I have been writing for a wonderful Christian website called, Inspire a Fire, for quite a while now. It is filled with encouraging and inspirational articles written by various Christian authors. We all could use a little inspiration and spiritual encouragement in these times in which we live. Check it out! You’ll be glad you did. Here is my latest post from, Inspire a Fire:
https://inspireafire.com/reading-the-bible-helps-us-to-grow/
G – Grace – I am so thankful for God’s grace. It was God’s grace that drew me to Him for salvation. God’s grace that brought forgiveness for all my sins, past, present, and future. God’s grace keeps loving me even when I fail Him, time and time again. God’s grace gave me a beautiful second chance. He can do that for you, as well. Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Titus 2:11-12
R – Resurrection – When Jesus Christ rose from the grave, everything changed. I have a living Savior sitting at God’s right hand, interceding for me in heaven. I have assurance that He will come again one day in glory. At that time, the dead in Christ will rise, just as He did. We will meet Him in the air in glorified bodies, suited for our heavenly life. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, Luke 24:1-7, Mark 16:6
A – Abundance – As a child of God the Father, I qualify for the abundance that He provides (all believers do). That abundance includes help for the trials of life, spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, and abundant peace and hope. I am so thankful for my abundant life in Christ. John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Ephesians 3:14-20
T – Trials – Yes, I am thankful for the trials God has allowed in my life over these many years. They have made me more like Him and shaped me into a vessel He can use. Because of the struggles and difficulties I’ve experienced, I am more merciful, more loving, more empathetic and more selfless. I am more reliant on God. Our trials are a tool in God’s sanctification process. James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28, James 1:12, 1 Peter 4:12-13
I – Inspiration – I am thankful for the Inspired Word of God. Through reading and studying it, I’ve learned who God is and how He has worked through history to advance His kingdom plan. God inspired human authors to write His message to the world using each of their personalities, writing styles, and experiences in the process. I am thankful that the inspired Word carries the authority, accuracy and wisdom of God. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 20:30-31
T – Trinity – The Trinity signifies the three eternal and co-equal Persons of the Godhead. They are the same in essence but distinct in subsistence. I am thankful that each Person of the Trinity had a part in my salvation. The Father decreed it, the Son accomplished it, and the Holy Spirit applied it. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s work in my life and that He is the promise and seal of my salvation. 2 Corinthians 13:14, Matthew 28:19,Matthew 3:16-17
U – Unity – I am thankful for the unity of the Spirit through which we (believers) are all a part of a worldwide family of faith through Jesus Christ. We are one blood, one family, all adopted children of the One True God. We should strive for unity within our churches as we all work together to further the kingdom of God and share the Gospel with the lost world. Ephesians 4:3-6, Colossians 3:14, Psalm 133:1
D – Designer – When we see the diversity and complexity of creation, and the beauty and vastness of the cosmos, we know there was an intelligent designer involved. That intelligent designer was God. He created a unique variety of creatures large and small (and microscopic) for us to enjoy and to care for. I am so thankful for God, the intelligent designer, and the awe-inspiring world He created. Genesis 1:1, Revelation 4:11, Romans 1:20
E – Eternal Life – The moment I came to Christ in faith, my eternity began. The Bible promises that I will have eternal life. When I physically leave this earth, I will enjoy immeasurable years with God, worshipping, working in pleasurable tasks, talking to the heroes of the faith and loved ones who’ve gone before. I will have a glorious, meaningful, mind-blowing eternity on a new heaven and a new earth, in the presence of God Himself. I am thankful for my eternal life in Christ. John 3:16, Romans 6:23, John 5:24
Friend, what are you thankful for in this season of Thanksgiving?
I am such a cave dweller. I love being in my home: reading, writing, planning, organizing. Especially on rainy days or when winter (such as it is in Florida) sets in. I prefer to be perfectly oblivious to this fact (that I’m cave-dwelling) as I go about my days in typical introverted fashion. However, there have been two different niggling, pesky reminders as of late, that won’t allow it.
What is it that disturbs my cave-like existence? The first thing is my annoying smart watch. It keeps sending me meddlesome comments like, “Don’t you want to stand?” and “Make it happen.” How rude! I’m perfectly fine snuggled in my cave with my book, thank you.
The other intrusive reminder came from my doctor, bless her heart. She left a message stating that according to my recent bloodwork, I’m deficient in vitamin D of all things. Apparently, vitamin D doesn’t like cave-dwellers. Her prescription was to get out of my cave and sit or walk in the sun, as well as take a vitamin D supplement.
Is there anything wrong with staying in my comfy cave all the time? Well, unfortunately, the world is outside my cave. I can’t reach them when I’m in here. There are exceptions, of course. I can write cards to encourage people and use my cell phone to reach out when I’m in my cave. But engaging physically with the world is what the Christian life is all about
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 NAS
We have work to do. Peter reminds us that because Jesus will perhaps return soon, believers are to use our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and to the glory of God.
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
Perhaps the most important reason we must engage with the world is because of what Jesus told His disciples right before he returned to heaven after the resurrection. This command is also ours. We call it The Great Commission. Jesus said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
When we emerge from our caves into the sunlight, we can: teach, serve, give, encourage, build, disciple, visit, go on mission, and share the Gospel. When we engage with the world, we display the love of God to others, draw them into the fold, and fulfill our calling.
Wait a minute, that all sounds really hard. After all, I’m an introverted cave-dweller. Well, we don’t do any of these things in our own power. We are flawed and wholly inadequate for the task on our own. Fortunately, when we come to know Christ, we are imbued with the Holy Spirit, equipping us for the tasks we’re called to do. We have the tools in our spiritual toolbelt.
As a writer, I do spend a lot of time inside writing. But if I spent every minute of my week inside typing on my computer, I’d miss the blessing of using other parts of myself to encourage others. All of us have various gifts—and talents, God uses those, too. Sometimes we know the areas in which we’re talented but have never explored our spiritual giftedness. Those two things are not the same. There are surveys online to help us. Your pastor may be able to help, as well. I encourage you to look into it.
If you’re a cave-dweller like me. Join me in venturing out into the sunlight this week. Not just for your health, but so that you can encourage and bless others with your gifts as you fulfill God’s purpose for your life. The world is waiting.
Each year as the holiday season approaches, many of us feel a slow, unsettling rise in our stress level. Frantic shopping and decorating fill our days. Holiday programs and parties dot our calendar. We feel overwhelmed and that anxiety ultimately inhibits our enjoyment of the holiday itself. In our frantic preparation, we lose focus on the true meaning of the season.
I propose that we take everything down a notch: focus on the true meaning of the season, realize we’re not vying for the Southern Living Christmas cover (unless you really are then by all means, deck the halls!), and remember to be salt and light in our families. Here are a few tips as to how we can do that.
I hope these tips will help alleviate your stress this year. Enjoy a little shopping and decorating, just dial it back a notch or two. Holidays are a special part of life—an opportunity for fellowship, fun, and faith. They need not be a source of anxiety or stress. Life is short. Relish every moment—especially the holidays.
What are some other ways you’ve found to make your holidays less stressful? I would love to hear them. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Heart of the Matter 