Expressing Gratitude in Every Season of Life

In our life, as Christians, gratitude is a powerful and transformative practice that can bring light to even the darkest of seasons. The concept of thanksgiving is deeply rooted in our faith, reminding us to be thankful in all circumstances, even when life presents its most challenging moments.

It’s easy to give thanks when everything is going well, when we’re blessed with health, prosperity, and happiness. However, the true test of our faith and our character comes when we find ourselves navigating through seasons of hurt or darkness. It’s in these trying times that our ability to find things to be grateful for can truly shine as a testament to our faith.

  1. Gratitude in Hardship: It’s during times of adversity that we discover the incredible power of gratitude. When we’re faced with hardships, we may not be thankful for the pain or suffering, but we can find gratitude in the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the opportunity for growth. In these moments, we can turn to the Lord in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength, and find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.
  2. Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle: Although November and the Thanksgiving holiday is a great reminder and way to focus your mind on being grateful, gratitude should not be reserved for a specific day or season of the year. It’s a lifestyle, a daily choice to count our blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Even in the midst of trials, we can be thankful for the love of family and friends, the kindness of strangers, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Gratitude can become a source of light that radiates from within us, even when, especially when, the world around us seems dark.
  3. A Season for Everything: Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” This verse reminds us that life is a journey filled with various seasons—some joyous, some challenging. Each season has its purpose, and we can find reasons to be grateful in all of them. In times of abundance, we thank God for His provision, and in times of scarcity, we thank Him for the opportunity to rely on His unfailing grace.
  4. Community and Support: Often, our gratitude can be deeply intertwined with the community of believers who surround us. In times of trial, we can be thankful for the shoulders we lean on, the prayers offered on our behalf, and the hands that reach out to help. Our faith community can serve as a wellspring of encouragement and gratitude, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

As we journey through the various seasons of life, let’s make it a priority to cultivate a heart of gratitude, not just during Thanksgiving, but throughout the year. In every circumstance, let’s seek the silver linings, count our blessings, lean on Jesus, remember God’s promises for us, and remember that God is with us through every season.

Remember, dear friends, that finding things to be grateful for in every season of life is a powerful act of faith, one that can ignite the light of Christ within us and shine brightly for all to see. In this way, we can be a source of hope and inspiration to others, drawing them closer to the love and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

How to Connect with Gods Creation

orange wildflowers blooming in a field
orange wildflowers blooming in a field“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Summer is here! It is the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors – fresh air, birds chirping, green grass, growing plants, blue skies, and incredible sunrises and sunsets.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship.”                                      (Psalms 19:1)

In seasons like this, we can’t help but take in and relish in God’s beauty. How often do you slow down from your busy schedule to take in the beauty? Well, there’s no better time to enjoy and connect with God’s creation, free from man-made distractions. Take advantage of this beauty by enjoying a walk in nature with a friend, sitting on the porch or by a campfire with family, going fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.

When we get out and connect with God’s creation, it allows us to clear our minds of negative distractions and be present in the moment, hear God’s calling, and provide clarity to what our purpose is in life.

“Stop and consider the wondrous works of God. Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine? Do you know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:14-16)

Apart from the sunshine and beautiful weather, the Lord has also made thunderstorms to rain down on his creation and allow it to grow. There is beauty in this, too. Lightening brightens the sky and accentuates the clouds and the earth for a different view of His creation.

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth.” (Psalm 104:14)

Everything around us can give insight into what God has meant for our lives. Sometimes we just need to stop, take things in, and listen. The simplicity of God’s creation can catapult us forth to see what He has made us to be.

So what can you do today to enjoy God’s creation and learn His purpose for your life? If you’re struggling to find time to connect with God during this busy season of life, here are five others ways to help keep God at the center of your life.

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom, you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.” (Psalms 104:25-25)

Be A Light

Light shining through a canyon

“In a world full of hate, be a light. When you do somebody wrong, make it right.
 Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine. In a world full of hate, be a light.”
(Lyrics from Thomas Rhett’s “In a World Full of Hate be a Light”)

Song lyrics always have a way of reminding us of what we need to hear, say, or do don’t they? And this song is exactly what we all need to hear. In our world right now, many people are feeling and seeing darkness. This song reminds us how we can be a light. And it all starts with the little things in life. Take some of these examples from the song for instance:
·  When you do someone wrong, make it right.Light shining through a canyon
·   In a time full of war, be peace.
·   In a time full of doubt, just believe.
·   In a place that needs change, make a difference.
·   In a time full of noise, just listen.
·   In a race that you can’t win, slow it down.

