You Matter
You matter.
You matter. I matter. We matter. All of us matter to God. We all experience moments when we feel like we don’t matter to anyone. People, experiences, and situations can make us feel minute and insignificant as if we are on this life journey alone.
I want to encourage you with a reminder that YOU MATTER. You matter to God, your creator. The Bible says God took His time and masterfully created you in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16). Every detail about our being (physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally) is important to God, so He crafted us with care.
God told Joshua that he would be with Joshua as he led the children of Israel. (Joshua 1:9). Moses informed Joshua that God would never fail or abandon him (Deuteronomy 31:6-9). These same promises hold for us today. God is with us as we journey through life. You. I. We matter.
God captures our tears and holds them near. You matter. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalms 56:8
God is with you wherever you go. You, me, we matter. Psalm 139:7-12
God sees us all as His beautiful creations. Genesis 1:26-31
Everything about us is important to God. God loves us. God values us. We matter to Him. You are here for a purpose. Your life is worth living and you are loved.
You Matter. I Matter. We Matter.
He is Risen!
Mark 16:6 NLT “but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.”* (Emphasis added)
Hallelujah! He is Risen! Happy Resurrection Sunday to everyone! Today, Christian’s all over the world celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection signifies His defeat of Satan, sin, and death; and our reconciliation with God. We no longer have to be in bondage to sin and death in any form (depression, sadness, negative thoughts, oppression, etc.) thanks to the victory secured by Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:57 “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”*
Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection restored our relationship with God. We can now encounter and experience God on an intimate, personal level. We no longer need an intermediary to speak to God on our behalf. We can speak freely to God and know that He hears our prayers.
Resurrection Sunday also signifies the start of spring. In the northern hemisphere, we see the vestiges of winter give way to blossoming flowers, chirping birds, and other signs of new life. I pray that we all experience God’s resurrection power in our lives. God can resurrect His presence, peace, joy, and love in our lives. Remember, winter does end and spring comes with a reminder of Jesus’ resurrection.
Today, celebrate, rejoice for our Redeemer lives!
*Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Happy Thanksgiving
“I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous works.”
Psalm 9:1 CSB
Today is the day that the United States of America collectively gives thanks. Many will gather with family and friends, some will relax in quiet solitude, and others will show love to their neighbors. Let us remember to thank God for His bountiful blessings, however, you plan to spend the day.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 CSB
As many are looking forward to Thanksgiving Day in joyful anticipation of the good meal and fun times, countless others are dreading this day. Thanksgiving Day 2022 may not be filled with joy for many. Today may be the first Thanksgiving Day that many celebrate without their beloved. Many are grappling with the loss of family and friends due to death, divorce, etc. Some are dealing with the devastating news of an unwanted diagnosis, work situation, etc.
For those of us experiencing loss this holiday season, I encourage you to allow yourself to feel the grief, honor your memories, and welcome God into your grief. I am personally navigating a season of grief and transition. Those whom I celebrated with in the past are not with me this year. To be honest, I am sad. I miss them. I’ve cried. God and I have had some conversations. I am grateful that I can be transparent with God and that He is with me as I navigate this season. As you navigate grief this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to invite God into your grief. He can handle all of our emotions.
I encourage all to spread some cheer today, especially to those who are navigating a season of grief.
I hope that everyone experiences joy, comfort, and peace this Thanksgiving and always.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Honoring Our Veterans
November 11th was originally designated as a day in which the United States commemorated Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. As time passed and the nation’s heroes were called to serve, protect, and defend in other conflicts, November 11th became known as Veterans Day to honor all who served the nation. I salute my sisters and brothers in arms. Thank you for your leadership, sacrifice, mentorship, friendship, and camaraderie.
Source:
History of Veterans Day
Let Your Vote Be Heard
Head to your voting poll and let your vote be heard, if you have not done so already. We have an opportunity and responsibility to vote. The opportunity to vote is one that many throughout the world would give their life to have. Right here in the USA’s not-so-distant past, many marched and died so that all could vote.
Let Your Vote Be Heard