Tag: #christianblog

SPIRITUAL GRATITUDE

Gratitude helps us see what is there instead of what isn’t.  –Annette Bridges
Focus more on being grateful for what you do have, rather than complaining about what you don’t.
An attitude of gratitude, will keep the blessings on the way.  –Mark Sutton

I ran across these two, which I consider related quotes, on social media and thought they were worth sharing this week.

Do you, like me, find it easier to practice gratitude when everything is going well?
Isn’t it harder to feel gratitude when we are going through rough waters and can’t seem to catch a break?

 

Let’s see how we can apply the wisdom of these quotes when we experience tougher times. What can we see in gratitude for what we have?

What if your car breaks down and it takes a week to fix it?
–Maybe you have the capacity to work at home.
–Maybe you have a friend who goes in the same direction.

What if you have a health issue that requires surgery?
–You appreciate the technological advances we have these days.
–You recall the good health you’ve experienced.

What if you are struggling with forgiving yourself?
–You may have friends who encourage you to let go and let God.
–You can talk with a religious official or therapist to work through forgiveness.

 

Photo courtesy of under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

 

Who is a good Biblical example of living out gratitude despite difficult circumstances and never complaining?

Paul.

You might remember that Paul originally persecuted Christians in the early church until Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. He came to know that Jesus was the Lord, and his life took a complete turn. He became the most influential man who preached to the Gentiles, the non-Jewish people, and wrote many books in the New Testament.

In his ministry, Paul experienced being in prison, shipwrecked, and beaten! Do you know what helped him through all he endured? His faith in Jesus was strong, and he had an attitude of gratitude, knowing what Jesus endured for him and for all of us. Paul prayed for his persecutors and even shared the Gospel with them because he wanted them to be saved.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

No matter what Paul’s physical surroundings or circumstances were, he lived with contentment. In his life, he experienced times of plenty and times of need. No matter what, he knew that Jesus was in charge and would provide what he needed when he needed it. That kind of faith in Jesus’ provision was only possible because Paul knew Jesus was giving him strength to endure each moment.

Photo courtesy of under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

What if we also look at gratitude on a spiritual level? What do we always have that should fill us with gratitude?

*God’s presence ~

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

God’s presence is always with us, every moment of every day! He never leaves us, so God is with us in both the good and bad things that happen in our lives. Because He is always with us, we can replace fear and discouragement with being strong and courageous.

*God’s unconditional love ~

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. –1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

God’s love is based on His pure love for making us His children. We cannot earn God’s love; it is just there. Our very being, our very existence, is because of God’s love for making us in His image. All we have to do is choose God and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

*God’s peace ~

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” –John 14:27 (NLT)

In this often troubled world, another great gift Jesus has given us is His peace. We can only have this peace through Jesus. It is a peace that sustains us despite troubling circumstances and even suffering. The world does not provide peace.

May you be encouraged to look at events in life more from a spiritual level than from a worldly level. We all have equal gratitude in our spirituality.

 

Photo courtesy of under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

 

Be encouraged this week to…
…focus on gratitude for all the physical and spiritual things you have.
…refrain from complaining about what is lacking.
…keep gratitude at the forefront to continue the blessings that flow from above.
…see God’s presence surrounding you.
…experience God’s love through His messages to you.
…let God’s peace flow through your mind and heart.

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. –Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

GROWING IN LOVE

As I was reflecting on a recent day, this passage summed up my thoughts as I was thinking about the theme of being the Body of Christ in light of some events.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.  –Ephesians 4:15-16  (NLT) Continue reading “GROWING IN LOVE”

LASTING IMPRESSIONS

I am in awe of seeing how so much of life consists of little connections or details that prove to me the realness of God and the Spirit’s presence. It brings me joy to see and share these things with others. We never truly know the impact of our lives on other people or how simple things can mean so much. What a mighty God we serve!

