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Tagged: memories

Gingerbread Legacy Dec. 05, 2022 / 0 Comments
(RECIPE included!) The legacy began more than 30 years ago when my oldest daughter was about three years old. I baked her Gingerbread Men cookies…
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Can you hear the applause? It roars throughout the

Can you hear the applause? It roars throughout the sports arena when fans cheer for their team. Whether we’re watching a Broadway show or a hometown movie, clapping breaks the silence when we’re emotionally moved. Handclapping and verbal shouts of praise accompany the crowning of a beauty queen. Even observing a baby’s first steps compels us to break out into sudden claps of joy. We applaud when we’re supporting our children’s sporting events or dance recitals, when they make good grades or catch their first fish. Honoring others for their high achievement and success brings us to our feet with praise.

Do we admire God’s work as much? Have you ever clapped for God? He is the only One truly worthy of recognition. Have you ever watched a glorious sunrise spread its color across the sky and broke out into spontaneous applause? When God performs a miracle in your life, do you ever clap and shout, “Yay, God”?

No one is more deserving of a loud, enthusiastic standing ovation, than our God.

Oh, how He must enjoy the sounds of praises when we clap loudly and tell Him how worthy He is! Eventually, every person and every nation will shout accolades to God as they bow at His throne (Philippians 2:10). What a privilege and honor it is to praise Him now. All we need to do is stand to our feet, look to heaven, and break out in applause.

Psalm 47:1 –“O clap your hands, all peoples; shout to God with the voice of joy.”
What will you applaud God for today?

Copyright@www.debbiepresnell.com

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!