Tag: blessings

Never Forget

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

It is quite easy to be caught up in the busyness that is part of this season. There is cooking, planning, shopping, wrapping and then the get-togethers. It boggles my mind how every year it all seems to get done and then there is the end of the Christmas season and all goes back to “normal.” What if the normal thing was to dedicate the season to the Lord, just remembering all that He has done for each of us? What if the gifts, big meals and all of the other trappings of the holiday took second place to the King of Kings, the real reason that we celebrate?

Every day should begin with a praise to the Lord and a reason why you are thankful that day. I have to be purposeful in my thanks because I have a tendency to jump right into what I need instead of praising Him for what He has already done and is still doing. That is particularly true during this busy season. I have to slow down and take time to just be grateful for all He is doing in my life.

This has been a hard season for me, with only a short time at home, enjoying the quiet and the solitude that I crave before I jump back in my duties in another state. But, in this, too, I am thankful that I have my health and strength and can provide help when it is needed. The circumstances may not be my first choice, but I believe that they are God’s first choice for me, to show me how I can be useful even at my advanced years.

The second part of this verse truly speaks to my heart. God is absolutely trustworthy and has always been faithful and kept His promises. I am so thankful that I know Him as He is, the God who came down to mankind and reached out. And He is still reaching out to me and to you and to all who recognize His sacrificial love.

Have the best blessed day ever, remembering all of God’s promises and faithfulness to you. He is worthy to never forget!

Blessed

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

One of the habits that I have tried to cultivate is to count my blessings before I get up in the morning. Of course, I have to be alert enough to do this, but I have found that it starts my day off on a positive note. It only takes a few minutes to tell God how grateful I am for His blessings and for being able to be alive for a new day.

One of my greatest blessings is being able to read and memorize God’s word, hiding it in my heart so that the verses and sometimes scripture songs go through my mind as I fall asleep. This morning was one with this verse front and center. God gives me counsel daily and that is a blessing. He orders my steps, helps me organize my busy days and to take time for Him first every morning. The best news is that after all of my life is done, He has a big plan for me. He will take me to be with Him in glory! I didn’t and couldn’t do anything to earn his mercy and grace, but I am so grateful for it and for His unconditional love for me. Before you head out today, I hope that you will take a few minutes just to reflect on God and His goodness and blessings in your life.

May your day be blessed with the knowledge that you are blessed to be a blessing!

God’s Directions

On By vickleaIn Scripture5 Comments

God is always ready to teach us the way that we should go. This is a sad verse for the Israelites because God is telling them that they have not paid attention to His commands and thus they do not end up having peace like a river or well-being like the waves. But this verse is also a warning for us…listen, obey, have peace and well-being. God shows us, tells us, teaches us, directs us. We have the responsibility to listen and obey, to follow what he says.

I’m certain that many of you, if not all, did not always do as your parents instructed you. The consequences that followed were probably less than pleasant. I remember rebelling over and over again and always reaping the consequences, during a time when physical punishment was acceptable. In fact, I was sent outside to get a sturdy stick for my mom to “switch” me with and if I came back with one that was too thin or weak, she sent me back again until I came back with one that would “get the job done.” I bore those marks on my legs for days, the marks that showed my disobedience.

The marks of our disobedience to God are not visible but rather invisible in God’s removing His protection from us and our not receiving the blessings that He has prepared for us. Nevertheless, those marks are there and we know when we have failed to listen and follow as God has directed, just as surely as I knew when I had broken a rule from my mom. God is loving and wants the best of us. As His children, it is up to us to choose to follow His directions and then receive the blessings that He has for us.

May we never take for granted God’s blessings and may each of us look for the lessons He is trying to teach us and learn what we should be learning, moving forward in this life with Him as our guide.