Category: Blessings

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Do You See?

One of the things I love most about living in our Southern Arizona home is the night sky. There is hardly a night when the clouds obscure the brilliance of the stars. 

I wonder what it was like for the shepherds to be on that hill side when the angels filled the night and announced the birth of Jesus. How long had the wise men of the East studied the night skies, watching, anticipating the star that would lead them to the Christ child? 

When I look up at the star studded heavens I can’t identify the different constellations. I don’t know the names of the stars – it takes me a while to find the big and little dippers. But what I do see is the immensity of my God.

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made. 2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power. 3 You cannot hear them say anything. They don’t make any sound we can hear. 4 But their message goes throughout the world. Their teaching reaches the ends of the earth.  The sun’s tent is set up in the heavens. 5 It comes out like a happy bridegroom from his bedroom. It begins its path across the sky like an athlete eager to run a race. 6 It starts at one end of the sky and runs all the way to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6 ERV

King David, who wrote this Psalm, saw the same thing in the heavens that we see today and he knew they were teaching each one of us, without words, that God’s glory is everywhere. They speak to us on a daily basis giving us the message of God’s power and provision. 

God teaches us about His faithfulness by what we see in the heavens. I used these verses yesterday but they tie in so well with today’s thought that I had to share them again. 

“17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

The planets, the stars, sun and moon all reveal God’s faithfulness. He made the lights in the sky; those lights cast shadows as they move through the sky and those shadows change but God never does! He is constant, He is always the same. He is always giving good gifts to us. 

God, the Father, isn’t looking for ways to punish us. Quite the contrary, He is looking for ways to bless us.  I hope you will take time to study the night sky. It’s not possible to count the stars. The impossibility of that task is a lesson of God’s infinite love and provision. 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea


Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

The King of heaven, came as a child to bring us goodness and light! 

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Choosing The Right Gift

Many of you know that this year I wrote a book, The Best Gifts of Christmas. Isn’t that what we look for when we are getting gifts for those we love? The Best Gifts.

It’s easy enough to buy the latest trinket or gadget but when it’s a gift for the love of your life, that special someone, a dear friend or family member the decision on what to get is a bit more difficult. 

This morning in my Bible reading I came across this verse in Hebrews.

“Let us give thanks all the time to God through Jesus Christ. Our gift to Him is to give thanks. Our lips should always give thanks to His name. 16 Remember to do good and help each other. Gifts like this please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 NLV

One of the best gifts we can give our heavenly Father is the gift of praise. We can give Him our thankful hearts, expressing praise for the wonderful things He has done for us. 

Over the last few days Facebook has been flooded with 2018 Yearbooks. They are helping us remember our past year by providing a collage of the images we have posted and others have “liked”. 

But what if we made our own collage of things we know God has done for us over the past year. A collage of praise, overlapping from one blessing to the next, giving God thanks for ALL He has done. 

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

Our loving Father has given us every good and perfect gift that we receive. He has given us the best. What He desires in return is our thanks, our gratitude, our love. There is nothing better that we can give Him. 

There’s a song that’s been circulating the last few years, it has a familiar melody but the lyrics have been rewritten. A friend sent it to me in a message the other morning and as I listened my eyes filled with tears as my heart overflowed with gratitude. I hope it does the same for you. 

A Hallelujah Christmas

I’ve heard about this baby boy
Who’s come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I’m singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God’s only Son was born, oh Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said
You’ll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wisemen three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Father, accept our heart-felt hallelujahs as our gift of praise for all You have given to us. 

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The Great Physician

I woke up around midnight, first I was hot and then I had the chills. Achy joints, stuffy head and raw throat. Felt like I had been hit but a train.

First thing that came to mind was I needed to get up and get a drink of water. Second thought was to pray. That’s exactly what I did. I came to the living room, picked up my Bible, read some of my favorite verses and then thanked the Lord for His healing power. Jesus not only destroyed the power of sin but He also gave us power for healing.

