Thanksgiving

 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.~Psalm 107:1

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. A day in this country where people pause to give thanks.  I propose that every day is a day that we should give thanks to the One who gives us so much.  May we position our hearts each day in gratitude to the One who is good.  To the God who saves.  

It is an awesome thing to know that we have a Savior who loves us with an eternal love.  It’s humbling to know that God looks beyond our faults and sees our needs, for that I say thank you.

God is good.  He is gracious and kind.  He is merciful and abundant in His love.  It’s His love that spurs praise.  It’s His love that gets us out the way so that we can focus on Him.

I thank You Lord for the breath in my body.  I thank You for eyes to see and limbs that move.  I thank You for a chance to fellowship with love ones.  I thank You for You sweet Jesus.

Regardless of circumstances and in and out of season I say thank You.  Keep me humble before You Lord and my heart overflowing with thanksgiving. Bless this nation and may we give You thanks for things both big and small.   In Jesus name Amen. 

Look up

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.~Psalm 121:1-2

Look up.  When troubles seem to surround you, look up.  Look up to the Savior who surrounds you with loving care.  Look up to the God who will part your Res Sea.  Know that He exist and that He fights for you(Exodus 14:14).

I am on a high right now because I saw the Lord in action today.  He is always moving, but He allowed me to see His hand.  I know if He did it for me, He will do it for you because He loves us just that much.

Think about it.  God fights for our souls by sending His Son Jesus.  All we have to is believe in Him.  Jesus fought the battle and won.  Because of Him we are no longer condemned.  So when the day looks tough and problems feel like too much, look up to God.  Look up to Creator of heaven and earth.  He is your help.  He is your strength.

Lord,  thank You for always being there for us.  Thank You for being our help.  I personally thank You for the victory You gave me today and bless Your Holy name.  Be with my brothers and sisters.  Strengthen them and comfort them for Your touch is amazing. In Jesus name.  Amen

For the good

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.~Romans 8:28

I’ve been called back into the classroom to teach.  I can respond with rebellion or expectation for what the Lord is going to do through me.  I choose expectation.  I choose to stand on the truth that God is with me and will be with me every time I step into the room.  He will be with me for every interaction with a young person.  

I choose to believe that He is preparing me for something and whatever that something is will be for my good and His purpose.  Change is not always easy.  I loved my job of supporting schools and building their capacity, but for now students need to be built up.  I choose to lean on God and trust His path. 

 I am not alone in this journey.  Others are taking the same path as me.  I pray that we all use it as an opportunity for growth and to be a light to the youth. I pray that we stay humble as we face different challenges.  I pray for a spirit of cooperation as we remain obedient to His call.

Lord, You know what we stand in need of and what is best.  Help us to trust You.  Help us to build relationships with the youth in our classrooms sharing your love.  Help us to be firm, but fair.  Protect us in the climate of Covid.  Help us to be your ambassador.  In Jesus name. Amen

Loving others

 

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 

9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.~ Romans 13:8-10

Love from God is a great privilege.  Having  the chance to share His love with others is an honor.  Today God gave me a gift of opportunity.  The opportunity to show kindness to a stranger.  It felt good.  It felt good to do even a small thing for someone else.  I'm only sharing this fact because I am grateful for God to have had the chance.  I miss so many opportunities, so when I get another chance I have to give Him praise.  For it is HIs hand that I ultimately seeing move through me.

God tells us to love your neighbor as yourself (Romans 13:9). Our neighbors are our fellow mankind.  The lady or gentleman in the grocery store.  Our physical neighbors and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Our neighbors include those who don't look or think like us.  That means loving even when its might be hard.  Treating others as you want to be treated.  A smile to encourage. An hello to let them know that they are seen and valued.  It doesn't take a lot.  Sharing a meal. Caring for the less fortunate and praying with someone who is having a challenging time.  It's giving of self.  Loving God through them. 

Want to keep the law?  Want to please God? Love.  Be indebted to love others.  It will change your life.

Father, thank You for the chance to share your love with someone else today. May my small act of kindness make an impact for Your Kingdom.  May I see people as You see them and may I love.  Help us all love each other well, for You love us well.  In Jesus name.  Amen