These are great reminders when things in the world are bringing us down.

The Little Things Matter

The ladies here at Ignite came up with a few additional, simple things that we can easily do for the people in our lives who need us to be a light. It could be little things like cooking dinner, doing the dishes, sending a card of encouragement, letting someone know that you are praying for them, taking a walk, listening to the one you’re with, or giving someone a hug.

Although we might not realize how much of a difference these things can make, they can have a HUGE impact for the right person. One act of kindness, one simple conversation, or one smile may not seem monumental at the time, but the little things add up. This brings another song lyric to mind,
“I might only have one match. But I can make an explosion.” – “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

So, while we might be feeling like the smallest boat floating upon a vast ocean, consider how one word or one simple gesture could “make an explosion” and make a BIG difference for someone in our life.

It is beautiful how both songs, though they have different words, tie together to remind us that it does NOT take BIG things to make a difference in this world. When you put many lighted matches together, you can truly light up a whole room, a whole community, and eventually, ignite the whole world.

Now, go be a light.

Easter: A Season of Renewal

Beautiful white and light pink flowers
Jesus Christ is RISEN!

This momentous occasion signifies the start of the Easter season. According to the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb where Jesus was buried only to discover it was empty. Then, an angel appeared to her and told her that Jesus had risen. And it was in that very moment when everyone began to realize the true depth of what had just happened.

The Easter season is a time of renewal. It is a time of joy and rejoicing in the risen Christ. The season lasts from Easter Sunday to Pentecost – 50 days – and culminates with Jesus’ ascension to heaven and sending forth the Holy Spirit upon the church.

These days are a great time for us to reflect on Jesus’ time on earth in His risen body. He appeared to some who did not even recognize Him and others, like Thomas, who needed to see and touch Him to believe He had risen. (John 20:24-29)

Throughout this joyous season, we can learn about Jesus and read about Him in the Bible. Even though we were not there to witness His life or resurrection, we can continue to develop our relationship with Him and see how it may impact our life.

What was Once Dead, Becomes New Again Beautiful white and light pink flowers

Throughout this new season, our surroundings are beginning to change with the arrival of Spring. We are beginning to see sprouting green grass, budding trees, and flowers breaking through the earth. Spring showers refresh everything around us.

Not only are our surroundings turning green and brightening up the world, but new life is also evident. Many may see calves, lambs, foals, and other baby animals learning to navigate life. Birds are migrating back to their northern homes. Other animals are emerging from hibernation.

As we look around, we see nature and God’s creation letting us know we are starting anew during this season. Spring is a reminder that God continues to make things new. We are never too old to learn more about God and His goodness. Rain provides nourishment to the plants like God’s word speaks to our hearts and shows us things we never thought possible.
As the winds seem to blow harder and harder, have you ever considered that it might just be the Holy Spirit blowing God’s love into your heart? Are you open to change and renewal this season?

Many of us are beginning to do yardwork and spring cleaning. So, how can we do some “spring cleaning” in our faith lives? Here are some tips:

  • Start a new devotional – check out our Foundation devotional to get you started!
  • Get into the habit of reading Scripture daily.
  • Join a Bible study or faith sharing group to learn more about your faith and experience how Jesus has touched others’ lives.

What other ways are you renewing and refreshing your spiritual life this Easter season?

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” – Psalms 1:3 (NIV)

Holy Week

Without the Crucifixion There is No Resurrection

Before we celebrate the joy of Easter, we walk through Holy Week and hear about what Jesus went through before the crucifixion. Holy Week was and is a difficult time, just like some components of Lent, such as fasting. But it is not supposed to be easy. Jesus went through a lot during Holy Week. This week allows us to catch a glimpse of the suffering Jesus went through for us. It serves as a reminder that we will get through these long days of struggle and see God’s enduring love for us all.

Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday and goes through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Throughout this week, we witness what Jesus endured to save us from our sins. Each day holds special meaning based on the actions of Jesus in his final hours.

