When meeting and greeting others of the faith we often greet them with words that express God’s blessings in our lives no matter the circumstance we may be facing. This is especially true in the African Descent faith community.
“How are you doing? Oh, I am blessed.” Reminding each other that we are blessed and as well blessed to be a blessing to others. This always reminds us of how truly blessed we are just because Christ resides in our lives.
As we near the end of these pandemics of the past months we should take the time daily to count our blessings. We have weathered the storms of the COVID-19 health crisis, economic downturn resulting from the health crisis, and racial tension that left and still has us shattered and in tears. Through it all we have been, and others will be sustained by our faith. A visible witness amidst the storms of life, we are blessed to be a blessing. Daily devotions sustain this faith with and in the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
May God continue to bless you and strengthen you through your prayer life as you bless others through your actions and in prayer. Make this a better world as you put your daily devotions into action. I pray that you will make your own ”be a blessing action plan”. But here are a few suggestions to get you started:
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Open yourself up to others from different racial-ethnic backgrounds.
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Reach out to friends or relatives you have disconnected from due to past hurts.
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Volunteer with some organization that needs extra human support so very, very much to get their job done.
Whatever you do know that you are being a blessing to others. And God’s word is being fulfilled in your actions: My word will not return to me void If my people who are called by name will humble themselves and pray…I will hear from heaven and bless their land (2 Chronicles 7:1).
Love and blessings to all who read this and take it to heart by putting it into action. May this daily devotion be the start of your blessing plan.
A Daily Devotion
(Read Matthew 14:23)
(Morning)
Dear Jesus, because of all that I must do,
and all that lies before mew today, I kneel to you in prayer.
(Evening)
Dear Jesus, meet me. I am alone with you at last.
Redeeming God, seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus. In solitude, the silence, we find you. Jesus always made room in his busy schedule to be alone with you in prayer. This time I spend alone with you in prayer is valuable. It is sacred time. It will help me grow spiritually in your grace as I become more and more like Christ.
(Morning)
Help me to be patient with others as you are with me.
When out of frustration I lose patience with another, remind me
Of the times when, like Peter, I have needed your patience.
(Prayers of Intercession)
(Evening)
Dear Jesus, thank you for your patience with me today.
(Prayers of Intercession)
As Jesus taught his disciples I pray.
(Pray the prayer of the Savior)
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(Morning) Dear Jesus, as I begin this day, I kneel to praise your name. Hallelujah! In Your name I pray. Amen. |
(Evening) At the end of this day I kneel; to you in thanks. In the Savior’s name I pray. Amen. |
- Rev. Linda Boston MDiv ’92
Thriving Leadership Formation Cohort Leader
