‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬ — Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

In 2020 my word of the year was “gifts.” I had chosen this word knowing it would take on various meanings throughout the year. In my initial blog post in 2020, I referenced today’s key verse. Just as Jesus was a gift disguised in swaddling clothes, our gifts sometimes get disguised. I encourage us all to take inventory of our gifts and talents. I believe over the years as we grow in our walk with Christ, our gifts grow and change as well.

As a reminder to always be thankful for the incredible gift of God’s Grace through His son Christ Jesus, I had a necklace made that year. One side inscribed “gifts” and the other side inscribed “2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV — Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

Whether it is gifts of service or gifts of grace, it is a good word to carry and reflect on throughout the year. We are getting closer to 2025. Will you be picking a word or mantra for the year? We would love to know what you have chosen. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me over the years. I desire to continue to grow in my faith journey and share Your glory. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@youversion @biblegateway

The song, Mary Did You Know by Pentatonix got me thinking about our Mindset. The song opens up with: “Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?” It poses many questions following that one. If we knew the impact we were creating through our service, through our actions, and our reactions would we carry a better mindset?

The theory of the Butterfly Effect is that small things can have big impacts. Everything we do is a ripple effect. The next question posed in the song is: “Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?.” God’s great gift of salvation to us is meant to be shared with the world. What ripple effect are we making with a closed mindset?

Let’s be mindful today of the impact we are creating and the mindset we are carrying throughout our day. Take some time today to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬ — Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭21‬:‭45‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Revelation 3:7-8 NIV

@youversion @biblegateway

On this Spiritual Sunday and throughout our week, I encourage us all to take hold of opportunities to step out of the traffic. Remember to marvel at the gift of God’s beauty and to find joy in the journey. Go in confidence, knowing who God is and exalt Him above all else.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.

I encourage you to listen to the following songs:

Know You Will by Hillsong

Mary Did You Know by Pentatonix

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —- And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Join us on our YouTube channel for See You Saturday as we wrap up our week on Same God.

1 Samuel 17 NIV

Most of us are very familiar with the story of David and Goliath. In this story, God filled David with the courage and strength to defeat the giant, Goliath. 

The story is highlighted in the final verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of David, who made a shepherd boy courageous. I may not face Goliath but I’ve got my own giants.” 

What giants are you facing today? Are you calling on God to help you be courageous? Do you realize you are calling on the same God David called on to face Goliath?

If you have read the entire story of David’s life, you know that David went on to be an adulterous murderer, but God used him to be a great leader of His people. In Acts 13:22 NIV God even called David a “man after my own heart.” Through the life of David, God shows us that no matter our faults and sins, when we confess our sins, repent, and surrender to Him, He can use each of us for His good.

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Luke 1:45-56 NIV

If you are not familiar with the backstory to the birth of Jesus, I encourage you to read all of Luke 1 that is about the miracle of His conception. Today’s highlighted scripture is often referred to as the “Magnificat” which is Mary’s proclamation which reflects Mary’s humbleness, God’s favor, and God’s uplifting of the lowly. 

The story is highlighted in the third verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of Mary. Whose favor rests upon the lowly. I know with You all things are possible.”

Are you in a seemingly impossible situation? Call on God, lay your troubles at His feet, step back and wait. Allow Him to work in ways only He can and give Him the praise and glory for His favor.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, reflect on the goodness of God. Think about your ancestors who worshiped the same God you have the privilege to worship now. Your heritage goes back as far as Jacob, Moses, and Mary.

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Exodus 14:19-31 NIV

If you are not familiar with the story of Moses parting the Red Sea, I encourage you to read the chapters of Exodus leading up to Exodus 14. The short story is Moses was leading God’s chosen people, the Israelites, to freedom from slavery. They had been enslaved to the Egyptians. 

The story is highlighted in the second verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of Moses. The One who opened up the ocean. I need You now to do the same thing for me.”

Who or what enslaves you? Are you calling on God to lead you to freedom from something? Do you realize you worship and pray to the same God that Moses called on to open the sea? Do you need God to do the same thing now for you?

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion