Everything

I appreciate how the book of Ephesians starts.  The praise to God is wonderful, but the reason for the praise catches my attention.  Those of us who have placed our trust in Christ have “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places”.  The rest of the chapter gives more specifics about what those blessings are.

I think we as believers fall into the trap of thinking we don’t have everything we need.  However, God has told us through His Word that we do have what we need.  2 Peter 1:3 reiterates that fact.  I look forward to studying the book of Ephesians (amongst other passages) this year to remind me what God has provided.

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for the many blessings You give so freely.  I ask for guidance as I study what You have given.  Please help me to share the truth with others.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Happy 2023

Hello Friends, welcome to 2023 (tomorrow).  Each year I pick a theme for my blog.  2022 was wisdom/fear of God.  I spent much of the year in Proverbs.  For 2023 I want to focus on a Biblical self-image.  We live in a society that has an “it’s all about me” attitude.   We have added pressure on ourselves to measure up to an impossible and very selfish standard.  The Bible is the only place for us to gain freedom from this prison.

Most of my audience are people who claim a relationship with God based on the gospel (good news) of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.  We need to make sure our life focus is based in the Bible.  I hope to help with that in my weekly posts.

Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me to share the truth of who we are in Christ.  Please let my words direct people to You.  Thank You for all You will do in the coming year.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

A Faithful Servant’s Praise

This verse talks about a woman named Anna who served in the temple.  When she heard that Jesus (the Messiah) was born, she started giving thanks and telling people about Jesus.  She is a good example for us all year round, but we tend to only talk about her with the Christmas story.  I hope to think about her example in the coming year.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Anna.  Please help me to give thanks and tell others of the redemption that came with Jesus.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Merry Christmas Eve!

More Christmas Praise

Shepherds were not considered the elite of society.  However, God chose to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with them.  Luke 2:20 tells us of the shepherds rejoicing and giving glory to God.  They are a good example for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus’ to a humble birth.  Thank You for the example of the shepherds giving You glory.  You deserve all the honor and glory.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Praise at Christmas

The Bible gives many verses of praise to God.  I appreciate the ones in the Christmas story.  When Jesus was born as a human baby, there was much joy.  In Luke 2:14, we hear what the angels said in praise to God. 

The Bible tells us that if we do not praise God, even the “stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40).  However, in this case God sent angels.  I want to include my voice with the angels. 

Glory to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the angels praising You.  I want to praise and thank You for Who You are and all You have done.  Glory!

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Thankful 3 Times in a Row

I found Colossians 3:15-17 interesting as I was looking for verses about thankfulness – three verses in a row with a form of the word thankful.  The word in verses 15 and 17 is the word for gratitude.  Thankfulness in verse 16 is the word charis – grace.  I think gratitude is graceful.  A heart attitude of thankfulness will show outwardly as grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings you send.  Please help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude and show grace in my life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.