Good morning Children of God!
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!” Psalm 118:24-25 Here is your Wednesday’s Message (it is also attached):
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Blessing Project Part III
Word of blessings continues to roll in and serve as a reminder that our God never rests. As it is written, “But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’” John 5:17 Here are some more blessings that have been received along with some of my observations.
It is a blessing to be able to walk our dog outside every morning and evening and to see the marvelous changes around us as more plants awaken. We see the woods in back of Prairie Lincoln Elementary School growing thicker. There are so many shades of green. It is a blessing to have the internet at our fingertips to keep us connected with family and friends. John has been able to continue to read to the blind for Voice Corp at home because of the internet. The web has been a great resource for researching information in order to help our grandson who is in the 8th grade. I’d forgotten how to make Punnet squares among other things. It is a blessing to be able to find the hymn that is written with Sunday’s message on YouTube and sing along with some choir or musician who has recorded it. It is a blessing to be able to order what we need and have it delivered right to our door. It is a blessing to know that our brothers and sisters in Christ are there and that we can communicate with them. Jean and John Hank
It has been a blessing this past week to see and listen to Ian (Stewart) play his new keyboard on Facebook. Every night at 12:00 he is live on his keyboard. If I am not still awake to catch him then I listen to him the next morning. It is so relaxing and peaceful. I especially like the beautiful familiar hymns he plays, I find myself singing along to many of them. Ian’s music talent is truly a blessing! Vickie Schlosser
Our recent blessing is that our youngest, Megan, graduated with a Masters in Health and Rehabilitation at The Ohio State University. She will study the next 4 weeks and take the Registered Dietitian exam. We have all been healthy! Praise God for all Blessings. Betsy Schmalenberger
From Kris Durban. I have enjoyed everyone’s observations during this time of trial. My own experiences involve God’s continual affirmation of new life and new beginnings. During the quarantine, my niece proceeded with her wedding – not the large affair she had planned, but scaled down nuptials conducted on the steps of a gazebo with a few of us observing the “drive-in” event from our cars. Also, there is new life in my home, in the form of newborn kittens. They, along with the budding trees and lush grass, remind me that God is present everywhere if we take the time to observe and appreciate His work.
Like Kris, I (Pastor Bill) have enjoyed and appreciate the sharing of blessings that has taken place over the past several weeks. I inventoried and categorized the responses and one thing they all have in common is that our time of sheltering has underscored the importance of being in touch with God, nature, family, friends, and fellow church members. The summation of the Blessing Project is that even when we are challenged in a time of being separated, God finds ways to bless us through important relationships.
An example of God blessing us and staying in touch with us through nature lies in the pictures which are included in the attachments. They come from Susie Parker and she wrote this:
“My blessing: This beautiful sunset Sunday evening. Only our God could surround us with such feasts for the senses. Miracles abound for the seeking.”
(Susie’s photos hopefully can be viewed in the attachments.)
In addition to nature, God has shown a knack for blessing us and staying in touch with us in various ways through family, friends, and fellow church members. Most importantly, God stays in touch with us every moment of every day through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Through our relationship with Jesus we are constantly reminded that God loves us, is mindful of us, and will see us through any challenge. Responses received in the Blessing Project reveal that you see and appreciate God’s blessings when you are mindful of God.
The blessings that have been shared do not exist in a vacuum. Instead, they shine like bright stars in a dark sky. The dark sky is this time in which we live. It is a time which is fraught with anxiety and fear. It is a time of separation and loneliness. We are inundated with many unanswered questions about the future. It can all seem so overwhelming and quickly we can be surrounded by the darkness. But, in the darkness, God gives us light. The blessings of God, like stars, dot the darkness and bring forth comfort and hope.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12 Jesus is the blessing that penetrates the world’s darkness and brings life and light to all people. Jesus knows that your life can be overwhelming and so he invites you to his side saying, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 He knows that we are social beings with a need to be connected to God, people, and nature, and so he reminds us that he is with us always, even until the end of the age. And he blesses us with a myriad of relationships that shine like stars in the night sky.
To the naked eye, some stars seem to shine more brightly than others. It is that way with our relationships too. In times of stress, both weaknesses and strengths in relationships are pronounced. Expectations we have for others may not be met. Or maybe we are not living up to the needs of someone else. In it all, God never lets anyone down. We belong to a loving, ever-present, dependable, faithful God. In these days when it is easy to be disappointed and to be a disappointment, the Lord’s teaching on forgiveness is really important, for he has told us to forgive one another without limit. Matthew 18:22 To forgive and to be forgiven is yet another wonderful blessing through which God touches us.
We are living in the light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We celebrate the blessings that he has poured out upon us bringing forth forgiveness, life that knows no end, and salvation. He is our “bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16) and beautiful savior! Amen.
BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR
Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love thee, truly I’d serve thee, light of my soul, my joy, my crown.
Fair are the meadows, fair are the woodlands, robed in flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, he makes our sorrowing spirit sing.
Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight, bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels in the sky.
Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!
Value his blessings,
Pastor Bill