A few weeks ago, it was an unexpected blessing to get to work and see a card and present on my desk from a coworker who was retiring. It was a God moment that we connected at work three months earlier. I had known of her and found the few times we interacted through the years that she was very kind, friendly, and helpful. In February, she sent a work email to a group of people, including me. A day or so later, we passed each other in the hall, and I had that inkling to see if she would be interested in one of my books. I opted to email her in case she was not interested. Much to my surprise, she said she would like to see one. So off I went to her desk. We had a lovely conversation about faith and family that lasted probably a good 20 minutes or more. She bought two different books that day. About a month later, she bought the remaining book because she was enjoying them. That day was a blessing as we shared more stories about our lives where we could relate to similar situations. What a blessing to be able to encourage each other with understanding and empathy. Continue reading “LASTING IMPRESSIONS”

HIDDEN TREASURES

Do you often think you are in charge of the events in your life? Truthfully, I like to think I am in control of things, but more and more, I realize and see God’s orchestrations in my life. When I see the beauty of something that happens, even something as small as finding a hidden treasure, I am in awe of seeing God’s divine goodness in the many little steps that occurred that led to that point.

A case in point was being in the perfect spot getting out of the passenger side of the car to see this hidden treasure—a leaf in the shape of a heart sticking out amidst the blades of grass in our lawn. It started with planning a get-together with a few people to celebrate the newlyweds, aka my youngest son and daughter-in-love, who were home visiting us after their  honeymoon. Some unexpected events led us to eat at a different restaurant than I planned, and an unexpected event led to the timing of things to see this. Continue reading “HIDDEN TREASURES”

GREAT LOVE

If you are a faithful reader of this website, you probably know that what God has impressed most upon my spirit, especially in the last few years, is the theme of LOVE.  I continue to experience love from above when I see the almost daily heart reminders in whatever physical form they take.

A friend was excited to share this picture and message that a friend sent her. It made me think about the great love Jesus has for us and the importance of sharing that love with others. A simple gesture like this can brighten someone’s day, knowing they are loved from above and by others on this earth.

Continue reading “GREAT LOVE”

GRADUATION

It was a bit sentimental attending my youngest son’s college graduation and soaking up the excitement of everyone there. He was my only child who opted to attend his college graduation, so my heart was filled with joy at sharing in the experience. It was a special bonus that we unknowingly sat at the end of an aisle that was exactly where he processed.

As the graduates began the procession, my thoughts turned to the similarities between  our faith journeys here on earth and the time when we are called to graduate from this earth and are ushered into heaven. Continue reading “GRADUATION”

HELP FROM OTHERS

Is it easier for you

to help others

or

to receive help from others?

 

I could be wrong, but my guess is that most of us would say it is more difficult to receive help from others. Have you ever thought that sometimes God orchestrates events in our lives where we have no choice but to be on the receiving end of help? After all, God works everything out for our good, right?

 

Let’s explore the story of Saul’s conversion and see what we can learn from it. Continue reading “HELP FROM OTHERS”

GLORIFIED BODY

This Easter season, I have been mindful of Jesus’ glorified body after He rose from the dead. It is something I never took time to reflect on, but it is a subject I find fascinating.

We know that three days after Jesus’ death, he rose from the dead on that first Easter morning. During the next forty days, the Risen Jesus appeared to different people before He ascended into heaven. Jesus, in His glorified, resurrected body, appeared to Mary Magdalene, the eleven of His disciples, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Thomas, among others.

 

What do we learn about Jesus’ glorified body? Continue reading “GLORIFIED BODY”

MARVEL

It is exciting to see how different details in the Scriptures can stand out for us each time we read them.  I believe it does prove this truth:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  –Hebrews 4:12  (NIV)

God’s word is still relevant, even though some of it was written down more than 2000 years ago. Despite the world we live in today being so different from when Jesus walked this earth, God’s word is still applicable!

 

A detail I missed that was in one of the Scripture stories from last week’s reflection is something from this verse:

But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.  –Luke 24:12  (ESV)

I find it interesting that we are given the detail that “Peter went home marveling at what had happened.”  He saw the proof with his own eyes that Jesus’ tomb was empty, and Peter went home marveling over it! Jesus had risen from the dead, and Peter, along with the other disciples, would see Jesus in His glorified state at different times over the course of the next forty days.

 

A Google definition of marvel is: “To be filled with wonder or astonishment.”

A Biblical definition of marvel is: “A person’s reaction to a supernatural act of God.”

 

Photo courtesy of under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

 

Who and what other Scriptures share stories about people marveling at different things?

Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, marveled!