Palm Sunday

The first day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, which is marked by celebrating the day Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. As He entered the city, the people greeted Him by waving palm branches and proclaiming Him as their Savior. The people of Jerusalem were not aware that Jesus was going to be crucified or that they would be the ones calling for His death. The Passion of Christ is recounted at Palm Sunday services to remember the sufferings of Jesus.

Monday-Wednesday

The next three days were ones of conflict between Jesus and others. On Monday, Jesus was angered by people selling their goods in the house of God. He reminded them that it was to be a place of prayer. On Tuesday, Jesus was questioned by the Jewish leaders who were not convinced that He was the Messiah. Jesus continued preaching his message on Wednesday while the elders, chief priests, and scribes began to plan His death.

Holy or Maundy Thursday

Thursday was Jesus’ last day of freedom before He was arrested. Jesus shared the Last Supper with the Apostles, which is when He instituted the Holy Eucharist or Communion – sharing His own body and blood. To demonstrate humility and love, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Jesus then went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He stayed late into the night.

Good Friday

In the early morning of Good Friday, Jesus was arrested. Judas betrayed Jesus by kissing His cheek, the sign He arranged with those who bribed Him. Thus began a day of suffering before Jesus died on the cross. He stood trial where He was whipped, beaten, spat upon, and made to carry His own cross up the hill where He was nailed to it. A crown of thorns was forced on His head. After He died on the cross, He was removed, wrapped in cloths, and buried in a nearby tomb.

Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday

Holy Saturday was a day of mourning for Jesus’ followers while He lay in his tomb. A guard stood watch to make sure no one tried to steal the body. Early on Sunday morning, Easter Sunday, it was discovered Jesus was no longer in the tomb and He had indeed risen from the dead.
How did this incredible man endure such affliction? Can we even begin to imagine how great God’s love for us is to send his ONLY son to die for us on the cross so that our sins may be forgiven for eternity? It truly is remarkable.

As you endure your own trials and tribulations, remember this Lenten season and Holy Week. Jesus would not have had the Resurrection on Easter Sunday without first suffering and dying on the cross. There is a revelation that comes with the resurrection.

St. Patrick

saint

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

“May your troubles be less. And your blessing be more. And nothing but happiness, come through your door.” – Irish blessing

No matter their heritage, most people claim to be slightly Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Many associate this day with the color green, shamrocks, green beer, corned beef and cabbage, leprechauns, the saying “Kiss me I’m Irish,” etc.

Whether you are Irish or not, March 17th celebrates St. Patrick, the primary patron saint of Ireland. He was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He is known for writing the prayer “The Breastplate of St. Patrick.”

St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to parts of Ireland and was likely somewhat responsible for the Christianization of the Picts and Anglo-Saxons. St. Patrick often used shamrocks to describe the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Entire kingdoms converted to Christianity after hearing his message.

St. Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated in Ireland with religious services and feasts in honor of St. Patrick. When Irish immigrants brought the traditions to the United States, the day eventually became a secular celebration of Irish culture.

Like all saints, St. Patrick centered his life in Christ. Everything he did was done out of a belief in the message of Jesus Christ. St. Patrick’s life became a living gospel.

 

How to live like St. Patrick?

Living like a saint may be easier said than done, but trying to embody several characteristics of the saints is a great way to start. Saints lead by example in how they love and believe in God. We should follow their lead and start to become the example we see in them.

According to Pope Francis, being a saint doesn’t necessarily require spending long hours in prayer, but rather living “a life open to God in good times and bad.”

We are all called to live like Christ did with a life centered in love. To focus on being the best, most compassionate Christian we can be. We can be humble and work to serve God to the best of our ability. We can make a positive difference in others’ lives.

Each of us has a unique calling from God to live with purpose and love. When we look to the lives of the saints we realize that despite their flaws they, too, were able to continue to serve Him. We can and should do the same. We encourage you to study the lives of the saints to see which traits you would like to embody to live a more purpose-filled, fulfilling life.

How to Be More Comfortable Reading the Bible

bible

bibleHere at Ignite, we love scripture! We believe the Bible is a powerful tool that allows us to understand God’s plan, His love and how we should live according to His will. 

Within our community, we often hear phrases like “I don’t know where to start,” or “I’m not comfortable reading the Bible”. So, today we decided to pull together our favorite tips and pointers for how to become more comfortable while reading your Bible!

