Tag: Prayer

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Count Your Blessings

(But you may not recognise them as such)

1. If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed – about 1/3 of the world does not have access to one.

2. If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine, to live and to serve in a new day.
3. If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you; count this as a blessing.
4. If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the world.
5. If you have a yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you cannot see.
6. If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God’s willingness to hear your prayer.
7. If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also.
8. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep; all at the same time; you are rich in this world
9. If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against.
10. If you have any earthly family that even halfway loves you and supports you, you are blessed beyond measure.
11. If you attend a church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with some form of fellowship.
12. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace you are among the world’s wealthy.
13. If you can go to bed each night, knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.
14. If you try each day to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ for even a minute, you are blessed because you show a willingness to grow up in Him.
15. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 1/3 of the world who cannot read at all.
16. If you have never had to endure the hardship and agony of battle, imprisonment, or torture, you are blessed in indescribable measure.
17. If you have a voice to sing His praises, a voice to witness God’s love, and a voice to share the gospel, you are blessed. About 1/3 of the world do not even know who the one true God is.
18. If you can hold someone’s hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God’s healing touch.
19. If you can share a word of encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart, you are blessed because you have learned how to give.
20. If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because you are learning patience, endurance, and tenacity.
21. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most people can, but many will not.

May God Bless You And Keep You Safe.

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Why Good Friday

As we approach the spring season, many of us begin to think about one of the most significant times in the Christian calendar: Good Friday and Easter. It’s a time of reflection, renewal, and hope—a time when faith and community come together in a powerful way. Today, let’s explore the importance of Good Friday and how it sets the stage for the joyous celebration of Easter.

I rememeber as a young lad, schools were out for Easter vacation. My mother would take us to the good Friday service. Usually it was held in the afternoon around 3 pm. Most churches in our town had services on good Friday. Usually the factories and stores would be only be open half day. In many communities, this time of year brings people together—attending services, participating in community activities, or simply sharing meals with loved ones. The shared stories and rituals foster a spirit of camaraderie and connection, reinforcing the sense that we are all part of something greater. However times have changed, and Good Friday is just another day.

On this day, many Christians attend services, meditate on the crucifixion, and engage in solemn reflection. It’s a time dedicated to remembering not just the pain and suffering endured but also the message of forgiveness and redemption that came from those events.

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and holds a profound significance for Christians around the world. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for humanity. While the name “Good Friday” may seem somewhat paradoxical given the heavy nature of the events it recalls, it is believed to signify the goodness of God’s love, shown through Jesus’ willingness to suffer for our sins.

Now, you might wonder, how does this somber event relate to Easter? The answer lies in the very essence of the Christian faith. Good Friday marks an essential part of the Passion narrative—the story of Jesus leading up to his resurrection. It is a contrast of sorrow and joy, pain and hope.

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus—the triumph over death and sin. Without Good Friday, there would be no Easter. The sorrowful events of Good Friday make the joy of Easter even more profound. The message is clear: through suffering comes redemption; through death comes life.

Understanding the significance of Good Friday helps us appreciate the depth of the Easter celebration. It invites us to reflect on our own lives, our struggles, and the grace that comes from knowing we are loved unconditionally. The emotional journey from the crucifixion to the resurrection encourages us to seek forgiveness, embrace hope, and look forward to new beginnings.

As we prepare to observe Good Friday leading into Easter, let’s take a moment to appreciate this powerful narrative—the journey from grief to joy, from sacrifice to salvation. May this season inspire us to reflect on our actions, nurture our relationships, and spread love in our communities. Here’s wishing you a meaningful Good Friday and a joyful Easter celebration!

Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences related to Good Friday and Easter in the comments below. How do these days resonate with you? Let’s start a conversation!

Happy Easter, everyone!

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A Christian’s View of Valentine’s Day: Love,Faith, and Modern Celebration

The relationship between Christianity and Valentine’s Day runs deeper than many realize, rooted in both historical significance and spiritual meaning. As we approach this celebrated day of love, it’s worth exploring how Christians can meaningfully engage with this holiday while staying true to their faith.

The Sacred Origins
The story begins with Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to historical accounts, Valentine was a clergy member who ministered to persecuted Christians and was martyred for his faith. His legacy of sacrificial love became the foundation for what we now celebrate as Valentine’s Day.

The Catholic Church records tell us that Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. His commitment to love and marriage, even in the face of persecution, exemplifies the Christian virtues of courage and sacrificial love.

A Christian Perspective on Modern Celebration
For today’s Christians, Valentine’s Day presents both opportunities and considerations. While there is no biblical reason why Christians should not celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy, or cards,many believers choose to view it as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like love in broader ways.