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.  –Luke 2:25-33  (ESV)

The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that before he died, he would see the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. When Mary’s time of purification came, forty days after giving birth to Jesus, Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem. The Spirit enlightened Simeon to know when Jesus was consecrated to God at the temple. He knew Jesus was going to save both the Israelites and the Gentiles. Mary and Joseph marveled at Simeon’s words, which gave them confirmation of the significance of Jesus, who was entrusted to them.

 

 Those in the synagogue at Nazareth marveled!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” –Luke 4:18-22 (ESV)

Shortly after Jesus’ public ministry began, He was preaching in Nazareth, the city He grew up in. He unrolled the scroll and read the first part of the passage above which was from the book of Isaiah, revealing who He was. Those in the synagogue knew that Jesus was the son of Joseph, a carpenter, whom they did not think held much wisdom or importance. They marveled that Jesus was speaking words of God’s grace as He revealed that God’s Spirit was upon Him.

 

Jesus’ disciples marveled!

One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” –Luke 8:22-25 (ESV)

The disciples spent much time with Jesus as He taught them, and they saw the many miracles Jesus did. Even with that first-hand knowledge, they became scared when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee. They awoke Jesus to let Him know they were going to die. Jesus rebuked the sea and calmed the storm. The disciples were surprised to see how even the wind and storms were under Jesus’ control. Despite being afraid, they marveled at Jesus’ power.

 

Photo courtesy of under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

 Jesus marveled!

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. –Mark 6:1-6 (ESV)

Jesus returned to Nazareth and began teaching in the synagogue. The people marveled at the wisdom Jesus shared and the mighty deeds He was doing. Sadly, the people questioned if a carpenter’s son could truly do the supernatural things they saw. Because of their lack of faith, Jesus had to leave the area. Jesus marveled at their lack of faith and moved on from Nazareth.

 

Once, when Jesus entered Capernaum, there was a centurion’s servant who was sick and about to die. The centurion knew of Jesus and asked some elders to summon Jesus to heal his servant.

And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” –Luke 7:6-9 (ESV)

The centurion showed genuine concern for his servant. He also displayed great faith, knowing that Jesus did not need to be physically present to heal his servant. Jesus marveled at his faith and even stated that He did not know of any person in Israel who had such faith. What an example the centurion gave us!

 

 A friend and I marveled!

A friend was excited to share a story. He read in a church bulletin about the need to visit homebound people. He felt an inkling God was calling him to do it, but he told the Lord he didn’t want to do it for a few reasons. As he went about his chores, the Lord kept prompting him to go look at the bulletin again, impressing upon him to step out and call about this need. He finally said, “Yes, Lord.” When he connected with the man he was assigned to, he marveled at God’s divine encounter. They discovered they grew up in the same town, about ninety minutes away! They attended the same school being a year apart and were in the Army at the same time reporting to the same colonel.

With my friend saying yes to the Lord, he was stepping out in faith, knowing God was working in his life. We both marveled at God bringing them together after all those years. When we are open to the Spirit, we can’t help but marvel at what happens! Be encouraged to step out in faith.

 

Photo courtesy of under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Be encouraged this week to marvel at…
…how God’s word speaks to your life.
…the empty tomb.
…the salvation of the world, and the light to the Gentiles, Jesus.
…the words of grace that Jesus speaks.
…the storms in your life that Jesus calms.
…the power of faith that causes supernatural events to occur.
…what miracles Jesus can do when you have faith.

 

 

Be encouraged also to be like the centurion in…
…recognizing the power of Jesus.
…knowing God is in control of everything.
…trusting God to guide and lead.

 

REFLECTION:

How do you marvel at Jesus working in your life?
Does your faith make Jesus marvel?

 

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for you have done marvelous things, plans made long ago in faithfulness and truth.  –Isaiah 25:1 (ISV)

RESURRECTION

The resurrection of Jesus three days after His crucifixion is the pinnacle of our faith! In the last few years, I have come to realize even more the sacredness of the resurrection. Living in the time we do, we have the advantage of the bigger picture to help our understanding of the saving power of Jesus.

The Bible and historical documents provide us with eyewitnesses who saw Jesus being put to death on a cross and being buried and wrote these things down. Jesus is the only person in all of history who has risen from the dead three days later. Eyewitnesses, including the disciples and some women like Mary Magdalene, shared time with the Risen Jesus for another fifty days after they found the tomb empty! It was then that Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God, His and our Father. Isn’t it incredible to reflect on that giving your faith a big boost? Continue reading “RESURRECTION”