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Category: Inspirational

Thank You Jesus

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves seeking miracles, looking for grand signs that will affirm our beliefs. But sometimes, it’s the smallest, everyday moments that hold the power to kindle profound joy in our hearts.

My friends, our path to gratitude and joy begins with mindful appreciation of the daily blessings that surround us. It’s easy to overlook these gifts, but they are like precious gems waiting to be discovered. It might be the warmth of the morning sun, the laughter of a loved one, or the simple taste of a well-cooked meal. Each of these is a marvelous work of the Creator.

As we start our gratitude practice, let us remember that it’s not about the grand gestures but the little things that light up our hearts. Try this: today, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and think of three things you’re grateful for. They can be as humble as a gentle breeze or a cozy blanket. When we express our gratitude with our whole hearts, we begin to uncover the joy hidden in these small, everyday wonders.

Remember, my dear friends, that as we foster gratitude, we not only find joy in the little things but also draw closer to our Heavenly Father, who delights in our praises and showers us with His boundless love.

In this journey, we invite God to help us in fostering our gratitude and finding joy. Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts, seeking the joy in the little things that you’ve surrounded us with. We thank you for the daily blessings that may often go unnoticed. Help us, O Lord, to develop a mindfulness that appreciates your marvelous works in every moment. May our gratitude practice be a testament to your love and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

When external forces suddenly shift the ground under our feet, stillness sounds dangerously counterintuitive. As life unravels unexpectedly, instinct demands grabbing control rather than releasing outcomes to God’s care. We rely on restless striving, vainly attempting to steady the crumbling landscape surrounding us instead of trusting the Solid Rock who upholds all things through raging storms.

Yet God commands His children oppositely in tumultuous times: Be still. Cease striving. Surrender thwarted plans and don’t demand answers or solutions on your timeline. For stillness stabilizes perspective. Stillness imparts opportunity to behold the Almighty One reigning unthreatened over human frailties and furies. Our still reflection should mirror back the unshakable God dwarfing disruption and chaos rampant on earth.

The faithful behold the Ancient of Days steady despite the undulations of passing ages and fashions. “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6) Shall we not also know with utmost certainty that though old orders may pass away abruptly; His love withstands resiliently upholding His beloved?

What raging storms tempt reactionary responses today? Pause and ponder instead God’s track record proving almighty faithfulness through history’s stormy eons. Fix your eyes on His immutable character. He alone calms the billows with a word. No foaming tide overflows the boundaries He establishes. Be still in this eternal assurance: The Lord God Most High transcends every threat. He shall receive glory displaying timeless salvation.

Lord, we admit our propensity to plaster over erupting instability with busy striving. Teach us the power unleashed through stillness anchored securely in who You are, not what swirls around us. May we behold You today—unthreatened Majesty calming storms with one whisper, who “laughs at the tempest and rides upon the storm.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Choose to be Grateful

 

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that bring us hope and happiness. But amidst it all, we have a powerful choice – the choice to be grateful.

How you feel – how happy you are, how stressed you are, even how well you sleep – may seem like it’s out of your hands, but it is actually a choice you make. You can choose to be grateful for what you have and allow God to bring joy in your heart. Or you can choose to focus on what you’re lacking, who has wronged you, and what’s not going your way. And guess what? You’ll feel miserable. You may blame others, circumstances, or fate for your unhappiness. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the choices you make. You choose happiness or misery.

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion that comes and goes; it is a powerful mindset and a way of life. It goes beyond simply saying “thank you” – it is about cultivating an attitude of appreciation and acknowledging the abundant blessings, big or small, that God provides each and every day. When we choose to embrace gratitude, we are able to shift our perspective from focusing on what may be lacking in our lives to recognizing the incredible abundance that is already present. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 KJV, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Gratitude allows us to find joy in the ordinary moments, to see beauty in the simplest of things, and to truly appreciate all that life has to offer. So let us take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and thank God for the myriad of blessings that enrich our lives.

