H2H November

NOVEMBER 2021

We are blessed beyond measure! We were sinners separated from God, yet in His mercy and grace, He redeemed us and
promises us eternal life. That’s the Gospel... my guilt, covered by His grace, produces gratitude. Isn’t it interesting that
we so readily associate being blessed by what we possess, as in material, tangible, commodities. Although God’s blessings
are realized both spiritually and physically, it would be beneficial to consider the meaning of the word blessed.
The most frequent Old Testament word for blessed is barukh. When applied to God, it has the sense of praise, as in ‘Bless
the Lord, Oh my soul”. When used in referencing man it denotes favor, happiness, and living according to God’s ways.
A New Testament Greek word for blessed is makarios, and has a strong spiritual content and carries the idea of happy, for-
tunate, or to be envied. In studying New Testament references of bless, blessing, or blessed, it would be important to note
that none connect blessing specifically to material prosperity. For example: Blessed are ...the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the
meek, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted because of right-
eousness” (Matthew 5:3-10). In multiple passages referencing bless, blessing or blessed, Jesus taught and emphasized ‘virtues’ and
‘values’ rather than vacations, vanities, and valuables.
Like you, I am incredibly grateful for provision of a home and monetary means that enable me to eat out, travel, celebrate
life and enjoy material things. Yet, it’s the virtues and values of the Kingdom of God that truly yield a blessed life. Ephe-
sians 1:3 reminds us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual bless-
ings in heavenly places in Christ.” Here, the word blessed is eulogetos and it means ‘to speak well of’ God’, and blessings means bene-
fits bestowed upon (us). So, in our November ZOOM meeting we are going to bless God and speak well of Him for He has
indeed, lavished us with His love. We’re going to speak of His kindness, grace, mercy, and bountiful blessings! Come pre-
pared to bless our good and gracious God by expressing your gratitude for the benefits you enjoy as a byproduct of your
relationship with Him. #PRAISEPARTY!

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

ZOOM Connecting Conversations
Monday, November 29, 7 PM

A Virtual Experience!
“Let my mouth be filled with thy praise…” (Psalm 71:8).
Come prepared to thank God for spiritual, physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual blessings,
in song, in word, in dance (well, maybe!) and with our prayers.

#praiseparty!

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness
and his wonderful works to the children of men
(Psalms 107:8).

If you have sufficient food, decent clothes, live in a house or apartment, and
have a reasonably reliable means of transportation,

you are among the top 15% of the world’s wealthy.
If you earn $25,000 or more annually,

you are in the top 10% of the world’s income earners.
If you have any money saved, a hobby that requires some equipment or supplies,

a variety of clothes in your closet, two cars (in any condition), and live
in your own home, you are in the top 5% of the world’s wealthy.

If you earn more than $50,000 annually,
you are in the top 1% of the world’s income earners.

Source: irememberthepoor.org/MSN Money

• Develop the spiritual discipline of gratitude.
• Give thanksgiving for ordinary things that you wouldn’t typically consider.
• Thank God for the glimpses of His grace in the midst of difficulties.
• Examine your personal gratitude quotient from time-to-time.
• Express gratitude daily.
• Journal God’s faithfulness to you.
• Show gratitude toward others and give generously out of your increase.
• Reflect God’s faithfulness, goodness, and grace through a grateful heart and words.
• Ask God for His forgiveness for the sin of ingratitude.
• Seek to not be situational or seasonal with your gratitude.

Gratitude is a choice. If we fail to choose it, by default we choose ingrati-
tude. And once allowed into the heart, ingratitude does not come by itself,
but with other seedy companions that only succeed in stealing joy.
Derived from a popular Revive Our Hearts radio series, Choosing Grati-
tude: Your Journey to Joy challenges and equips the reader to live a life of in-
tention, a life based on thankfulness for the freedom Christ has provided
and for the blessings of others.
By intentionally thanking God and others, bitterness and entitlement are re-
placed with joy and the humble realization of just how undeserving we really
are.
To not choose gratitude is more costly than we usually realize. When we do
choose a lifestyle of heartfelt, humble gratitude, we are mindful of the bene-
fits received from our gracious Savior and those He has placed around us,
and our joy becomes full. Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Participants of the Praise Party on Monday, November 29th will have an opportunity
to be the recipients of these two resources.

Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.” But we could all use a little help actually making room for
gratitude among our everyday busyness and concerns. 52 Weeks of Gratitude offers
you a space to record and reflect on your blessings each week as you focus
through the year on four major themes: Home, Community, Faith, and Beauty.

With its lovely full-color photographs and illustrations, this textured hardcover
book is a perfect keepsake. The weekly format offers just the right amount of
encouragement to inspire, motivate, and create a grateful heart in all who write in
its pages.

Infuse spirituality and thankfulness into your daily life with this gratitude
journal that offers a simple way to lower stress and improve happiness.

52 Weeks of Gratitude—A One-Year Journal to Reflect, Pray and Record
Thankfulness, Ink & Willow