Thanksgiving

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16                                                                            

As we approach Thanksgiving, it seems to be fairly easy to think about our blessings and to give thanks. Many people post on Facebook each day, indicating something they are thankful for. Thanks are often given for family, friends, food, shelter, and jobs. However, as nice an idea as that is, I don’t think I’ve seen anyone choose to remind us of their blessings in April or July. Maybe it’s because the holiday is called “Thanksgiving,” and just the word reminds us to give thanks.

But we are not just blessed during the holiday season. God watches over us throughout the year. He’s there whether we’re thinking of him or not. And he’s present even when we are not praying to him.

We often hear as part of a stewardship sermon or announcement that the more we give the more we are blessed. There were many years when I was skeptical of that idea. But I’ve changed my opinion to believe that it may be true. God truly blesses us as we worship him.
          
There are many Bible verses that mention blessings, such as Psalm 113:2, which states, “Just to remember God is a blessing - now and tomorrow and always.”  Let us pray that God will help us to remember that he is a blessing always, and not just at Thanksgiving.
          
Prayer: Dearest Lord, “How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him.” Ephesians 1:3 (The Message) Please forgive us when we fail to appreciate the blessings you pour down on us.  And help us to show gratitude throughout the year for all you give to us.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2013)

Prayer

 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

White as Snow

 

I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient of Days—the Almighty God—sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like whitest wool. Daniel 7:9

After Christ came down from the mountain after his transfiguration with Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves: he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9:2-3

His clothing was as white as snow. The white color showed that Jesus was God and He has NO sin…can you believe it? We have all sinned. It can be as simple as telling a white lie, putting your neighbor down, or hurting someone with your words. It can be disobeying your parents. Sometimes we don’t even realize it when we sin. Only Jesus has no sin, but what can we do about it?

Is it possible we can be clean and be whiter than snow? Look at these two verses. It is true!

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, please guide us to follow you. Thank you that your Word says we can be cleansed. Thank you that we can join you in heaven. Lead us in the way to you. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck (photo above shared by Sandra)

Beholding God in All

"The fullness of joy is to behold God in all" ~ Julian of Norwich 

Words from Ephesians

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 

Words from Psalm 39

And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7 

Peace: Quiet and Calm State of Mind

Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine. Let him tell you what to do, take his words to heart. Come back to God Almighty and he’ll rebuild your life. Clean house of everything evil. Relax your grip on your money and abandon your gold-plated luxury. God Almighty will be your treasure, more wealth than you can imagine. Job 22: 21-25 (The Message)

As we prepare for the holidays, we need the words in Job which tell us to have a peaceful state of mind. Jesus came to tell us our faith has saved us. Our biggest gift or treasure of the Christmas season is returning to God. The Messiah has come. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle we can feel the peace Jesus gives us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sending your son to us. Help us to put our traditions into the proper space so that we can come back to the Almighty. May we put any evils of anger, jealousy, covetousness or fear away from our house. Let us bathe in your treasure of Christ with us giving us more than we can imagine. Amen

Sandra Hilsabeck (reprinted from 2016)