Day 30: Friendship - Proverbs 27:9

Day 30

Friendship

Proverbs 27:9

Day 30!  We made it!  I truly hope that you've enjoyed this "30 Days of Gratitude."  It has been a blessing to me to focus on gratitude during the month of November.  I must admit that when I'm asked what I'm thankful for or what's one thing that happened today that I'm grateful for, I always have a hard time.  Even though it's hard to pinpoint one thing, I can usually find something during my daily devotionals -- those God incidents where He brings me the words I need to hear or He links a scripture with something else that I've done that day.  

Today's verse and key word -- friendship -- is a wonderful way to end our month of gratitude.  What would we do without friendship?  Several years ago, during an especially difficult time in my life, I was forced to examine what kind of friend I am.  Maybe it's the society we live in now or maybe it's just my personality, but I don't have many close friends.  But the few that I do have, I know that I can call them anytime or anyplace and they'll be there for me.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.

First we need to look at the use of perfume and incense in this verse.  The incense referred to is not sacramental incense, like that used in the temple.  Instead, it's common fragrances -- perfumes, oils, ointments.  Probably the most familiar use of perfumed ointment or oil in the Bible is when Mary Magdalene anoints Jesus' head and feet with expensive ointment (nard).  Her selfless act brought joy to Jesus' heart.  She had become a beloved friend who sat at his feet listening to the wisdom of his words, his heartfelt advice.

Today, take a moment and call, text, or write a note to a trusted friend and thank them for being such a treasured friend and for the heartfelt advice that they have given you.

Today's Tag:

 "Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight,

may this place be filled with the fragrance of Christ."

Words by David Haas

 

Thank you, once again, for joining me for this 30 day journey.  Tomorrow's blog will be a round up of the past 30 days.  I'll post a picture of my garland and some ideas on how to keep your tags/leaves for next year.

Day 29: Restoration -- Deuteronomy 30:3

Day 29

Restoration

Deuteronomy 30:3

...then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes, 

and have compassion on you 

and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.

Restoration:  a bringing back to a former position or condition.  This first section of Chapter 30 contains a call to decision -- life and blessing or death or cursing.  Choosing life and blessing will bring RESTORATION, compassion, and reconciliation.  Choosing to be thankful and to give gratitude to God for our many blessing will restore the joy of salvation that lives in our hearts.

Our last two days of our "30 Days of Gratitude" overlap with the beginning of Advent.  Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  The Sunday that we light the candle of Hope.  The Psalter reading for today is Psalm 80, and fittingly for our key word today, "Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved."   

As we begin our Advent journey today, may your prayer of hope be that God prepares your heart for the coming of the Messiah, his son Jesus Christ, and that joy will be restored in your heart.

Today's tag:

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Read more at: https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/may_the_lord_bless_you_and_keep_you.html

 "May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you,

and be gracious to you.

 May the Lord lift His countenance upon you 

and give you peace."

 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Read more at: https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/may_the_lord_bless_you_and_keep_you.html

 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Read more at: https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/may_the_lord_bless_you_and_keep_you.html

Preparing for the Season of Advent 2020

Tomorrow is the beginning of Advent.  So today, I'm going to do a bonus blog on preparing for Advent.  There are three Advent disciplines that I will be observing this season...

• Advent Candlelighting
• Daily Advent Devotional
• Advent Random Acts of Kindness

Advent Candlelighting... Several years ago, I created an advent wreath that I place by my computer desk.  I have kept that tradition going for the past several years.

Here's how I made my Advent Wreath.  I used four small canning jars (I think they're 4 ounce size).  Inside each jar, I placed some sand and a tea light.  I made labels (hope, peace, joy, & love) for each Sunday in Advent.  This year I updated my labels & drew my own using a manger as my symbol.  The "joy" label I colored pink, which is the traditional color for the third Sunday in Advent -- Gaudette Sunday.  I used twine to tie the whole punched labels to the rim of each jar.  In the middle of the wreath, I placed a star shaped candle holder with a tea light for the Christmas Eve Christ Candle.  To make one that is uniquely your own, use whatever supplies (jars, candles, holders) that you have.  A dollar store is also a great place to get cheap candle holders and candles.  Also, if you use canning jars, using the lids is perfect for storing your candles to use next year.  And make sure that when you light your candles each Sunday in Advent that you 1) don't leave them burning unattended (I just light them during the time that I'm doing my devotional for that Sunday) and 2) that you make sure the twine bow is not sticking inside the jar to keep it from catching fire.

Daily Advent Devotional... This year for my daily Advent devotional, I'm going to be following #AdventWord.  In past years, I've followed #pictureadvent.  I've posted a picture a day or drawn a symbol for each day on an Advent calendar.  Last year, I sermon sketchnoted each PictureAdvent devotional.  You can see these sketchnotes in previous posts on this blog.  This year I have decided to do a paper chain.  I'll write out the key scripture for each day on a paper chain and add an Advent/Christmas icon to the chain.  I will hang the paper chain on my desk (like I did with my gratitude garland).

Advent Random Acts of Kindness... A magazine that I regularly read always publishes an Advent Random Acts of Kindness calendar.  I don't do every one of them, but I try to do as many as I can.  I've done this for several years and have found that several of the acts of kindness brought me unexpected emotions.  This year, in particular, will be an important season to make this a priority.

I hope you are preparing your heart for the coming of the Messiah -- our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Make it a priority this year to prepare the way for the Lord.

 

 

 

 

Day 28: Family -- Psalm 68:6

Day 28

Family

Psalm 68:6

Family.  That's what Thanksgiving is all about.  Gathering with our families to give thanks for the many blessings that we have had throughout the year.  This year has been very different.  For many of us, we're not able to get together with our families for Thanksgiving.  For that matter, it's been months since we've been able to gather together at all.  

This verse in particular should have a more special meaning for us during this time of uncertainty that we're in.  Psalm 68 was written when the Ark of the Covenant was being transferred to its new location on Zion's mountain.  Because the Ark symbolized the presence of God, this occasion reflects the continued blessing of God on His people and the call to praise the Lord for His majesty and His care for the needy.  God cares for those who have lost family.  "God places the lonely in families."  

Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of those who are lonely and have no families to be a part of.  We need to reach out to those who are alone.  Even as members of a church family, we may still feel alone -- not included in ministries of our church that are specifically for families.

Have you ever been one of the lonely whom God placed in families? When? Have you ever been one of the families that provided a home for the lonely? When? How might you open your life and family in order to welcome others?

 Today's Tag:

Help us, dear Lord, to be aware of those around us whom you want to place in our family. May our hearts be open to you and to others. Amen.

Day 27: Protection -- Philippians 4:7

Day 27

Protection

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

So the key word in today's verse is "guard," a synonym for protect.  God's peace, which we will never understand while here on earth, is the protection for our hearts and minds and that protection only comes through Jesus Christ.  

So how do we make sure that we are allowing God's peace to protect our hearts and our minds?  Prayer.  Preserve and protect your relationship with God.  Push away fears and anxiety that keep you from following Jesus Christ.  Trust in God.  Prioritize your spiritual walk.  Push past the fears and anxieties that are present in your life today.  Be still "and know that I am God."

How will you seek the peace of God today?

Today's Leaf:

 

 

 

Day 26: Generosity -- 1 Timothy 6:18

Day 26

Generosity

1 Timothy 6:18

Happy Thanksgiving!  The heart of Thanksgiving is GENEROSITY and GRATITUDE.  This year, we find ourselves unable to be with our loved ones.  And if we are, our experience is different.  We're wearing masks and physically distancing ourselves.  But that doesn't mean we can't practice generosity and gratitude.  

In 1 Timothy, Paul tells Timothy, Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  The key to this verse is "be generous and willing to share."  The more generous we are to people, the more likely they'll be to show their generosity and thankfulness to God.  

To be generous means to give with a noble or kindly spirit.  While this verse was probably used to address monetary generosity and the attitude that should be used when giving, I think it also is maybe more important to look at how we are being generous -- noble and with a kind spirit.  Not out of obligation.  Our example should be God's generosity when he gave his son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. 

How do you show generosity?  What behaviors do you model in your everyday life that show generosity?

Today I used a turkey for my tag:

 

Day 25: Compassion -- Romans 12:15

Day 25

Compassion

Romans 12:15

Compassion (n): sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.  We all hope that we have compassion for others.  Sometimes we pity someone, which can come off as contemptuous.  Sometimes we commiserate with someone, which means that we outwardly express our pity or compassion.  We see many examples of Jesus' compassion in the Bible.  Jesus was often deeply moved by people that suffered many afflictions, and often he wept.  

In Hebrews 12, Paul tells us to...Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. This verse tells us to recognize and join in the highs and the lows that our Christian brothers and sisters encounter.  We show love by empathizing with their seasons of celebration and allowing ourselves to feel broken with them in their seasons of heartache. The most important thing we should remember is to put ourselves aside when we are showing our love and compassion for others.

During the season that we're in now, there are so many circumstances that will require our compassion -- those who are sick with COVID, those who have lost a friend or loved one because of COVID, our brothers and sisters of color who are seeking understanding about the way that they are treated, and many more people we encounter that are among the marginalized of our society.  Put your own self aside when you come in contact with someone needing your compassion and use the love that Jesus modeled.

Today, pray for someone that you know that needs your compassion for their current circumstances.

Today's Tag:

Day 24: Love - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Day 24

Love

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.

 

Faith is essential to Christianity -- the belief in the divinity of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit; "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Only by faith in Christ are we able to enter into a relationship with God. Similarly, hope is the Christian conviction that God will keep His promises about the future -- the expectation of future happiness through our reliance on God. Without faith and hope, Christianity does not make sense.  But Paul insists that love is greater than even these two virtues.  It is a choice to be truly devoted to God and other humans, and show kindness toward other Christians that grows out of that love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Often times we hear this verse quoted in romantic settings, such as weddings.  However, Paul is referring to agape love, a self-sacrificing, godly love.  Love will abide, in a sense, even after our faith has become sight and our hope in eternity has been fully realized.  Faith will be replaced by the true knowledge of the divinity of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  Hope will be replaced by happiness in God.  In Heaven, this type of love -- agape love -- will be in its perfect form and what we will experience for all of eternity.

How can we think differently about agape love and thanksgiving or gratitude?  Psalm 86:5 says, "You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you."  Even though we can agree that God's love for us is amazing, so amazing that we'll never be able to know the fullness of it in our lifetime, we often times feel we are unworthy of God's love.  But because of his love for his son, Jesus Christ, and because he sent him to earth to save us from our sins, we should thank him every day for sacrificing his only son for us and wake up every morning ready to share His love with the world.

Today's tag:

 

 

 

 

Day 23: Petition -- Lamentations 2:18

Day 23

Petition

Lamentations 2:18

 The hearts of the people
    cry out to the Lord.
You walls of Daughter Zion,
    let your tears flow like a river
    day and night;
give yourself no relief,
    your eyes no rest.

Lamentations is the prophet Jeremiah's bitter lament and grief over the destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple (note:  Zion refers to a parched land and is another name for Jerusalem).  Verse 18 begins the portion where Jeremiah pleads for godly repentance.  Lamentations describes the end results of a nation deciding to reject God’s ways and follow its own humanly devised rules.

So what does lament have to do with thanksgiving and gratitude.  Lament leads to petition and praise, and praise and lament go hand in hand.  Yesterday, we looked at prayer and Jesus' model for us to use.  I often use the acrostic ACTS for my pattern of prayer -- adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication.  Many times we forget the first 3 items in our prayer and go straight to supplication -- asking God to grant whatever we're praying for.  But first we must acknowledge the attributes of God, confess our sins (our laments), and then thank God for what he's done for us.  Only then can we come to him with our requests.  Perhaps during this time of uncertainty and suffering in the world, we've found ourselves lamenting a little too much.  And not praising God enough.

Have you been lamenting too much lately?  Perhaps you need to look at the blessings God has given you today and acknowledge that, in this moment, you are well and God has taken care of you.

Here's my leaf for today:

 

 

Day 22: Prayer - Hebrews 5:7

Day 22

Prayer

Hebrews 5:7

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

This verse could become very complicated, but I think for our purposes, it's better to keep it simple and look at how this example of prayer by Jesus should be our example of prayer.  Jesus came to earth in human form to be an example of how we should live our lives.  Our prayers should be fervent, with great intensity of feeling, to our Savior Jesus Christ, who through God, saves us from the sin of death.  And because Jesus humbled himself before God on our behalf, God hears our prayers.   

Today remember all of the examples that Jesus showed us on how to pray -- especially the Lord's Prayer.  Where's you closet?  Where do you go to pray?

Today's leaf:

Day 21: Edify -- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Day 21

Edify

1 Thessalonians 5:11

According to Merriam-Webster, edify means "to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge."  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  Encouragement and building each other up are the most important aspects of edifying.  The overall theme of this last chapter of 1 Thessalonians is encouragement to the Christians of Thessalonica to continue doing what they are doing.  Paul has previously told them that the day of the Lord will return like a thief in the night and that they will not know the day or the hour that the Messiah will return.  And because of that, he warns them to not be "children of the night" who take part in excessive drinking and debauchery.  To not let down their guard.   

We all appreciate it when someone encourages and builds us up.  What we don't appreciate is when people instruct us in a negative manner.  May we always edify those around us in a positive manner so that we are encouraging them and building them up, not knocking them down.  Give someone a "thumbs up" today and tell them you appreciate their faith in Jesus Christ.

Today's Tag:

Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.  I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Day 20: New Song -- Revelation 5:9

Day 20

New Song

Revelation 5:9

And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

The Book of Revelation is a very hard book to interpret, but I think this passage is quite clear.  First, let's look at the beginning of Chapter 5.  John is recounting his dream where he sees "in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals."  Then the voice of a mighty angel asks if there's anyone strong enough to break the seals.  But no one in heaven or on earth can break the seals.  John wept, because no one was found worthy.  But then one of the elders tells John not to weep, that the Lion of Judah has triumphed and will break the seals and open the scroll.  And of course we all know who that is -- Jesus, the son of God, the Lamb of God who died to take away our sins.  

Doesn't this sound like the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster?  The imagery is so descriptive -- the Lamb has seven eyes and seven horns.  When he took the scroll from God, four living creatures and 24 elders fell before the Lamb.  Each of them had a harp and they were holding golden bowls filled with incense, which represented the prayers of the people.  And then -- THEY SANG A NEW SONG!  Can't you just envision that scene?  Can't you just hear that new song being sung?  Out of such desperation, a new song was born and sung.  And that new song is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  This should be our ultimate motivation for worship!  Jesus Christ!

 

Here's my leaf for today:

 

As we prepare for the end of the liturgical year, let us shout, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

 

 

 

 

Day 19: Forgiveness -- Psalm 103:12

Day 19

Forgiveness

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west,  

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

 

Forgiveness!  Wow!  This is a difficult subject for me.  It's something that I've struggled with for years.  And I can definitely see where it's gotten in the way of my faith walk.  In fact, it was so important for me to work on forgiveness that I decided around this time last year to make it a priority going into the new year.  I still have a long way to go, but I'm certainly feeling better about being able to forgive.  

This verse certainly includes the definition of forgiveness -- "the removal of our transgressions."  We are saved from our sins.  And who saves us?  Of course, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we enter into this week before our Thanksgiving celebration, let's take some time to forgive ourselves and others.  It's hard to have gratitude and thanks when we are in a dark state of unforgiveness, as it blocks our ability to give thanks.  

 

Cartoon Credit:  https://godinallthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/forgiveness.jpg

 

Remember when Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” And Jesus responds, “No, not seven times but seventy times seven.”  We know God is not holding back forgiveness.  We know that this model of infinite forgiveness and letting go applies to our own sins. Once we forgive ourselves and others we become much freer to love and recognize what and for whom we are thankful.  Let's put a bandaid on all of the things we need forgiveness for and to anyone that we need to forgive.

Here's my tag for today:

 

Let’s enjoy the transforming power of giving thanks and forgiving others. 

 

 

Day 18: Heritage -- Psalm 119:111

Day 18

Heritage

Psalm 119:111

Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.

What a beautiful verse!  I must confess that I never remember reading or studying this verse before.  Throughout this psalm, the psalmist speaks of following God’s law––not as a burdensome discipline but as a saving grace.  He uses many synonyms for law.  In this verse, it is very obvious that "statutes" refers to the law.  The word nahal (heritage) means to possess or inherit.   It's important to remember that inheritance was very important in Biblical time.  Think of all of the Bible stories that involve inheritance -- the Prodigal Son, Cain & Abel, Esau & Jacob, Joseph & his brothers, Isaac & Ishmael.  Jewish law spelled out in detail how inheritance was to be treated––to include a provision that ancestral lands could not be sold permanently, but could be bought back.  The heritage he prizes here is Yahweh’s testimonies––his laws and precepts––the sure and certain guides provided by Yahweh to help the faithful navigate the difficulties of life.

What promises of God do you feel are your heritage -- your inheritance -- that you want to pass on to your loved ones?  Remember the other day we looked at legacy.  How does this verse relate to your thoughts about legacy?  

Here's my tag for today:

 May God's word bring joy to your heart.

Day 17: Hope -- Romans 15:13

Day 17

Hope

Romans 15:13

Today's word is HOPE  and our verse is Romans 15:13 (NIV) -- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Today's verse will be very easy for me to illustrate.  About a month ago, I attended an online Bible Journaling Ministries conference.  The theme for the conference was "Hope In the Lord" and the theme scripture verse was Romans 15:13.  There were many aspects of hope that were discussed during this conference -- finding hope in the Word, hope in the Lord during tough times, restored hope, and how hope is the seed of our faith. 

One of my favorite activities was a session called Faith Inspiration.  The steps to faith art journaling are to start off with prayer, read and think about the verse, and then get creative while you spend time in the presence of God.  Bible Journaling Ministries - Tracie Rollins

Since an aspect of our "30 Days of Gratitude" is creative, I encourage you to follow the steps of faith art journaling as you create your tag/leaf for today's verse. 

To create my tag today, I used a copy of the activity that I created during the Faith Inspiration session.

Today, may you find peace and joy that overflows with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Day 16: Legacy -- Psalm 78:4

Day 16

Legacy

Psalm 78:4

Here we are starting the 2nd half of our "30 Days of Gratitude."  Today our key word is LEGACY and our verse is Psalm 78:4 (NIV) -- We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. The best definition of legacy is "something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past."  I must admit that the older I get, the more I think about my legacy.  There's the obvious legacy that I will leave to my children & grandchildren.  I often worry that the mistakes I made as a parent would reek havoc on my children, but they've turned out to be wonderful human beings.  But even more so, I think about the legacy that I'm leaving through the ministries I've been a part of during my life.  I think the reason it's so important to me is because it's a reflection of who I am as a person.  Back on day 8, we talked about testimony, which is an important part of legacy.  Our fervent prayer should be that our testimony will touch someone's life, even if we don't know it has, and that that legacy will leave a lasting impact on that person.  

Casting Crowns, "Only Jesus," addresses the controversy of legacy from the point of view of fame.  The words of the chorus say, "I don't want to leave a legacy.  I don't care if they remember me, only Jesus.  I've only got one life to live.  I'll let every second point to Him, only Jesus."  I especially like the second verse (see below) because it's a reminder to all of us and how we should treat the legacy of our life..."Was my life the proof that there is only One whose name will last forever?  Only Jesus." 

All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it's said and done
'Cause all that really matters
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?

And I-I-I… I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I-I-I… I've only got one life to live
I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus

 So my question to you today is how will you honor your legacy?  How will you tell the next generation about Jesus and all of the wonderful things he's done for you?

Today's Tag:

 

 

 

Day 15: Home -- Philippians 4:19

Day 15

Home

Philippians 4:19

"Home is where the heart is."  "There's no place like home." (Dorothy - "The Wizard of Oz")  “Home is the nicest word there is.” (Laura Ingalls Wilder)  “Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.” (Sarah Ban Breathnach)

Above are some very well known and some "not-so-well know" sayings about home.  I especially like the last one.  Yes, all you have is all you need.  I believe this is the connection between HOME and our scripture verse for today:  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  Today, especially during these times of uncertainty, be grateful that God meets and supplies all of your needs at this time in your life.  What are you especially thankful for today?

Today's tag:

Day 14: Discipline -- Proverbs 3:12

Day 14

Discipline

Proverbs 3:12

We're at the end of our 2nd week of our "30 Days of Gratitude."  In a little over a week, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving (here in the US).  First I thought I'd give you a look at how my garland is coming along:

Today we are looking at Proverbs 3:12 (NIV) -- because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.  Our key word is DISCIPLINE.  In the King James Version, the word "correcteth" is used in place of discipline.  The Hebrew word for correcteth is yakach and means to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right.  The context and example of this verse is quite obvious.  We've all been disciplined by our parents.  For most of us, we realized, especially as we became adults and parents ourselves, that our parents disciplined us because they loved us and they wanted us to do what was right.  And so is the way of our Holy Father, our Abba Father.  He disciplines us because he loves us and is happy when we do what he has instructed us to do.

One of things he wants us to do is to discipline ourselves by reading His Word daily.  During the past 10 years or so, I have worked on disciplining myself to start my day out by studying the Word of God.  I have found that it helps my mindset, which in turn helps me to be healthier.  If you have not found a way to discipline yourself daily to delve into the Word of God, I encourage you to do so.  It doesn't have to be first thing in the morning.  It can be the last thing you do before you go to bed.  It doesn't have to be long and involved.  What we are doing with this "30 Days of Gratitude" is a great start.  What are you doing to discipline yourself and be faithful to the Word of God?

Here's my leaf for today:

This leaf tag reminds me to start each morning by sitting down at my desk and studying God's word.

 

 

 

 

Day 13: Mercy -- Micah 7:18

Day 13

Mercy

Micah 7:18

Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.

The answer to this question is no one!  No one is like God.  And the number one reason is because of God's unfailing love for us that he shows through his grace and MERCY.   He pardons and forgives our sins and transgressions through his son, Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:8 tells us, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Note the words of Paul:  "while we were STILL sinners."  His forgiveness is not conditional.  All He asks is that we seek forgiveness today, where we are right now in our lives.

How has God shown you mercy this week?  Thank him for his grace, his mercy & his forgiveness.

Here's my tag for today:

In closing, remember these words from Micah 6:8...

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

 

 

 

Day 12: Scripture -- John 1:1

Day 12

Scripture

John 1:1

This very familiar verse from John, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, is the focus of our 12th day of gratitude.  Our key word, Scripture, is an obvious choice for this verse.  The first thing that came to my mind as I read this verse was the Trinity -- the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  There is some controversy as to this interpretation of John 1:1.  Some say it is about Jesus' nature, not who he was.  I am a firm believer that God meets us where we are as we read "the Word."  For me today, God is reminding me of the importance of the Scripture -- the sacred writings of the Old and New Testament.  And in particular, through this verse, the importance of the Trinity.  There is no doubt that gratitude and thankfulness go hand in hand with the Scriptures.  There are hundreds of scripture on the subject of thanksgiving and gratitude.

So my question to you today is, "What is John 1:1 saying to you today and what is your favorite thanksgiving or gratitude Bible verse?"

Today's tag:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
World without end. Amen.

Day 11: Glory -- Ezekiel 11:22

Day 11

Glory

Ezekiel 11:22

Today is Veteran's Day in the United States, where we honor all the men and women who have served our country in the military.  "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" comes to mind as I hear myself singing, "Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on."  Today our key word is Glory and our verse is Ezekiel 11:22 -- Then the cherubim, with the wheels beside them, spread their wings, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.

It seems appropriate to look at this historic anthem.  The following verse, in particular, brings forth the image that I envision as I read Ezekiel 11:22.

He has sounded forth the trumpet
that shall never call retreat,
He is sitting out the hearts of men
before His judgment seat,
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him!
Be jubilant, my feet,
Our God is marching on

I picture the cherubim, these angels, with their wings spread, looking up to the God of Israel, Yahweh, as he sits on the judgement seat.  I envision the trumpets of Heaven sounding God's warriors to their feet, as they march triumphantly to serve Him.  Never looking back.  Never retreating.

In the Old Testament, the word glory often referred to the tangible presence of God.  What tangible presence of God do you see in your life that makes you exclaim, "Glory!"

Here's today's leaf:

Glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel!  Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!  His truth is marching on.

 

Day 10: Discipleship -- 2 Timothy 2:2

Day 10

Discipleship

2 Timothy 2:2

Today our key word is Discipleship.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.  What a perfect definition of discipleship found in 2 Timothy 2!  Dictionary.com defines a disciple as "a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another, a follower."  Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy, in Ephesus, as he is imprisoned awaiting his death at the hands of Nero.  Even though Paul is nearing the end of his own ministry and life, he is compelled to share what he has learned during his ministry with Timothy.  Paul is commanding Timothy to continue to witness and keep the church within the bounds of strong doctrine -- to fight the good fight (as he would tell him previously in 1 Timothy).  The key here is entrusting reliable people who are qualified to teach others the doctrine of Jesus Christ.  

My question to you to day is, "Are you the kind of Christian that feels that coming to God just as you are right now is enough?  That discipleship is an optional advanced course in Christianity?  That you would rather take a pass on discipleship instead of seeing the value in it?"  Paul thought discipleship was a big deal.  So important that, from a prison cell, he instructed Timothy to keep the faith, fight the good fight, and continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, entrusting it to those he valued and thought were qualified to teach others.

Today's leaf:

Pray today that God will take your life and make it count.

Day 9: Wonder - Luke 5:26

Day 9

Wonder

Luke 5:26

As we begin this second week of our "30 Days of Gratitude," we'll be focusing on Luke 5:26 (NIV) -- Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”  Our word for today is wonder.  Merriam Webster defines wonder as "a cause of astonishment or admiration; rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience."  I especially like the 2nd definition -- astonishment at something new to one's experience.  For some context, recall that this verse happens, first of all, after Jesus calls Simon (this was before Jesus names Simon, Peter, the Rock), James & John to be his disciples and asks them to leave their nets and come follow him.  During these early days of his earthly ministry, Jesus began preaching and performing miracles.  He healed the man with leprosy and, with the Pharisees and teachers as witnesses, he healed the paralytic man.  And those who saw this miracle were amazed, filled with WONDER, at what they had seen.

So my question to you today is what amazing, wonder-filled miracles has God performed in your life that are new to you?  Be thankful for each one of them and the impact it has had on you and your growth as a Christian.

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, 
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; 
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, 
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, 
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

"How Great Thou Art" 

Performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, arranged by Nathan Hofheins 

 Here's my tag:

May you offer your prayers and praises to God with a sense of amazement and awe.