“With all my heart  I praise the Lord,  and with all that I am  I praise his holy name! 2 With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget  how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death. His kindness and love  are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5 CEV

If you’re like me you find it hard to believe that we can take this verse literally. That it really means what it says. But, I do know that Christ has forgiven every sin I have committed and those that I will still commit. His sacrifice paid for it all.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, there is One Who will go between him and the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One Who is right with God. 2 He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:1-2 NLV

So by the power of deduction I must believe that healing is also true. It the first half of the verse then the last half must also be true. Years ago I made the decision to trust  God’s word. It is always true! As I sat here, I listed my symptoms and gave each one of them to the Lord in prayer. I thanked Him for  the forgiveness of my sins and the healing of my body.

“ People insulted him, but he did not insult them back. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. No, he let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly. 24 Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you were healed. 25 You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.” I Peter 2:23-25 ERV

The Lord is faithful to his word. I am so thankful that I know I can trust Him for every area of my life. And then I fell asleep, when I woke up just a few minutes ago all the symptoms but one is gone.  I expect the stuffy nose to clear up soon.

So thankful that God’s word is true and it’s available to every one.

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Thankful for Choice

As you begin to think about tomorrow’s feast is your mouth already watering?

Which to choose? Turkey, ham, yams, mashed potatoes, pumpkin or pecan pie, I know, you want a little bit of everything don’t you?

The freedom to choose or as some phrase it, free will, is something that we can all be grateful for. Imagine how boring life would be if there was no variety. What if every vehicle was a Ford and each dress was blue? All houses were Cape Cod style and the only college degree to attain was one in Physics. All flowers were red and all dogs were beagles.

No choice, no choice at all.

If that isn’t an appealing idea then you should be thanking God right about now. He is the one that established free will. In the Garden of Eden He created a large variety of fruit bearing trees and God told Adam he could pick from any tree he wanted but one.

“The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to work the soil and take care of the garden. 16 The Lord God gave him this command: “You may eat from any tree in the garden. 17 But you must not eat from the tree that gives knowledge about good and evil. If you eat fruit from that tree, on that day you will certainly die!” Genesis 2:15-17 ERV

Now some may think that God was unfair to restrict Adam from the tree that would give him knowledge of good and evil. Far from it. God’s desire was that Adam would only know good; God didn’t want him knowing about evil. God also knew that choice would separate them because God can’t have relationship with evil; man’s relationship with God would die, it would be spiritual death.

We do a similar thing with our children. We tell them “play with all these toys but don’t touch the stove, it’s hot and you’ll get burned”. So many good and wonderful things to do and play with, just choose the good.

Adam made a choice and God didn’t usurp his will. God’s desire is that we love Him and obey His word by our free will. He wants a relationship with us not a robotic obedience.  So, God gave another instruction on choice.

“ I call heaven and earth to speak against you today. I have put in front of you life and death, the good and the curse. So choose life so you and your children after you may live. 20 Love the Lord your God and obey His voice. Hold on to Him. For He is your life, and by Him your days will be long. You will be allowed to live in the land the Lord promised to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLV

Freedom to choose life or death, blessing or curse and then God seemed to say, in case you’re not sure which one to choose, let me give you a hint – choose life.

God has also made a choice. He has chosen us to be His sons and daughters. He doesn’t want  anyone to miss out on His goodness. His love extends to everyone.

“Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.

7-8 Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, 9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.” Ephesians 1:4-9 CEV

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 ERV

God has made His choice; He has chosen us. Now we have the freedom to choose. He wants to be our choice but He won’t force His will on us.

“He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name. ” John 1:12 NLV

I wholeheartedly recommend choosing God and the wonderful life that He has planned for us.

I’m so thankful for the gift of choice. My choice is to receive God’s gift of life!

 

 

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Thankful for Overflow

Have you ever cleaned up after a child, or adult, when they’ve filled the milk glass too full?

Perhaps it was a cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate that you were heating in the microwave. Did you see the mess or were you blessed by the message?

