Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings Name them one by one, Count your many blessings See what God has done. What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday? How would feel if everything you have was taken away from you except what you were thankful for yesterday? Would you have your family? Your home? Would you be left with only your material possessions and not the love someone? Thought provoking isn’t it? Have you counted your blessings today? I admit I do not always thank God for all He has blessed with. In fact, I have been known to grumble about my blessings. Why would I do such a thing? Well, sometimes His blessings can come in disguise. That’s right. Sometimes His blessings can be found in day to day chaos of life such as dirty dishes, laundry, bills and even our dirty house. I can see you scratching your heads and saying, “this woman is crazy.” How can dirty dishes, laundry, bills and a dirty house be blessings? Well, dirty dishes tell me I have food to eat. So many people do not have enough food. Dirty laundry lets me know I have clothes to put on my back. When we pay our bills, I know God has provided me with the means to pay them. A dirty house is a sign I have a roof over my head and a family that loves me and children that God has entrusted to my care. Sometimes our blessings may be hidden in our trials. James 1:2 tells us, “Count it all joy my brethren, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Remember God is on the throne, in control and blessing us each and every day. We may not recognize them at first but when we look through our eyes of faith, they are cleat to see. Today’s Whisper: Look around and see how many blessings you can see. I bet you will find they are like the old potato chip commercial—you can’t stop at one. I challenge each and every one of you to see the blessings that are disguised. Maybe your grumbling about bills and dirty dishes will make you smile when you see them as blessings. Beginning today let’s all count our blessings. Name them one by one. Count our many blessings and see what God has done. Today’s Prayer: I thank you for your blessings that you have given me. Help me to see your love and care in my day to day life. Everything I have and everything I am I give thanks and praise your wonderful name. Thank you for loving me so much. Amen

Stop and Enjoy the Day

`This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:34 Friends, life does get hectic in today’s chaotic times. We need to remember that God is looking for a relationship with us. He wants us to enjoy His blessings and come to Him in times of need, as well as, in times of joy. I know I don’t always take the time to enjoy His beautiful world and thank Him enough for what He has done is doing for me and my family. I may forget to thank Him but He does not forget about me and does not withhold His love. God say everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. Genesis 1:31. When we wake each morning God gives us a manifestation of His love for us—a new day! But too often we do not even notice because we live our lives in overdrive. Today our lives are filled with so many obligations and demands other people place on us—our families, our careers, our friends and even our churches—the list goes on and on. As mothers we are so busy caring for other people in our lives, we too often fail to slow down enough to take care of ourselves or see the beauty of each new day. We cook, clean, transport kids to and from various activities, just to name a few of our responsibilities. God did not intend for us to live such frantic lives. He yearns for an intimate relationship with us. Today’s Whisper: Beloved slow down and spend time with your Heavenly Father today. Embrace each new day He gives you. Enjoy His artistic hand in the glow of the beautiful sunrise of each morning. Savor the beautiful sunsets He puts in the sky each nigh for our pleasure. After all, He is our Father and He loves all His children. Today’s Prayer: Father, I know I get busy and fail to see your blessings you have given me each day. Teach me to slow down and spend time with you. Help me each morning to start the day with you and end each day with you. You have made this day for me and I will rejoice in it. Amen .

True Treasure

I bought a new car today— Such a beautiful ride. Church time came and went And I pushed God aside. I bought a new house today Oh what a wondrous space, Church time came and went And I was not in my place. I got a raise at work today To make my bank account grow. Church time came and went But I did not go. Now the car is filled with rus t, And the house was taken away, When my good job I lost And the bills I could not pay. One day the Lord spoke to me When I got on my knees to pray. He said, “my child, I’ve been right here. It was you who went away.”

Spiritual Warfare

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 God tells us we are not fighting against flesh and blood but we are in a spiritual war against satan and his army. This battle is growing more intense each day. We need to get on bended knee—not in protest—but in prayer. You can call me crazy—that is your right—but I believe we are in the last days and God is coming soon. Satan has been loosed in this world and is deceiving many people. I do not profess to know when He is returning because Jesus tells us only His Father knows. However, if people open their eyes they can see the signs are all around us. Father God, I come before you with a burden for this country that you have blessed for so long. I pray for people to open their eyes and soften their hearts to the truth of your love and forgiveness. I pay for the many young people that are deceived by the deceiver and the father of lies. He is going about this world today and lying to so many people. Satan knows his time is short and is trying to ruin many souls. Father I pray for the wisdom to help others to know you and the courage to stand firm against the enemy. I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen