Thankful Hearts

Wednesday, November 16

Thankful Hearts

Week 3 Focus: Various Blessings

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. Luke 10:38

Today, I am thankful for … my HOME.

What makes a house a HOME? My answer would be the people who live in it.

Take the time to read the scriptures offered in this post below (or in the daily Scripture images so beautifully put together by Hester Jane Burnside). In these verses, you will see that fellowship is the focus, not the four walls, not the decor, nor the elaborate food at the table.

Let's remember this as we are all starting our holiday lists that can get rather long and stress-filled. Maybe this week and next, as you are driving around, going to the grocery store, preparing the meals, cleaning the bedrooms, etc., decide to use this time in quiet prayer, thanking God for each individual that will enter your home during the holiday season.

Thank Him for the opportunity to gather together. Ask Him to be present in every conversation and every interaction. Ask Him to be the strongest voice and the greatest love and the sweetest blessing in the midst of your family. Ask Him to bless your home with both his presence and his peace.

Our homes are our a gift from the Lord. I've never been without one, and I would imagine, Soul Sister, the majority of you have been blessed in this way as well. Our hospitality is our gift back to God. He delights to see us gather together!

"How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity." Psalm 133:1

So let's trim down our to-do lists and beef up our prayer lists. In doing so, we will be more eager to open up our doors with warm and thankful hearts.

Scripture: Luke 10:38; Acts 2:46-47; Acts 12:12; Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:11-13

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of our homes. We take for granted the pleasures of kitchens and bathrooms, comfortable beds and cozy dens. Again, we praise you for your tangible goodness to us! As a gift back to you, help us to prepare our hearts for this upcoming holiday. As you know, where people gather, so do potential problems. Relationships are hard to navigate at times! We ask for your mercy and your grace even now. Please Lord, bless us richly with your unifying love. Amen.