“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

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In His goodness, our Heavenly Father has opened His hands to supply us with the needs of this day. I awoke this morning and I could walk. I opened my eyes and I could see. I poured a cup of coffee and could enjoy it. There is a roof over my head. I have clothing in my closet. I have the love of family and friends.The days are filled with so many blessings. Who could count  them all? 

God made us and the world so that as we live much was meant be taken for granted. Gratitude was in air we breathed. Before the fall into sin, I imagine life was meant to have an easygoing almost effortless quality. Struggle, conflict, anxiety and worry were simply not in the picture. Now, they are. Among the consequences of sin is that I can allow the cares of life to keep me from seeing the gift in creation.

With the gift of faith God restores us to the creation as gift. We see the broad panorama and richness of creation not as a neutral background against which we live but as the rich, diverse expression of God’s ongoing grace and provision. 

But God has done more. He has given us a Savior who walks with us, opens His heart and drawn us closer to Himself with forgiving mercy. In Jesus Christ He gives peace of mind, cleanses us from sin, guides us in the paths of righteousness, sets before us an authentic hope, unites us with Himself. Gratitude for the gift of creation is only part of faith’s story. Faith’s resounding theme is incomplete until our hearts join the eternal chorus of praise for God’s greatest gift – Jesus Christ.

 “May the peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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