Good things that come from God are known as blessings. A blessed life is a positive life that acknowledges the Lord’s hand in all things and in all circumstances. We are blessed because God accepts us and because He welcomes us into having a right relationship with Him.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

We are blessed in many ways. Living a blessed life doesn’t mean that things will always be easy or that everything will be absolutely perfect. Instead, is reassuring to meditate on the truth that God is with us no matter what! He uses all things to work out for His good plan for us. Because Jesus lives within us, we are favored and blessed.

Devotion: Blessed To Be A Blessing 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Developing  and cultivating a true relationship with God is a desire for most believers. With a solid relationship, one each can walk with the assurance of knowing that you are a friend of God. Furthermore, we can never be separated from God because of what Jesus did at the cross.

It is because of God’s grace that Christians live blessed. We are blessed to be a blessing! Through encouraging words, a smile, friendly conversation, biblical advice, kind gestures, self-less acts, and more, we can be a blessing to other people.

Additional Verses for Further Study God’s Blessings:

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,  And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23)

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-5)

Prayer Starter:

“Lord, thank you for grace. I am honored that You call me blessed and favored! I am aware that it is You that has blessed me so that I can be a blessing to others.”

Wishing you all a great week!

 

We show love to God by prayer, trust, and devotion to Him. Genuinely loving others and serving God in our daily tasks is living a life that demonstrates our devotion to the Lord.

if you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10)

Abiding in the Lord means that we keep His commandments. We allow His word to fill our minds, to guide our lives, and to change our affections. When we abide, we cultivate the life-giving connection we have to Jesus! It requires total dependency on our part, always acknowledging that He is the source. We can do nothing without Him!

for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring. (Acts 17:28)

Walking by faith and spending focused time with God will both strengthen us as we abide in the Lord. God’s love inhabits us as we grow in Him. It is only natural for us to share God’s love to those around us when we abide in Him.

Additional Verses To Further Study Abiding in the Lord

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7)

Let all that you do be done in love.  (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Prayer Starter:

“Father, in You I live, move, and have my being! Your word says when I abide in You, You will abide in me. I long to bless others for Your glory, not my own.” 

Wishing you all a great week!

 

 

With so much going on in the world today, if we aren’t careful to guard our minds, we become fearful. Fear then paralyzes us and we are unable to function in mind, body, and spirit in the way that God intended for us to.

We can choose to have faith over fear! Christians understand that God is the one who is always in control. Remembering that the same God who’s in control also has nothing but good plans for us is what brings comfort we are afraid. God’s perfect love drives out fear, which makes us free! We can always seek refuge in the Lord.

Below I’ve listed some Bible verses. Each one is full of  love, peace, and comfort that will  ease your mind and shift your focus during times of fear. Simply replace all thoughts of fear with God’s truth. These verses have all been a blessing to me and I hope that you find comfort in them, as well.

10 Bible Verses for When You Feel Anxious and Afraid

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” (Psalm 94:14)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  (1 John 4:18)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

Prayer Starter:

“Lord, Your presence brings comfort to me when I am afraid. You promise to sustain me and I put my trust in You at all times.”

Wishing you all a great week!

 

Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! (Ephesians 1:6)

Christians live every day by the grace of God. Grace can be defined as mercy, not merit; undeserved goodness. What a blessing that God’s grace is something that we do not have to work for to have! God is a loving and kind father who wants the best for our lives. He pours grace on us every day!

When something is poured, it is flows in a steady stream. Therefore, God’s grace is given to us in abundance and never runs out!

For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Accepting God’s grace helps us live a joyous life from day to day, able to focus on things that matter most. Acknowledging the grace He gives shows that we are thankful for it. Resting in God’s mercy and grace enables us to completely enjoy life as we rely on God to handle the details of life.

Devotion: Sustained by God’s Grace

Each day we wake we are given new mercies and grace. Philippians 2:13 tells us that God works within us and gives us strength to accomplish what things He has called us to do. It is pleasing to God when we accept the grace He so freely gives.

God will never ask us to do anything that He hasn’t given us the power and ability to do. God’s grace is what gives us the ability to accomplish things the way that the Lord intends. Grace changes our desires, behaviors, and motivations.

Additional Verses To Further Study God’s Grace

Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it. (Hebrews 4:16)

Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. (John 1:16)

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13)

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (Lamentations 3:23)

Prayer Starter:

“Lord, You give me love and grace in abundance. You are wonderful and give all things to me so freely. I am grateful for all You do for me.”

Wishing you all a great week!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5)

God is truth. Because of this, God cannot lie and He never breaks promises! This stands forever! Embracing the promises of God brings comfort, joy, and peace as we navigate through life.

Whenever hope is lost, magnifying God’s goodness, His love, and His promises is what will reinforce hope in the hearts of those who love Jesus.  A hopeful heart is also patient as we wait on the Lord to fulfill His promises to us. Our God is sovereign and His plans for us are good!

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (Romans 15:4)

To be diligent can be defined as having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties. Diligently visiting God’s word refreshes and renews not only our minds, but also reinforces our hope.

God’s word will never fails. The more that we are strengthened and encouraged ourselves, we are more able to continue to be the light and hope of Jesus.

Additional Verses To Further Study of Reinforcing Hope  

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love.His redemption overflows. (Psalm 130:7)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25-26)

Wishing you all a great week!