Here are meaningful ways Christians can celebrate Valentine’s Day:
1. Celebrate God’s Love: Remember that God’s love is the perfect model of what we celebrate on this day. The holiday can serve as a reminder of the greatest love story – God’s love for humanity.
2. Express Broader Love: While romantic love is beautiful, Christians can use this day to show love to family members, friends, and even strangers, reflecting Christ’s command to love one another.
3. Practice Sacrificial Love: Following Saint Valentine’s example of selfless service, consider ways to show love through acts of service and sacrifice.
4. Share the Message: Some Christians make Valentine’s Day an evangelistic opportunity, using it to demonstrate how Christian marriages and relationships can reflect God’s love to the world.

Balancing Tradition and Faith
While the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day has become largely commercialized, Christians can choose to focus on its deeper meaning. The day can be an opportunity to reflect on 1 Corinthians 13’s beautiful description of love – patient, kind, and selfless.

From its origins in Christian martyrdom to today’s expressions of affection, Valentine’s Day holds a special place in Christian tradition. While some may choose not to celebrate it, others find meaningful ways to incorporate their faith into the celebration. The key is remembering that all love ultimately flows from God, and any celebration of love can be an opportunity to honor Him.

Whether through simple cards and gifts or more profound expressions of Christian love, Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful reminder of both human and divine love. As Christians celebrate, they can do so knowing that they’re part of a tradition that began with faith, sacrifice, and the purest form of love.

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A Recipe for the New Year

Take twelve whole months.

Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts, but don’t make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humour.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.

You’re bound to have a happy new year

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Thanksgiving Every Day – How Gratitude Attracts More Abundance

Why wait for Thanksgiving to show your appreciation? You have the opportunity to enjoy your life with joy every single day. Therefore, make it a priority to celebrate your blessings and remind yourself that expressing gratitude for what you already possess creates space for even more abundance in your life. Here are five ways that gratitude can attract greater wealth into your life:

1. You’ll become grateful for the small things. When you maintain a positive mindset, you’ll begin to recognize and appreciate the little things. The most profound blessings often come in the smallest forms. As you learn to love, recognize, and be thankful for the small aspects of life, your overall quality of life will improve because you will realize how fortunate you truly are. For instance, your child gifting you a drawing that says, “Number one mama!” or your partner bringing home your favorite ice cream are moments worthy of gratitude. Your child sees you as a star, and you are blessed with a caring partner—how amazing is that!

2. You will cultivate remarkable intuition. If you regularly reflect on the positive occurrences in your life, you’ll be adept at identifying good opportunities from a distance. For instance, you might sense an opportunity in the workshop or a chance to bond more closely with your family. Actively seeking new opportunities to enhance your life and that of your loved ones will fill your heart with joy.

3. Supporting those in need. When you appreciate the bed you sleep in, the roof that protects your family from harsh weather, the loved ones gathered around you, and the food on your table, you truly grasp your good fortune. Consequently, you are more inclined to seize chances to assist someone who is less fortunate. Even the smallest effort on your part could significantly impact another’s life. Helping your neighbor with his groceries might enable him to provide for his family. Donating your old clothes can keep someone homeless warm, and participating in a charity walk for cancer could give someone else a chance to survive. Helping others ultimately helps you in countless ways.

4. You’ll achieve more. Your gratitude is itself a blessing. When you express thanks, you gain a deeper appreciation for life. You start to see each day as a new opportunity to bring more joy into your life and future. It’s perfectly natural to appreciate what you have while also striving for more. Continually improving your circumstances is beneficial for both you and your family.

5. Being considerate of others. When you are content with your life and genuinely happy, you tend to treat others with kindness. You might find yourself holding the door open for a stranger or picking up a dropped item for an elderly person. Your own happiness amplifies when you contribute to the happiness of others. Life starts to change for the better when you acknowledge how blessed you genuinely are.

Even the smallest acts can elevate your spirit. The challenges faced by others can inspire you to offer assistance, making life appear noticeably brighter. Starting today, elevate your positive mindset and turn every day into a personal day of thanksgiving

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Prayer strengthens my faith.

I speak with God during my high times and my low times. Prayer keeps my relationship with God solid and increases my belief in His power.

Inviting God into my life is the norm for me. I speak to Him through my spirit and also my words. Having regular conversations with Him tightens our bond. It reminds me that He always provides guidance once I reach out to Him.

Prayer leads me to place my trust in the heavenly Father instead of myself. It takes me to a point of consciousness where I know the source of my strength.

Any financial challenge that I face is manageable when I pray. Talking to God allows me to release myself from the burden. When I open my eyes, I feel instantly lighter. God passes with flying colors whenever I put Him to the test.

Sometimes I am unable to see the way in front of me. But when I see things unfold and appear before me, I praise God immediately for His blessings.

Each answered prayer reinforces my trust. I believe that anything that I take to Him is already resolved. When the outcome is different from my request, I understand His message.

Today, talking to God reinforces my belief in His control over my life. His guidance is unmistakable. I use my regular conversations with God to guide me through this life.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. How do I know when my prayers are answered?
  2. How much of my prayer time is dedicated to giving thanks?
  3. What are some of the blessings that appear through my faith in God?