Wonders: Psalm 40:5

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
Psalm 40:5 (NLT)

David’s song of praise to God; “Lord my God, You have performed many wonders for us.” They are more than we can enumerate beyond what we can express.

You cannot count God’s thoughts of you. If he were only to think of us once, in tender mercy, that one thought would run on throughout eternity, for he does not retract either a thought that he thinks or a word that he utters. Instead thereof, one gracious thought is followed by another, swiftly as the beams of light flash from the sun, so that it is impossible for us to number them.
Spurgeon’s Bible Commentary

Your forgiveness, mercy, grace, and kindness surround us. Nothing can compare to God, He is Omnipotent, and there is nothing He cannot do. God is powerful, and He protects; He is gracious, He forgives, and; He is trustworthy; He keeps His promises.

Praise the Lord for His wonderful works, miracles, and His grace toward us! ⁂

God has performed many wonders for us; have you taken the time to respond with thanks and praise?

Prayer; O Lord, our wonderful Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your majesty. We thank you for Your miracles and the many wonders You have done for us. No one can compare to You. Thank you for your grace, forgiveness, and love. As we marvel at the beauty of flowers, let us marvel at the beauty of Your grace and Your wonderful works, and give thanks. In Jesus’ holy and loving name.

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Radiant: Psalm 34: 5-7

5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Psalm 34:5-7 (ESV)

In Psalm 34, David is praising the Lord, for the Lord answered his prayer for deliverance. This psalm was probably written by David, in praise, of his escape from the Philistine king, Abimelech.

Reaching out to the Lord in faith, with prayer during troubled times, we find hope. Our demeanor changes; we become radiant, cheerful, and calm. If we keep our eyes centered on the Lord, we will not walk in shame.

David describes a poor man (not in wealth), but desperate and afraid, who cried out to the Lord, and the Lord saves him from his troubles. The Lord is our strength, our hope, our light, and our joy. He will send His angels to protect us.

No longer downcast, when we take our troubles to the Lord in prayer, we glow; we are radiant.

5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. 6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
Psalm 34:5-7 (MSG)

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When you go to the Lord in prayer, do you trust in Him and feel peace and radiant?

Prayer; Our holy loving Heavenly Father, teach us to release our fears to You; reaching out to You in prayer. Help us to grow in faith, trust You and be radiant with hope. Like a sunflower turns to the sun and glows, let us turn our worries over to You and glow with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Enlightened – Ephesians 1:18

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV)

This verse is part of Pauls’s prayer for Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15-20). He is praying for their hearts to be enlightened, so they can comprehend and appreciate the hope and glorious inheritance they received by grace from God. To be enlightened, we must seek the Lord and study his Word to capture the glory of salvation and inheritance. By focusing on God and following His path, we can obtain the glorious way of life He has planned for us and tie into His endless energy and boundless strength.

15-19 That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
Ephesians 1:15-19 (MSG)

Do you feel enlightened? Are your eyes focused on Jesus; can you see what He is calling you to do?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Open our eyes to our path and enlighten our hearts with Your love. Lord, we thank You for redeeming us and giving us a glorious inheritance. Like the zinnias grows and flourishes in the sun, let us grow in faith and flourish in Your Son’s light. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Grace: Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

It is not because we are good or deserving that we are saved. God doesn’t only accept good people. By, His grace, His freely given blessing, His gift, we all can be saved.

Grace can be described as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Christ died for our sins. We don’t need to be “good enough” for salvation, we just need to believe and have faith, in God and Christ’s goodness. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, faith: is belief and trust in and loyalty to God.

10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Good works are not the cause of salvation; good works are the purpose of salvation. God saves us to do good works in His name, which brings Him glory.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your love and grace. Let our faith and trust in You direct our lives. Guide us to follow Your path, and do good works, to glorify Your name. Like the mallow flowers are open and illuminated by sunlight, let us be open to Your Word and illuminated with Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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If you need prayer, I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

A New Creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Christ can make all things new. When we are united in Christ through faith, we have a new identity, new knowledge, and a new path. We are renewed, a new creation, with open hearts filled with love and purpose. The new year is a wonderful time to embrace Christ’s way by living righteously and take time to meditate on heavenly things. To be open-hearted, sharing His love and compassion with others.

