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Plans, Dreams, Goals … Oh Yeah, and Vision Dec. 30, 2022 / 0 Comments
We think about plans, dreams, and goals around this time —when we’re moving into a new year. We might even have a vision for something…
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Start the Fire! Dec. 28, 2022 / 0 Comments
Is it possible to shine God's light in a dark world? I started thinking about this very seriously while reflecting on the last 60 years…
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What Are You Wearing? Dec. 26, 2022 / 0 Comments
What are you wearing today? We get dressed each day depending on the weather, where we’re going, and even the circumstances we’re facing. But putting…
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What God Builds is Significant Dec. 23, 2022 / One Comment
In fourth grade, I used sugar cubes to build a replica of one of the beautiful Old California Missions. When the day arrived to take…
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Gifts For God Dec. 19, 2022 / 4 Comments
Walking with me into my bedroom, Lanie, my then four-year-old granddaughter spotted my jewelry box. “Nana,” she asked. “Can I look at your jewelry?” I…
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We thank you, God, for your mercy! If not for your

We thank you, God, for your mercy! If not for your mercy, we could not stand.

Who is “this one”? Isaiah 66:2 tells us, “

Who is “this one”?

Isaiah 66:2 tells us, “To this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

Do you ever wonder if God finds favor with you, and if yes, why? And if no, why not? Do you secretly wonder if God favors others more than you?

The word favor can be defined as “approval, partiality, (and) support.” God’s favor is portrayed throughout the Bible:

• God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials (Daniel 1:9).
• The boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men (1 Samuel 2:26).
• The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God (Luke 1:30).
• David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob (Acts 7:46).
• Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8).

God did not say these were His favorite people, only that He showered favor on them. All five-people had something in common. In their confusion and imperfection, they humbly sought the Lord and obeyed Him.

So, who is this one? Whom does God shower His blessings?

The one who sets aside independence and self-reliance and depends on God.
The one who seeks to know Him better, by reading His Word.
The one who chooses to obey His Word, even when it’s difficult.
The one who is remorseful for sin, but not frightened of the God who forgives.
God loves His children to come to Him as much as we love our children to come to us.

God’s favor is still poured out on us today. Let’s ask Him to help us recognize the favor He imparts.

Copyrighted@ debbiepresnell.com

“I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear wh

“I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear when people talk about anything good. Often, we ask God to bless us and others. But how can we bless God? I mean, this concept comes from Psalm 104:1 which tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, You are very great.” How can we who have nothing bless God who has everything?

“‘To bless the Lord’ means to delight His heart by expressing GRATITUDE for all He is and all He does,” says Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe. We’re encouraged when others thank us for the gifts we give and the necessities we provide. We love it when others notice our help with a project or fixing a meal. Our heavenly Father has done more for us than we could ever do for others. And telling Him so is how we bless Him.

John Piper wrote: “My thesis is that in the Scripture when God ‘blesses’ men they are thereby helped and strengthened and made better off than they were before, but when men ‘bless’ God He is not helped or strengthened or made better off. Rather, man’s blessing God is an ‘expression of praising thankfulness.’ It is an ‘exclamation of GRATITUDE and admiration.’”

Our perfect Father blesses us. But isn’t it wonderful that He doesn’t expect perfection in return? When we bring our praise and thanks to Him, that’s blessing enough.
How can we bless God this Thanksgiving? Show gratitude.

copyrighted@debbiepresnell.com

“I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear wh

“I’m so blessed” is an expression we hear when people talk about anything good. Often, we ask God to bless us and others. But how can we bless God? I mean, this concept comes from Psalm 104:1 which tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, You are very great.” How can we who have nothing bless God who has everything?

“‘To bless the Lord’ means to delight His heart by expressing GRATITUDE for all He is and all He does,” says Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe. We’re encouraged when others thank us for the gifts we give and the necessities we provide. We love it when others notice our help with a project or fixing a meal. Our heavenly Father has done more for us than we could ever do for others. And telling Him so is how we bless Him.

John Piper wrote: “My thesis is that in the Scripture when God ‘blesses’ men they are thereby helped and strengthened and made better off than they were before, but when men ‘bless’ God He is not helped or strengthened or made better off. Rather, man’s blessing God is an ‘expression of praising thankfulness.’ It is an ‘exclamation of GRATITUDE and admiration.’”

Our perfect Father blesses us. But isn’t it wonderful that He doesn’t expect perfection in return? When we bring our praise and thanks to Him, that’s blessing enough.
How can we bless God this Thanksgiving? Show gratitude.

copyrighted@debbiepresnell.com

Good Friday Morning! Good news for us ... we alway

Good Friday Morning! Good news for us ... we always have HOPE! Hang onto Jesus and His Word--He cannot fail. Make it a good weekend! You continue to SHINE!

When I was younger, approaching God was foreign to

When I was younger, approaching God was foreign to me. In my mind, more important people, mostly preachers and missionaries, were first in line to approach God. I was at the back, double-checking my list to be sure the content was worthy to be discussed with God. I had a false perception of God.

King David’s persistent questioning gives us insight into his relationship with God. He believed that he could approach God. Like a small child, he was unafraid, confident, fully trusting. And that level of trust enabled him to be transparent and open. He comfortably questioned — and ranted —like a child before his daddy.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us,” Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

With boldness we approach God’s throne and accept that He will reach down and pull us close. He is Holy God and Sovereign — creator of the Universe, but at the same time, He is Father and we’re His children. In this place, God lavishes His love on us, and provides the help we desperately need.

God accepts everyone who approaches Him. Then we unpack our heavy burdens and give to Him everything we have stashed or hidden inside — all our fears, disappointment and the crippling anxieties that weigh us down. We share our untold secrets of shame and regret and our most private thoughts. We give Him our confusion, our mix-ups, and uncertainties. We surrender our pride and sinful habits. There, at the glorious throne of Almighty God, we lay them down.

Do you have a David-like confidence to approach God with everything?
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