Our Blessings
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me bless God’s holy name.”
--Psalm 103: 1
These words are the opening words to an ancient Jewish hymn that talks about the many ways the writer experienced the power of God in life. They are also the words that inspired contemporary composer Andrae Crouch to write the song “Bless the Lord, O my soul” about 40 years ago. Hopefully these words also resonate in your soul today and hopefully you can take time to discover multiple reasons for blessing the name of the Holy One.
During this season Christians are inspired by the words of Mary as she took time to bless the Lord for all the good that she was experiencing in her life. The beautiful words of the Magnificat are found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, and verses 47-55. They are an excellent example of a person who feels extremely blessed. Taking a moment to read this prayer may serve as an additional inspiration for you to examine your blessings.
Our days may be demanding as we respond to the pressures of life. This may be a very good time to stop and reflect on the ways you are blessed. As we offer thanks for our blessings we are able to view the challenging times in a healthier way.
--Ben Keckler
12.02.09
Showing posts with label gifts from God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts from God. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 2
Hope For 2008?
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27: 11, 14
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, "Hope for the Flowers." This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. Yesterday, we heard a part of Yellow’s conversation with another caterpillar. Today Yellow has decided to risk changing from a fuzzy worm to the process of becoming a butterfly. Enjoy this snippet from Yellow’s life and consider how it might apply to the living of 2008:
"For courage Yellow hung right beside the other cocoon and began to spin her own. 'Imagine, I didn’t even know I could do this. That’s some encouragement that I’m on the right track. If I have inside me the stuff to make cocoons—maybe the stuff of butterflies is there too.'”
May today be a level path day for you. May today be a day when you, like Yellow, take courage, allowing that God-given “stuff” to spin forth from your life. If we all take that risk, 2008 will be more than we can think or imagine.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God of refreshing possibilities,
Encourage me to use the gifts I have,
Allow me to emerge with new vitality this year. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.02.08
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27: 11, 14
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, "Hope for the Flowers." This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. Yesterday, we heard a part of Yellow’s conversation with another caterpillar. Today Yellow has decided to risk changing from a fuzzy worm to the process of becoming a butterfly. Enjoy this snippet from Yellow’s life and consider how it might apply to the living of 2008:
"For courage Yellow hung right beside the other cocoon and began to spin her own. 'Imagine, I didn’t even know I could do this. That’s some encouragement that I’m on the right track. If I have inside me the stuff to make cocoons—maybe the stuff of butterflies is there too.'”
May today be a level path day for you. May today be a day when you, like Yellow, take courage, allowing that God-given “stuff” to spin forth from your life. If we all take that risk, 2008 will be more than we can think or imagine.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God of refreshing possibilities,
Encourage me to use the gifts I have,
Allow me to emerge with new vitality this year. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.02.08
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