Our minds seem to be programmed to stop the overflow. When I’m filling my watering-pot to tend to my flowers, I try to turn off the hose at just the right moment so it doesn’t flow over. We do the same when we fill our gas tanks, a pot of water to put on the stove or our cup of morning coffee.

We have a tendency to see the overflow as wasteful or negligence. God calls it blessings!

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death,  but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

God isn’t worried about a stained tablecloth or a puddle on the floor. He wants us to know that He provides and when He does he isn’t stingy; He’s generous and his provision is more than enough.

A while back I did a morning blog on planting seeds and getting a harvest. We all realize that when we plant pepper seeds we won’t harvest green beans. Jesus was using this concept in his teaching on forgiveness, kindness and mercy.

“But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.

37 Jesus said:   Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:35-38 CEV

There it is again – overflow. The love, mercy and kindness that we give to others with come back to us in overflowing portions. That’s just the way God is.  In fact, one of the names that the Jewish people used for God, El Shaddai, meant “the God who is more than enough”.

One final thought on overflow. The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in the church at Corinth about a need in another church. He was encouraging them to help with their giving. Paul uses the same analogy as Jesus did, sowing and reaping.

“Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry that you must give and don’t feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. 8 God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. 9 The Scriptures say, “God freely gives his gifts to the poor, and always does right.” II Corinthians 9:7-9 CEV

We should never give from a heart that feels forced; not money, kindness, mercy, forgiveness. We should give from hearts filled with love. Why? Because that’s the way God gives to us.

Oh yes! My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude for the love that God has shown to me.

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Grateful for What Knots

Last night Dave and I were watching a show on television and one of the family members said, “We will plant vegetables and what knots”.

I looked at Dave with a smile and said, “I don’t think I have ever seen a recipe for what knots. I wouldn’t know how to cook one.” We both laughed and I knew then that I had the topic for this morning’s blog.

This morning I searched the Scriptures and was unable to find a verse about what knots but I did find some about “whatever”.

“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 CEV

These whatever’s are very good. They are true, pure, right, holy, friendly, proper, worthwhile and praise worthy. These what knots are our thoughts. Have you ever stopped to think about this? Every action we do and every word we speak starts with a thought.  We don’t just act or react spontaneously without thought; action is guided by thought. Words never just come tumbling out of our mouths, they are formed by thought.

If we want our what knots to be good our thoughts must be good.

Here is another whatever that Jesus gave us. It’s the whatever of answered prayer. Jesus was speaking to His disciples right before He was taken to be crucified. These are some of His final instructions.

“Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. 14 I will do whatever you ask me to do.” John 14:13-14 CEV

“You are sad now. I will see you again and then your hearts will be full of joy. No one can take your joy from you. 23 “When the time comes that you see Me again, you will ask Me no question. For sure, I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive. Then your joy will be full. ” John 16:22-24 NLV

Jesus says in one verse to “ask me” and in a verse a few chapters later “ask the Father in my name”. Before Jesus was crucified his disciples asked and received what they needed from Jesus and this brought honor to the Father. After He was crucified, we ask the Father for what we need based on what Jesus has done for us. Jesus had honored the Father with His sacrifice.

The result is the same in both these verses. Whatever we ask for we receive because of who Jesus is and what He has done.  Does that mean we can just ask for any selfish or rebellious what knot we want?

“We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. 15 He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.” I John 5:14-15 ERV

We can ask for whatever we know pleases God and have confidence that He will give it too us. If we’re not sure if something we are asking for pleases God, all we have to do is search it out in His word. God is honest and He tells us what is pleasing to Him. His word reveals His will to us.

“Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God. 17 Whatever you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:16-17 NLV

I hope you have enjoyed this brief search for some of the what knots of Scripture. They are good for us and we can use them to help others.

I am grateful for the whatever’s of God’s word.

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Thankful for the Sparrows

I woke up this morning thanking God for His goodness and telling Him of my love.

Yesterday started out to be nothing special. Since we had been gone almost two weeks there were no groceries in the house and Dave had a couple of projects he needed to get to now that we were home. He made a list of things he needed and I made a list of groceries and out the door we went.

