I Am Grateful

 

I Am Grateful

As I reflect on my life, I am reminded of the many blessings I have received from God. In a world that can be unpredictable and uncertain, it's easy to get caught up in worries about the future. But as Christians, we are called to live with gratitude and hope.

In James 4:14, we read, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse reminds us that our lives are fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have.

Hebrews 9:27 says, "People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." This verse reminds us that our time on this earth is limited, and that we will one day face judgment. But as Christians, we can face the future with hope and confidence, knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ.

In Titus 2:11-14, we read, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This passage reminds us that we are called to live godly lives, and that we should be looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ.

Finally, in Mark 13:32-33, Jesus says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." This passage reminds us that we should always be ready for the return of Jesus Christ, and that we should be living our lives with purpose and intention.

As I reflect on these scriptures, I am reminded of the many things I am grateful for. I am grateful for the gift of salvation, for the promise of eternal life, and for the hope of the return of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity to live a godly life, and to share the love of Christ with others.

In conclusion, let us live our lives with gratitude and hope. Let us be mindful of the fleeting nature of life, and let us make the most of the time we have. Let us look forward to the return of Jesus Christ, and let us live our lives with purpose and intention.

Credits

This blog post was inspired by Keith M. Craddock's leadership in family Bible study. Special thanks to Keith for his guidance and insight.

Assistance provided by Meta AI.

May God fill your heart with gratitude and hope.

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God Will Redeem Your Dream

 God Will Redeem Your Dream

Have you ever felt like your dreams have been shattered, lost, or stolen? Maybe you've faced disappointment, rejection, or failure, and it seems like your dreams are slipping away.

But here's the good news: God is a redeemer. He specializes in taking broken, lost, and shattered dreams and redeeming them for His glory.

From Evil to Good

Genesis 50:20 says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This verse reminds us that God can take even the most evil intentions and turn them into something good.

When Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, they intended to harm him. But God had other plans. He used Joseph's slavery to position him for greatness, ultimately saving the lives of many people.

Redeeming the Impossible

2 Kings 4:11-13, 14-16, 17 tells the story of a Shunammite woman who faced the impossible. Her son had died, and she was left with no hope. But Elisha, a prophet of God, intervened and prayed for the boy. Miraculously, the boy came back to life.

This story shows us that God can redeem even the most impossible situations. When we face circumstances that seem hopeless, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes to redeem and restore.

Hope in the Midst of Suffering

Job 19:23-25 says, "Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth."

Job's words give us hope in the midst of suffering. Even when we're facing intense pain and hardship, we can trust that our redeemer lives. God is working to redeem our circumstances, and He will ultimately stand victorious.

God's Plans Are Not Hindered

Isaiah 42:19 says, "Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one who is at peace with me, and blind like the servant of the Lord?"

This verse reminds us that God's plans are not hindered by our circumstances. Even when we're facing challenges and obstacles, God is working to redeem and restore.

Conclusion

God is a redeemer. He specializes in taking broken, lost, and shattered dreams and redeeming them for His glory. When we face impossible circumstances, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes to redeem and restore.

May we hold on to hope, knowing that our redeemer lives. May we trust that God's plans are not hindered by our circumstances. And may we see God's redemption in our lives, as He takes our broken dreams and makes them new.

Family Bible Study Credited to: Keith M. Craddock, as part of his calling.

Content Assistance Provided by: Meta AI

Reflection Questions:

What dreams have you felt were shattered, lost, or stolen?
How can you trust God to redeem your circumstances?
What hope do you hold on to, knowing that God is a redeemer?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a redeemer. Help us to trust You with our broken dreams, and may we see Your redemption in our lives. Give us hope in the midst of suffering, and may we know that You are working everything out for our good. Amen.

Finding Purpose

 Finding Purpose

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Have you ever felt like something is missing in your life? Like you're just going through the motions, but not really living with intention or direction? Finding purpose is a fundamental human quest. We all want to know why we're here and what we're supposed to be doing.

Living for God's Glory

In 1 Thessalonians 1:6-18, Paul writes:

"...you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit...And now you are an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."

As believers, our purpose is to live for God's glory. We're called to imitate Christ and to spread the message of the Gospel to those around us.

Loving God and Loving Others

In Mark 12:30-31, Jesus says:

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Jesus teaches us that our purpose is to love God and to love others. When we prioritize these two commandments, we'll find that our lives are filled with purpose and meaning.

Submitting to God's Will

In James 4:7, we read:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

As we seek to find our purpose, we must submit ourselves to God's will. This means letting go of our own desires and ambitions, and instead seeking to follow God's plan for our lives.

Conclusion

Finding purpose is a journey, not a destination. It's a process of seeking God, submitting to His will, and living for His glory. When we prioritize loving God and loving others, we'll find that our lives are filled with purpose and meaning.

Reflection Questions

What are you living for? Is it to bring glory to God, or is it for something else?
How can you prioritize loving God and loving others in your daily life?
What does it mean to you to submit to God's will, and how can you do that in a practical way?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to find our purpose in You. May we seek to live for Your glory, and may we prioritize loving You and loving others. Submit our hearts to Your will, and guide us on the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, Amen