Embracing a mindset of gratitude doesn’t require us to turn a blind eye to the challenges and hardships we encounter on our journey. Rather, it empowers us to find strength and resilience through Christ in the face of adversity. It is through these struggles that we grow and learn valuable lessons that shape our character. Expressing gratitude allows us to discover moments of joy even in the simplest things. It is about pausing, taking a deep breath, and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us every day. Whether it’s the warmth of sunlight on our skin or the laughter shared with loved ones, gratitude opens our hearts to the abundance of blessings in our lives. Let us strive to be thankful not only during moments of triumph but also during times of difficulty. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and find solace in knowing that every experience contributes to our personal development. Within every struggle lies an opportunity for growth, and within every difficulty lies a chance for resilience. James 1:2-3 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Embrace gratitude as your guiding light, allowing it to illuminate your path and infuse each day with a greater appreciation of God’s work in your life.

When we consciously choose to embrace gratitude in our lives, we are inviting an abundance of positivity and joy to flow into every facet of our existence. Gratitude is not just a mere expression of thanks; it is a powerful mindset that can transform the way we perceive the world. By practicing gratitude, we open doors to new opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked. It allows us to recognize the blessings and gifts that surround us, even in times of challenge or difficulty. As we cultivate a grateful heart, our outlook becomes brighter, and we become more receptive to the endless possibilities that await us.

Gratitude has a profound impact on our relationships with others. When we express appreciation and acknowledge the goodness in those around us, we strengthen the bonds that connect us. The act of showing gratitude creates an atmosphere of love and understanding, deepening our connections with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Beyond personal benefits, gratitude has a ripple effect on society as a whole. When one person chooses to be grateful, it spreads like wildfire touching the lives of those they encounter. Gratefulness becomes contagious as it ignites kindness and compassion within others. By simply expressing gratitude, we have the power to uplift spirits and make a positive difference in someone’s day. So let us remember that when faced with life’s challenges or mundane routines, choosing gratitude allows God to transform our lives for the better. Embrace this beautiful practice and watch as it brings forth abundance, strengthens relationships, and radiates kindness throughout your journey.

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The Blind May See

John 9:5-7 KJV “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
(6) When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
(7) And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

What a powerful passage from the Bible! In John 9:5-7, we witness Jesus proclaiming himself as the light of the world. His words are filled with hope and assurance. It is truly inspiring to see how he then takes action to demonstrate his power by healing a blind man. Jesus’ compassion knows no bounds as he uses humble elements like clay and spittle to bring about this miraculous healing. The simple act of anointing the blind man’s eyes with clay ignites faith and creates a path for transformation. Moreover, Jesus instructs the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. This act signifies not only physical cleansing but also spiritual renewal. Many times in scripture we know that water signifies the Word of God. There can be no transformation without the Word of God.

By obeying Jesus’ command without hesitation, the blind man experiences an incredible miracle—he goes from darkness into sight. This story is a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for restoration and transformation. Just as Jesus was the light of that world then, he continues to be our guiding light today. Let us trust in his power and have faith that he can bring about miracles in our lives too.

In the journey of discipleship, we often find ourselves spiritually blind, unable to see the path ahead. However, just as Jesus brought physical sight to the blind, He also offers us a spiritual awakening that can illuminate our lives.

The story of the blind man in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how lost we may feel, there is always hope for transformation. Jesus not only healed the physical blindness of this man but also opened his eyes to a deeper understanding of faith and truth.

Just as Jesus used His divine power to restore sight to the blind man, He can also bring light into our lives and help us see things from a new perspective. Through prayer, reflection, and seeking His guidance, we can experience a profound revelation that leads us towards growth and fulfillment.

Let us remember that even in our darkest moments, there is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Like the blind man who encountered Jesus, we too can be transformed by His love and grace. Embrace this journey with faith and trust in Him, for through Him, even the blind may see.

Take inspiration from this passage and remember that you are not alone on your journey. With faith, obedience, and perseverance, you too can experience extraordinary breakthroughs just like the blind man did when he washed in Siloam’s pool. Keep shining your light brightly!

