitude for the beauty and order that surrounds us. To give thanks to our great Creator, Father, and Savior. And it reminds us that even in the complexity of life, God’s glory shines through, offering us a glimpse of His boundless love and wisdom.

September 17th- Psalm 19:1 Read More »

September 1st – Psalm 65:13

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 65:13

“The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain;they shout for joy and sing.”

I absolutely love this time of year. The days grow shorter, the nights cooler, and the land scape overflows with the beauty that comes with the changing seasons. It’s a time of harvest and thankfulness for God’s abundant blessings. Undeserved blessings which spring from His overflowing goodness. Just as the fields are clothed with lushness and the valleys covered with grain, our lives are adorned with the blessings of His provision, love, and grace. And each day God gives us, is an opportunity to witness the richness of His creation and experience His faithful care. So how could we, like the valley’s, not sing for joy? How could we not give Him praise for all that He is, all that He does, and all that He blesses us. Therefore may we all cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging that every blessing we receive is a reflection of God’s enduring love and unending faithfulness.

September 1st – Psalm 65:13 Read More »

August 1st – Colossians 3:16

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

It doesn’t get much better than driving in your car, sun shining, windows down, and your favorite song blaring on the radio. Whether it be from the lyrics, the beat, or the melody, music can bring forth a variety of physical responses. Paul understood the capacity music has to change both hearts and lives. And so he tells us to use the songs we sing to both teach the Word of God, and to gently advise those who may need correcting. Always doing so with hearts of thanksgiving and with the goal of helping each other in our walk of faith. But most of all, to glorify God. The greatest purpose music can serve is when we use it as God intended, as a means to worship Him. The music we play and the songs we sing, are a testimony to both God and world around us. So let our song be one of devotion, thankfulness, and appreciation to the Lord. A melody of thankfulness that sprouts from deep in our hearts and brings a song of joy to our lips.

August 1st – Colossians 3:16 Read More »

June 27th – Psalm 130:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 130:4

“But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.”

One of the most wonderful things about God’s forgiveness is that it’s not a one and done. Instead it’s a continual process that enables us to approach God with reverence and gratitude. Anytime, anywhere, whenever we sin, God wants us to come to Him in confession and repentance. Our heavenly Father understands our human nature and the struggles we face. And so He lovingly extends His forgiveness to us with open arms. Always inviting us to turn away from our wrongdoings and embrace a renewed relationship with Him. God’s forgiveness is a reminder that His love is greater than our failures. Because of that love, the Lord desires to see us grow and thrive in His righteousness. Through His continuous forgiveness, God offers us the opportunity to experience His transformative power and live a life filled with hope, purpose, and restoration.

June 27th – Psalm 130:4 Read More »

May 24th – Romans 12:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Romans 12:1

Paul loved Jesus deeply. And that love compelled the apostle to dedicate his life to serving God. So Paul became a living sacrifice. And he calls us to do the same. But what does that involve? Becoming a living sacrifice means surrendering our entire being, body, mind, and spirit to God. And it challenges us to live in a manner that is holy and pleasing to the Lord, allowing His transformative power to shape our thoughts, actions, and desires. Living sacrifices also dedicate their lives to God’s service and seek to honor Him in all areas. It requires a daily commitment to let go of our own selfish desires and instead seek to fulfill God’s purposes. As followers of Jesus, our lives are not our own but belong to God. And as such, we should choose to live a life of surrender, seeking to use our time, talents, and resources for God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom. All while embracing a life of gratitude, love, and service to God. Reflecting His love and glory in all we do.

May 24th – Romans 12:1 Read More »

May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Lamentations 3:22-23

It’s hard for me to read the book of Lamentations without a lump in my throat. Because its pages are filled with the pain of the prophet Jeremiah. He grieves over the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. Yet even in the midst of desolation and despair, Jeremiah had a heart of gratitude for the goodness of God. Gratitude is a powerful tool in overcoming the feelings that ail us. And knowing God’s compassion and kindness towards us are renewed each morning, helped ease the prophets pain. No matter how bad the circumstances of the day, with each new sunrise comes the opportunity to start fresh. To let go of yesterday and its failures and hurts, and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Furthermore, when we trust in His unwavering love and faithfulness, and remember God’s faithful goodness, we too will have an overwhelming gratitude that eases our pain. And hearts that look to Him for the strength and hope we need to face each day.

May 7th – Lamentations 3:22-23 Read More »

March 30th – Psalm 126:5

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

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 30th – Psalm 126:5 Read More »

March 2nd – Ephesians 1:3

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 1:3

Therapists agree that it isn’t healthy to expect one person to meet our every need. Because no one individual could possible be all things all of the time. But fortunately for us, we don’t have to rely on anyone to fulfill us. Because from His amazing grace, we have everything we could possibly need through Jesus Christ. Not only meeting our needs physically, God gave the blood of His precious Son to meet our needs spiritually as well. Christ willingly became our sin substitute, to offer us amazing, unmerited blessings. Forgiveness of sin, reconciliation with the Father, and the gift of the Holy Spirit are ours for the taking. Offered lovingly and freely when we receive Jesus as our Savior. And most wonderful of all,  because of Christ’s work on the Cross, eternal life. So praise be to God! And from grateful hearts give shouts of thanks for His abundant blessings!

March 2nd – Ephesians 1:3 Read More »

July 10th – Ephesians 1:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 1:18

Gratitude is important. God wants us to be thankful everyday for the blessings that He so freely gives us. But you know what else is important? Joy. The Lord wants us to feel the joy that comes with each gift He bestows. “You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you” (Deut. 26:11) In His greatest blessing our Father in heaven, through His unmerited love, sent His Son to die so that we can live. And the joy of hope we have as we look forward to an eternity spent at His side should flood our hearts. Nothing in this world can surpass the riches of the glory set before us through Christ Jesus. Because of Him, God calls us beloved, righteous, and His. He blesses us abundantly  because of our inheritance through Jesus. And as heirs to the kingdom, knowing this should light up our hearts with great joy!

July 10th – Ephesians 1:18 Read More »

February 13th – Psalm 65:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 65:4

One of the hardest things that Christians wrestle with is predestination. How in His sovereignty, before the creation of man, God decided who He would draw to Himself. And although we might not understand His reasoning or methods, we can overflow in gratitude. Gratitude for being one of those God calls His own. Once we were all enemies of the Lord, separated by our sin and sentenced to death. But in His love and mercy, God sent His only begotten Son to redeem and reconcile His beloved children back to Himself. And that includes you and me! How awesome is that! God chose us to draw near to Him and dwell in His courts. To be satisfied abundantly with the goodness of His house. And to His children, our Father in heaven promises an eternity spent by His side, never again to be separated from the God of our salvation!

February 13th – Psalm 65:4 Read More »