Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Some days it is hard to sing because as I look out on our audience at Life Care Center, I see people in wheelchairs, some with limbs missing, some no longer verbal, and I wonder what these words mean to them. How can they count their blessings when their life isn’t what anyone ever hoped for? And yet they sing, and they smile and some tap their feet or clap their hands because we are counting blessings together again by faith and Jesus draws near! And the Bible reminds me that Jesus counted the cross as worth it, in exchange for our salvation and for the glory that waited His return to Heaven. He didn’t count blessings with a song but with suffering and yet by faith He endured, as today’s verse tells us, by looking forward to the joys that lay ahead. I pray that no matter what you are going through this morning, that the presence of Jesus will fill your heart with grace and strength. Counting blessings is not always easy. Life is not always a song, and we do not skip down an easy road singing “Lalalala!” every day. Often the way ahead is filled with challenges, hardships and heart ache. But whatever we are experiencing this morning; Jesus has promised to never leave us. He is with us and takes our hand in His, and reminds us of the nails that pierced His, while He was counting blessings.
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Hi Pete, an honest and beautiful reminder. I thank you for that. A couple of days ago my wife asked me the same question about ten times within five minutes and I was mindful of what she endures. Sometimes we have no idea what others have gone through or are going through, yet as you say,, God is always there to show us another side. That’s a hard reality to put into words. Blessings, brother!
God bless you both Bruce. It isn’t easy for either of you. You have shared a lifetime together and now grace alone can help you along.
New every morning!
I have found that counting my blessings every night before I go to sleep allows me to take my mind off my problems and focus on Jesus. The more heartbreaking the problems, the more we need to count our blessings. There are always many things to be thankful for!
And don’t think, “easy for her to say” because my life has not been without heartache.
God bless you, Pastor Pete. Yours is an important ministry. Thank you! 🤗
Thanks Cindy and great idea about thanking God at the end of each day. We pray early in the evening because by bed time I can’t focus well enough to count well!
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I know exactly what you’re taking about, Pastor Pete. Sometimes there is little, or no reaction from a nursing home audience. However, afterwards when we walk around to greet folks, many will perk up and say thank you with a smile. It’s obvious they were following along and listening the whole time.
I can never be reminded too often to count my blessings. It’s so easy to get bogged down in the here and now, to feel tired and discouraged, but one thing I have learned is that when I am in that down frame of mind, I need to look around me and express my thankfulness to God for the many blessings of the day. One of those blessings today is your ministry and your blog!
Oh thank you Patty. What a blessing to hear that God touched and encouraged you by our simple singing. You and your family are such a blessing to so many.
Thank you, Pete!