 

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The Obvious Question

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? (John 5:5-6)

“Wilt thou be made whole?” Why would Jesus ask such a question? Of course, this man wanted healing! He had an infirmity for 38 years. Now we don’t know how old this man was, or how long he had laid by this pool, watching for a ripple of water. But we know his attention was on the water. Jesus’ question was intended to draw this man’s eyes off the superstitious water and put them on Himself. This impotent man needed to turn his eyes to the omnipotent God.

I read somewhere while studying for this post, that Jesus asked a question 307 times in the New Testament, but only gave an answer to His questions three times. God’s word should cause us to question ourselves, so that we can see our weaknesses, our lack of wisdom, our inability to measure up to God’s standard. This impotent man would never see his true condition by staring at a pool. There are many people in the same condition today, waiting, watching, yearning for some feeling, some emotion, something physical that will change their life. People are hungry for something to make their life different, perhaps not knowing what change they want, just something different; hanging their hopes on “good vibes” or maybe karma will look kindly on them. We need to follow Christ’s example here. We need to ask the lost and dying people the obvious questions to take their eyes off the false hopes the world has to offer. Wilt thou be made whole? There is no healing in the pool, but there is eternal life in Jesus Christ.

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A Determined Choice

“Woe is me!” The prophet Micah laments his circumstances in the seventh chapter of his discourse to the leaders of Israel, speaking of the wickedness surrounding him. We can sympathize with Micah’s plight today. Our leaders seem to have no regard for the people. In chapter 2, Micah describes those in power as devising evil at night to practice when the morning light comes. Their greed drove them to oppress the common people without any sign of remorse. Judges required bribes for their verdicts. The rich and powerful would entangle their mischief in the courts allowing them to continue their evil ways. Sound familiar?

Micah was given the unpopular task of proclaiming God’s impending judgement on Israel. His bold witness for God was believed by a few and rejected by many. In chapter 7 Micah speaks of discord within close family members. The controversies caused by his witness surely affected his mental state. We can easily be discouraged at the mockery of God we see around us.

But Micah made a determined choice to trust God. In verses 7-8 we read; “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:7-8)

We can easily get distressed if we watch all the evil going on around us. It may seem like the whole world is against us. But like Micah, we must determine to look unto the LORD, trust Him, and allow Him to be our light in this dark world. God gives rest to the weary, strength to the down-trodden, and comfort to the brokenhearted.

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Brain Fog

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
(Psalms 4:8)

The last few weeks have been challenging. Commitments and obligations fill our days pretty quickly during the season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Adding to that is the serious health issues of some dear friends and family members, including my wife’s knee surgery and other things she’s going through. I’ve noticed the stress and resulting brain fog has affected my memory lately. Words and names that should come to mind quickly simply escape me at times. All these circumstances has given me plenty of excuses to keep me from writing.

I am grateful though, that when my life gets stressful, and my mind overwhelmed with circumstances, I can still trust that God is in complete control of my life. Nothing takes Him by surprise; nothing overwhelms His mind. He watches each step, arranges my circumstances, even uses my mistakes for my good.

Throughout the recent trying situations God has continued to bless us tremendously. Seems like 2022 went by in a blink but within its days and weeks there were several notable, (another word for stressful) events. I changed jobs in late 2021 and it has allowed me to work full-time from home in 2022. We watched as my grandparents old house which had stood empty for many years was sold and consequently replaced with a fast food restaurant. That stirred up sweet memories of gathering around the Formica topped dining table to enjoy Granny’s stewed beef, green beans, potatoes, and of course those wonderful homemade biscuits. My wife and I decided it was time to buy a more comfortable home as our retirement age is approaching fast. In the midst of the crazy housing market we found a house we both love so then came the stress that goes with purchasing and moving. God gave me the opportunity to teach a Bible study class again, (though I still feel so inadequate).

With all these changes it’s no wonder my head is in a fog sometimes. I always find comfort though in God’s promises. Like David, I lay down each night in peace and sleep, trusting my Savior in all things. Those days I’m at my wit’s end, those days I fall to worldly temptations, those days my faith wavers, He still holds me secure in His hand.

Now the new year is here with its new challenges. I anxiously await to see what God has in store for me next. Plans are already in the works for publishing my new book, Pondering God’s Word, sometime in 2023. If you’d like to receive updates be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter using the form on the home page.

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