Receiving Food With Gratitude Instead of Guilt
Kate Horney
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4-5, ESV).
Eternal God, as I near the end of this year, I pause to give thanks for Your constant presence through every joy and trial. Help me to reflect with gratitude on the lessons I’ve learned and the ways I’ve grown, even in difficulty. Forgive my shortcomings, renew my spirit, and guide me into the new year with hope, courage, and trust in Your unfailing grace. May I finish this year well — at peace with others, faithful in heart, and ready to walk boldly into what You have prepared. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 (ESV)
“… The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
“When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2:15-16 (CSB)
Gracious God, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we open our hearts in quiet expectation and love. As we draw near to the celebration of Christ’s birth, help us to welcome Him with faith and humility, like Mary did. Fill our homes and lives with Your peace, even as the world waits in longing. Let our love for others reflect the love You so freely give to us. We thank You for the gift of Immanuel — God with us — now and always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.” Acts 18:26b (CSB)
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4-5, ESV).
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...” (John 1:12, ESV).
Jesus, as I feel my emotions, I’m going to choose not to rush through this pain. Because You lived on earth as a human, I know You understand how sadness can make Your heart feel like it’s...
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV).