WATCHWORD:
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Ephesians 1:12-14
“O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Ps. 95:1-3
Meditation:
The Good Stuff
The Good stuff in our lives. That’s what we’d rather talk about, think about, share about. What are the blessings in your life? If you were to list your blessings, what would be on that list, beyond your spouse, your family, your children, your grandchildren, even your circle of friends?
I have heard it said that “what is past is past”, but that is simply not true. The memories linger, just staying in the background, until you are wise enough to call them up, look at the pictures, play the videos, and marvel at how young we looked! What blessings come to mind!
The key here is “Blessings”. When I look over all those pieces that entered my life at various times, I find it very hard to not to feel privileged by all those experiences. By all the characters that filled each day, family and friends, up close and from a distance. Even those events that did not feel like blessings at the time, such as adolescent angst, the heart-break of childhood crisis. Now, in the rear-view window, stand out as blessings in disguise.
But, did we miss some blessings? This past Sunday I was privileged to be back in a real church, brick and mortar, somewhat showing its age, but filled with worshipping saints. Sitting with a dear friend who needed to be there, as did I. And a message, oh, what message!
A message that raised the question, “Are we blessed to be a Christian?” Well, are you? Look at your blessings list. I’d wager that Salvation didn’t make your top ten. But, now that I mention it, of course it is. Right there at the top. That would be our greatest blessing.
Why? Simple test: If I ask each of you reading this, ‘Do you fear death?’ The vast majority of you, maybe everyone, the answer would be NO, because we know where we’re going. He has given us His Holy Spirit, God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance which is salvation, eternal life. Because of that, we know who will be there to welcome us: Our Lord and Savior. Blessings.
Okay, that is #1, belief in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of your life. In the words of Pastor Wade in his message on Sunday: “Believers are the embodiment of His Son.”
Blessing, graces flowing, in hidden splendor. I’ll bet COVID19 was not listed, nor was our isolation on your blessings list. Yet, so many of us speak about going deeper into our faith, into our relationship with God. There are spiritual blessings that come our way unbidden, maybe on the heels of inconvenience, or an illness or, sadly, or when a loved one goes on the ahead.
Ah, yes, those “inconveniences” that place us in positions to act like God’s Son to others. To go and do likewise. To reach out to others. To love as He loves us. Oh, those? Yes, those. When we are a blessing to others, we model Jesus in the world. Maybe, to someone who knows nothing of Christ. Spiritual blessings, seeds scattered. The passing on of blessings. God’s purpose.
“Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done.”
Amen.
Bulletin Board:
From Debbie – Yesterday’s Watchword: I struggle so much with judgment. I’ve worked to be aware of this and try so hard to reign it in. (I think we would all agree with this statement. It is a daily struggle; we give it to the Lord in prayer and then we take it back.)
Prayer:
Dear God. Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are Able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
