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I have always had an inquisitive nature. I like to know, understand, and wrap my mind around things. Learning new things about the world and people I interact with brings me great joy. I have the same curiosity about God, faith, and the Bible. It always amazes me how God uses things I have read dozens of times to shift my perspectives and reveal areas of growth.
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As a mother, I have always desired to cultivate this sense of wonder and awe in my kids. When we go on vacations or outings together, they often tease me over how much I "oooh" and "ahhh" over the most simple, yet new to me things I see. It's so easy to think we have seen and done it all -- or that life holds no mystery anymore. This thinking steals the joy we can have in the most ordinary of days. When it comes to our relationship with God, a lack of wonder leads to a weakened faith -- it creates apathy in our souls. When it comes to earthly relationships, too much familiarity can breed discontent and feelings of ingratitude. Never assume we know all there is to know. Choose to pursue and create new opportunities to learn together.
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As I watch my kids building their own lives, it makes me smile to see them excited to explore new places, learn new things, and find genuine enthusiasm for life. It is good to stand in awe over the beautiful things/places God designed. It reminds us how big He is and yet how loved we are. It does my heart good to catch them doing some "oohing" and "ahhing" of their own. :)
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In this season of thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, it's easy to get caught up in the doing of it all. In November, we spend time focusing on being thankful. In December, we focus on celebrating the birth of our Savior --- or at least we try to keep our focus here in the midst of shopping, wrapping, partying, etc. We can quickly turn into a "scrooge" if we lack the ability to rest and rejoice in the object of our gratitude and praise.
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What will naturally turn our hearts toward Christ in the midst of it all? Awe and wonder!
When is the last time you spent time seeking God for the sheer pleasure of it? How often do you find yourself lost in your Bible looking for connections, word meanings, or character studies of interesting people? What is on your gratitude list? Does it go deeper than physical, fleeting things?
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I am asking God to renew my sense of wonder as I had when I first came to Christ. Children have the most amazing outlooks on life as they find simple joy in the most common of things. It is fresh to them and they want to know about it all. One of the greatest hindrances as adults is the loss of this childlike curiosity. But, we can pray for eyes that see things in fresh ways.
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Luke 5:26, NLT, "Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
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What amazing things have you seen God do? What amazing things have you seen Him do in Scripture? Who is this God we serve? Do you want to know more?!?
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Hebrews 12:28, ESV, "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."
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I invite you to worship and find great joy in this next month. Find awe in the mystery of God becoming man. Wonder at the reality of God's Spirit dwelling within us. Be curious about the familiar Christmas passages and dig a little deeper on your own. Look at the lights as if for the first time. Give God glory for all He has done.
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And watch the fruit of gratitude naturally grow as the Spirit works in your worship.
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I felt God laying this on my heart to write to each of you, and I hope that it encourages you to keep persevering in hope, friends! We only know in part but are invited to know Him more. What a gracious gift!
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New on the Blog:
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How can we cultivate a sense of awe and wonder in our lives this month?
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I would love to hear your ideas to compile to help one another, so email me your suggestions! Pause to notice the details you might normally overlook or rush by!
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Do you or someone you know wrestle with assurance of salvation?
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This is a quick, inexpensive, yet helpful read!
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“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength.”
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If you need prayer, please send me a message, and I will be more than happy to intercede on your behalf. If you would like to help support my ministry and purchase a beautiful resource for guided prayer, visit this link.
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Great gift idea! I have some $10 copies available. Just email me.
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Do you follow my posts on Facebook or Instagram for daily doses of encouragement?
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