As we drove down the interstate we found ourselves counting our blessings. Did you do that too? Simple things – a good, dependable truck; no real traffic; our kids and grandkids; money to buy the groceries that we needed and our home.

Yes, it was a good day. At one of our stops we were able to help a couple buy their groceries. They were so embarrassed when they learned that they didn’t have enough money for the few groceries they were buying. The Lord put it on my heart to help so I told the clerk to add it to our bill and we would pay for it. They were so grateful and God got the glory. They walked out saying “thank God”!

What has all this got to do with being thankful for sparrows? Glad you asked.

“Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. 7 Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 CEV

The sparrows that sing each morning from our trees remind me that God is ever-present watching over me so there is no need to be afraid. Just like that couple in the grocery store; the Lord knew their need and provided for them. I love being used.

Those of you who remember watching the Billy Graham Crusades on television may remember George Beverly Shea. He was a soloist who sang many of the special music numbers at the services. There was one song I can still hear him singing, His Eye is on the Sparrow.  If you’re a bit younger than me, you may recall  that Lauryn Hill sang the same song in Sister Act.

  1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
    Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
    When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

    • Refrain:
      I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
      For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
  2. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
    And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
    Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
    His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

His eye is on the sparrow. I know He watches me! Oh…so much to be thankful for! He watches me. He cares for me, He provides for me, He loves me!!

“I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Has something got you worried – really worried? Take a look at the sparrows; they wake up each morning singing. No worries there, they know God has more than enough bugs to keep them fed.

Aren’t you worth more than birds? Yes,  yes you are and My Father cares for you! Now sing, sing because you know He watches over you.

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Counting Our Blessings

We’ve been gone from home for about two weeks. Got home yesterday afternoon and this morning I am enjoying the quiet of my own living room.

It’s good to be home and I am thankful for all of the Lord’s blessings. We had a wonderful time taking care of Sam and Kristine (a blessing) for nine days and then we had time with Mom (a blessing) before arriving back home.

Blessings:  1 God’s love    2  Family    3 Friends    4 Home    5 Food    6 Clothing…

And the list goes on. But there are some around us who have lost everything. I’m thinking specifically about those who have lost all their earthly possessions in the California fires. We need to pray for them and then find a good outreach ministry that is there giving aid and financially support them as well.

Jesus said when we have done a kindness for those in need we have done that kindness for Him.

“When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

40 “Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:38-40 ERV

We need to be mindful of the many blessings the Lord has given us each and every day. Making a list is just one way of keeping our hearts centered on gratitude.

We’re only a week from Thanksgiving. We should make gratitude a part of our daily routine. While we’re  brushing our teeth or combing our hair, say thank you for three things.  Taking a sip of that first cup of coffee should be time to be thankful for two or three more. Arriving at work unscathed by traffic deserves a big “Praise God”.  Sitting at a desk or standing at a work station we need to be thankful, some people have no job to go too.

Yes, making a list of blessings is a great way to keep our lives filled with thanksgiving.

“Stand and shout praises to your Lord, the eternal God! Praise his wonderful name, though he is greater than words can express. 6 You alone are the Lord, Creator of the heavens and all the stars, Creator of the earth and those who live on it, Creator of the ocean and all its creatures. You are the source of life, praised by the stars that fill the heavens.” Nehemiah 9:5-6 CEV

There’s an old song in the movie White Christmas. The lyrics  say “when I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep then I fall to sleep counting my blessings”. The perfect way to begin and end any day is counting blessings and thanking the Lord for all He has done.

Lord, I love you and I thank you for the many blessings you have given me. Let me see the needs that others have and be used to help.

 

 

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Precious Moments – Precious Memories

This past week has been so much fun! Dave and I have been taking care of our two youngest grandchildren.

Their folks will be coming home tomorrow evening and our time here will come to an end. What a joy it has been!

I know you think I am going to start bragging about how cute, smart, talented and obedient they are. I would love too but there just isn’t enough time. Suffice it to say, they are sweet and we love them.

These days have been precious…Yes, that’s the word.

Precious is used to describe something with monetary value like precious stones or to describe something emotionally valuable. Our days have been rich with memory making moments.

Looking at these two each day I can see God’s hand of blessing on my family. I can see God’s design in our marriage, our having children and them choosing mates and having children. Yes, it has been a continual pattern of blessing.  God’s provision for us is indeed precious.

“How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36: 7 AMPC

We can place our love and trust in Him knowing that He will protect and provide.

Sam and Kristine depended on Dave and I to feed and protect them. They knew we would help them and do what’s right because they were confident of our love.

In the same way, our heavenly Father wants us to trust in His love. He reassures us by telling us how much time He spends thinking about us.

“O Lord my God, many are the great works You have done, and Your thoughts toward us. No one can compare with You! If I were to speak and tell of them, there would be too many to number.” Psalm 40:5 NLV

We have spent the last seven days creating memories, precious memories. Recalling them, at some time in the future, will bring us right back  to this place and the joy we feel now.

That’s the way it is with God. He remembers the good times we’ve had with Him and all the while, He chooses to forget our sins.

“ I will show loving-kindness to them and forgive their sins. I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 NLV

The Lord has so many good thoughts and plans for us. He wants our lives full and complete. Each day we spent with Him is a memory-maker.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Lord, thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for the good plans you have for me. Thank you that  you consider me precious. I love you.

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Thankful for the Trees

We  lived in an area for several years where we were greeted each fall day by the beautiful turning foliage.

After being raised in the desert, this was quite a sight to behold. Most of those days I would walk our youngest daughter either to or from school and I would just soak in the beauty.

It wasn’t just the color of the leaves that intrigued me but also the size of the trees. How many winters they endured when the climate was chilling. The years they stood tall and stately in the pouring spring rains. How many times did they provide shade for summer picnics, games of tag and laying on the grass beneath their boughs.

Then Autumn comes and their leaves would turn from green to yellow and gold. In a matter of weeks they would be standing bear to face another winter. Their seasonal transformation is a sign of God’s faithfulness. And it gives me reason to be thankful.

“Great blessings belong to those
    who don’t listen to evil advice,
who don’t live like sinners,
    and who don’t join those who make fun of God.
2 Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings
    and think about them day and night.
3 So they grow strong,
    like a tree planted by a stream—
a tree that produces fruit when it should
    and has leaves that never fall.
Everything they do is successful.” Psalm 1:1-3 ERV

The trees in this verse are different from the ones I enjoyed. It says that their leaves will never fall or whither or fade, depending on which version you read. Now that is a miracle!

We are promised if we love the Lord’s teachings and follow them we will be like those trees. Growing tall, our hearts will be rooted deep in God’s word. We will be fruitful, abundant with the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, endurance, gentleness, goodness and kindness.  And our leaves, which depict the flow of life through the tree, will always be green, supple, full of life and they will never fall.

This is God’s law of success. We have the promise that we will be successful in all  we do if we live our lives like this.

This verse has caused me to be retrospect on more than one occasion. There have been many times that I have had to examine areas of failure in my life. If I evaluate those times by these verses I have to admit that I wasn’t drawing my advice from God’s word and staying ground in it day and night. Those failures came because I was trying to do things my own way or trying to follow worldly advice.

Yes, these tall and stately trees are examples of God’s goodness and His faithfulness. Even when we have times that our leaves seem to be falling to the ground, God’s faithfulness will sustain us as we draw strength from His word. His promises will bring us through the winter seasons of our lives and soon new growth with appear.

These last verses are from Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet who gave many prophecies about Christ; his birth, life and death. This one is about the purpose of Jesus ministry.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Jesus came to take away our sorrow and our shame. He gives us beauty in place of our mourning and joy in place of our sorrow. He has come to plant us as trees, trees that are right with God and bring Him honor.

Lord, today I’m thankful for the object lessons you have placed all around us. Thank you that the principles in your Word give us guidance, hope and bring us to a place of success in You.

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