Are you in need of a new beginning? Christ can make you new invite Him into your life today.

Prayer; Jesus, You are our hope, and our redeemer help us to embrace Your way. Fill our hearts with love and compassion for others. Teach us to concentrate on heavenly goals and let go of our worldly concerns. Like the new blossoms on the flowering cherry tree, let us blossom as new creations through You, Christ. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer and would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

Prince of Peace: Isaiah 9:6-7

Poinsettia – Pink, White, Red

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
Isaiah 9:6-7

For us, a child is born, a son is given. Jesus the Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father may He open our hearts to love and peace. To find His peace of no end and feel His unconditional love. We praise and worship You, Jesus.

Have you embraced Jesus’ peace?

Prayer: Help us to be more like You, Jesus. Teach us to spread compassion, love, and hope. Prince of Peace, help us to follow your path and guide us in your truth. Like the poinsettia symbolizes the season help us to exemplify Your birth. As we celebrate Your birth help us to seek your kingdom of righteousness and justice. Amen.

May peace, joy, and Jesus’ love encompass you this Christmas.
Merry Christmas! – Jeanne 🎄

Everlasting: Psalm 90:1-2

Dahlia

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
²Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God
Psalm 90:1-2 (NIV)

What a wonderful feeling to know that God is everlasting, and He rules from eternity to eternity. He is our protector during life’s storms and offers us His unconditional love. He guides us along our path and forgives us of our sins. Plus, His gift to believers is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 6:23). We are blessed!

Where can you share God’s everlasting goodness today?

Prayer: Lord, we praise you for your everlasting goodness, forgiveness, and unconditional love through the ages. Dahlias bright, beautiful blooms, bring joy to our days like your everlasting love brings joy, hope, and peace to our lives. We are blessed to have an everlasting caring, God, who has been our shield and dwelling place for generations. In the holy name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Shine: Proverbs 4:18

Remembering Spring – Flowering Cherry Tree

¹⁸The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

While following your path, do you reflect enough light so that others see you shine? Take time to review your day, do a check, see if your righteousness is showing. Christmas season is a wonderful time to brighten someone’s day, be kind, helpful, in sharing God’s love. As you walk your path, today try to shine ever brighter until you glow, like a Son lit day.

Would a stranger recognize you as a Christian by your actions?

Prayer: Our gracious God, we thank you for Your forgiveness and blessings. Teach us to glow in righteousness as the cherry blossoms glow in the sun. As the lovely pink cherry blossoms brighten Sping days, let us reflect God’s light and shine brightly. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Strength and Peace: Psalm 29:11

Vinca blooms after rain

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 NIV

This verse speaks of qualities many are searching for. Strength to continue through the next hour, day, week, or year. Often we rely on our capabilities instead of asking God for strength. Asking God for His strength and assistance leads to peace. As Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you (John 14:17a).” If you need strength or peace, ask Jesus.

Where do you find peace during the holidays?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your many blessing teach us to go to You for strength. Your sunshine and rain bring blossoms to plants. Teach us, in turn, to rely on You, so our peace grows and blooms. Like the tranquil beauty of the white vinca flowers, help us to be serene in Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Faith: Hebrews 11:1-2

Heavenly Blue Morning Glory

^1-2The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.
Hebrews 11:1-2The Message (MSG)

Faith, to me, is personal a relationship with God. I think I’ve always had faith, but at times my faith was immature. It was more about what I wanted than trusting God. During my early years, I didn’t feel God’s love for me even though it was there. As I have grown and matured in faith, I now feel surrounded in God’s love. My faith has changed me from being needy and feeling alone, to basking in God’s love and wanting to share it. To me, faith is trusting in God, our firm foundation, our hope for things to come. Faith does make life worth living.

How firm is your foundation in faith?

Prayer: Dear Lord, teach us to put our faith in You. Help us to faithfully build our foundation on You and Your word. The beautiful colors of the “heavenly blue morning glory” look like the sun radiating out into the clouds and sky. Teach us in faith to reflect the radiating love and compassion of Jesus Son of God. Thank you for making our lives worth living. We praise you. Amen