New Beginnings

When I think of Spring, my thoughts go to new beginnings—trees budding and blossoming, daffodils and tulips erupting from the ground, and warmer temperatures. Here in Middle Tennessee, Spring also brings plenty of rain.

We lived in New Mexico during Nashville’s floods in 2010, but during the weekend of March 27, we experienced the area’s second largest rainfall with over seven inches. One of our favorite places to walk has been closed because of flooding. We are thankful another location reopened and that it didn’t flood where we live with our daughter and her family.

My 2021 verses, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, A New Year Filled With Joy, are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(NIV)

Give thanks in all circumstances. Besides keeping us dry through the downpours, God has blessed us with precious time with our daughter and her family, along with our son and his family. He kept us safe and warm during several days in February while stranded at the house because an abundance of snow caused a slippery subdivision.

I’m keeping a gratitude journal this year to remind myself of God’s goodness. Every day I add something for which I am grateful. Often, it’s sunshine since Tennessee isn’t as bright and cheery as New Mexico. Other times it’s something to do with my writing or a church service we attended. I’ve also noted thankfulness for God’s Word and how it strengthens me and fills me with hope. I’ve been grateful for simple things too—café mochas, walks along the river, holding my husband’s hand, laughing with family, watching birds outside my window, and a good night’s sleep.

Although it may seem odd, I often thank the Lord when our offer on a house isn’t accepted. God knows what we need and if it doesn’t work out for a specific house, then I believe it’s not where He wants us. He has a plan for us, and I trust Him with that.

My verses say to be thankful in all circumstances. I believe I am. New beginnings are all around me. In His time, a new home will belong to my family and me too.

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Photo by Laura Ockel - Unsplash

Offer Sacrifices

Before Christ’s death and resurrection, people presented burnt offerings to receive forgiveness of their sins. But these gifts weren’t the Lord’s only requirement. He also desired that their sacrifice be given with a thankful heart and a broken spirit—a change of attitude within. Are we required to offer sacrifices today?

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.

Psalm 50:14, NLT

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalm 51:17, NLT

Once Christ sacrificed His life for us, we were no longer required to present burnt offerings. We are called, however, to model our lives after His—filled with love.

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.
He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us,
a pleasing aroma to God.

Ephesians 5:2, NLT

Romans 12:1 teaches that our bodies are to be a living and holy sacrifice. Our true worship includes holiness, purity, and Christlikeness.

And we are taught to offer a continual sacrifice of praise—to proclaim our faithfulness to His name.

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.
These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:15-16, NLT

But when is our offering of thanksgiving and praise a sacrifice? Do we ever have bad days or days we don’t feel well? Maybe we’re too tired or busy? Even during these times, we are to thank and praise the One who has given us so much and proclaim our commitment and devotion to Him.

Sacrifice is still required today as a part of our daily worship, in our praise and thanksgiving for all God has done, and in declaring our faithfulness to His name. Other ways we may sacrifice are of our time, talent, and giving. These include doing good and sharing with those in need as stated in the above verses from Hebrews—lovingly serving others is often a sacrifice.

In what other ways do we offer sacrifices to the Lord?

Father, may I be aware of how You desire for me to lovingly serve others in the sacrificing of my time, talent, and giving. Convict me, Holy Spirit, when I sin, so I can be quick to repent and follow You—to worship You in purity and walk in Christlikeness. Help me remember to thank You on my good days and on those not so good days when I’d rather mope and complain. I desire to give You praise and thanksgiving for all Your blessings, declare Your faithfulness through my daily life, and offer sacrifices You are pleased with. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez - Unsplash