April 25, 2024

Season of Gratitude

November 14, 2014 by

encouragementbloggraphicromans15

 

But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

‘Tis the season to be grateful.  All around are commercials about gifts and then there’s the occasional “I want that!”  We stress and we try to figure out where the money will come from to buy these gifts and think that ‘if we had just kept Christmas about His birthday’ there would be more joy.  So today, as we enter into this season, may we focus on just being grateful for the gifts that He has already given us.

See, before the Christmas tree, there was a Baby.  He was born in a manger, made of wood from a tree, and He was surrounded by His parents and the animals of the barn.  His coming is the greatest gift of all.  That little tiny Baby would grow up to take the big sins of all the world and nail them to the cross with Him.  He would die and rise again, and then ascend to Heaven to prepare our home.  And while we are in this place…as we wait for His second coming…we count all the ways that He loves us.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

And because of this love, we have a joy that goes beyond circumstances.  Just sitting in His presence brings a warm feeling and so much love for Him.  He doesn’t promise a life without heartache and trouble, but He does promise that He would go before us and with us through it all.

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:41

Then comes a peace that passes all understanding.  In horrible sickness and trials, we can rest easy knowing that He has it and will carry it for us.  He is able and He will make a way for us.  When the way seems so dark that you cannot see to take the next step, trust His hand to guide you.

Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it.
Genesis 28:16

He is with you and that is the best gift of all, and definitely something to be grateful for.  So as Thanksgiving approaches,  I encourage you to look for the gifts that right now are all around you.  And find something each day to be grateful for. It is the season of lists; so, instead of making lists of things wanted, make lists of things that you already have and make sure you thank the Giver for it all.  He is such a good God and all He gives is good.  So today we praise Him for all the many blessings and those to come…and for Jesus Christ, His Son, who came to save us all from everything we will ever do and all the sins we have committed.  To give grace freely even though we haven’t earned any.  These are the best gifts to start with, things to be grateful for, on the top of your list!

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Do you know this God…the Creator of this whole world and the Creator of you? Oh friend, you need Him and all you have to do is ask Him to come into your life and all will be changed. Pray this prayer with me:

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner.  I am in need of a Savior.  I believe that You sent Your Son to die for my sins so that I am forgiven.  I will live eternally with You.  Come into my heart and be my Lord.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

 

 

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A Rare Love

May 27, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love
and His wonderful deeds for mankind,
for He breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
Psalms 107:15-16

Unfailing love.  I think that this is a concept that is difficult for most to understand because we don’t typically see it in action…at least not from our peers, friends, and not even from our families.  It seems that failing love sometimes better defines the type of emotion shared in relationships, not at any fault of our own.  But there is only One who can truly say they have unfailing love for others—and that is Christ.  Because this can be such a rarity, the importance of acknowledging this love must be understood. Our Heavenly Father shows us this unfailing love daily, hourly, with each breath we take. Charles Lowery spoke at our church today and he reminded us that Christ has unfailing love for us even when we fail, even when we are less than we should be.

This verse proceeds to speak of iron and bronze.  Both metals are known for their strength, and use in battle.  Iron is known to be heavy, and known for its great strength and its hardness.  Bronze is used in the creation of weapons. Both are unbendable by human hands.  Both act as barriers and hurdles that without Christ we would never be able to overcome.

“…for He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.”

When I think of these gates and bars, I don’t see them in their literal forms. Rather, I see the struggles we face on a daily basis.  I see our trials and tribulations.  I see Christ in our lives breaking the chains of iron and bronze that bind us—depression, illness, hatred, bitterness, and so much more. His unfailing love carries us through these gates and bars.  And He asks that in return, we give thanks.  And that we acknowledge the numerous things He does for us.  This can be done in so many ways, such as a gratitude journal, a song, or sharing our testimony.

My challenge for you this week is to think of the ways you can give thanks, and share what He has done for you.

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Let’s Pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wondrous works because without You we would be smothered by the iron and bronze that imprison us.  You ask so little from us in return.  Thank You Father, for Your unfailing love that helps us live each moment of our lives; a love that is there even in our most undeserving of times.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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