1) Find a Translation You Understand:
  • Did you know there are over 450 English translations of the Bible? Finding a translation that is easy for you to read and understand is a must! We recommend either NIV, ESV, or NKJV versions. 
2) Find a Bible You Love:
3) Insert Bible Tabs:
  • One of the biggest reasons so many people feel uncomfortable reading the Bible is because they struggle to find certain Books or verses. We recommend getting Bible tabs and attaching them to the correct pages within your Bible. Our favorites include:  
4) Do Some Research:
  • One of the easiest ways to learn more about the Bible, the people in it, or certain verses is to do research! So, if you are confused about a verse or want to learn more a certain book in the Bible, we recommend using these websites:
5) Find a Friend or Group:
  • We are called to be in community, and reading the Bible with another person is a great way to do just that! So, ask a friend, join a small group at your local church or an online community. We encourage you to be bold, take a leap of faith, and put yourself out there – you never know what God may have in store for you!

Finding Rest in Uncertainty Through The Truth of God

God's Truth

God's TruthUncertainty is something we have all experienced at least once. We look ahead and see a future of question marks.

Will I get the job I want? Where will our family live? What is my true calling?

If you can relate to this, I have good news. Although the waiting and the unknown can feel stressful and scary, there is a way to find rest when it all feels uncertain. 

It is so easy to become distracted and discouraged by the trials that life throws our way, but it is in those moments of doubt and confusion that the Lord calls us to cling to the truth that is found only in Him.

Truth of God

The truth that He will always fight for you (Exodus 14:14) and that there is nothing that can stop His love for you (Romans 8:37-39).

The truth that He will guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7) and give you the gift of peace (John 14:27).

The truth that He will go wherever you go, even into your uncertainty (Joshua 1:9).

The secret to finding rest in the midst of the unknown is resting in and trusting the truth of God. Even though life seems uncertain and scary, God is fighting for you. He is with you, has gone behind you, and is going before you.

Friend, it’s time to rest in His truths.

10 Bible Verses to Help You Seek God

Seeking God

Often times we hear girls and young women say they struggle to seek God and His plan. They explain their hardships and doubts, sharing that it almost seems as if there is a wall built between them and God.

Whether you can relate, are lost in your Christian journey, or are flat out uncertain of God, we are here to tell you that you are not alone.

There is so much joy and endless love that comes from God. He heals our wounds, answers our prayers, and forgives our sins, all while loving us unconditionally.

We pray these verses allow you to seek God, open your heart, and break down the wall holding you back from a life of Grace. Our God is faithful, and He is good. It is time to put your trust in Him.

Verses
  1. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. -2 Chronicles 15:2
  2. And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. -Hebrews 11:16
  3. They were to look for God. Then they might feel after Him and find Him because He is not far from each one of us. -Acts 17:27
  4. The Lord says to the people of Israel, “Look for me and Live.” -Amos 5:4
  5. But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. -Deuteronomy 4:2
  6. The hand of our God brings good to all who look for Him. But his power and His anger are against all who turn away from Him. -Ezra 8:22
  7. “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” -1 Chronicles 28:9
  8. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” -Jeremiah 29: 13-14
  9. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. -Psalm 9:10
  10.  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? -Matthew 16: 24-26

A New Season

new season

Change is a process. I learn, accept, grow, get comfortable, and then a new season of life comes. It’s an endless cycle.

I used to view change as a scary thing. I always dreaded it because I am someone who struggles with not being in control. Can you relate?

Recently, I have allowed myself to let go of my constant need for control and let God to take the reins. Just like that, new seasons of life don’t seem as daunting.

I have learned that I can view my next season of life as scary and foreign, or I can view it as a new chapter and an adventure awaiting me.

When we allow God to lead and humble ourselves to give up control, that’s when things change. That is when we can see how much we have grown and learned in our current season. All we have to do is be patient, let Him lead, and live the life He has called us to live.

Change can be intimidating, but staying the same can be just as scary. We have to go through each season of life and all the changes ahead of us to live out what God has called us to be. So, as the saying goes; let go, and let God.

My prayer for you is that whatever your season of life may be, you give up control. Trust that God will protect you, place you in extraordinary situations, and lead you to God-fearing people. If you fall short or mess up, He will pick you back up. Our God is a forgiving and great God. He has a beautiful season of life that awaits you. So go out and enjoy the new.