Ephesians 6:13
During the month of November, we are encouraged to remember to be thankful and show gratitude. For those of us in Christ, Thanksgiving is also a time to remember that we are covered by the Blood of Jesus. He is our banner and protects us from all that is going on around us. This is a season to remember to remain under cover, from top to bottom, side to side, and in every which way to remain connected to God the Father. We do this by spending time with Him, putting on and keeping on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:14-18). This allows us to stand firm on the foundation of God so we will not be susceptible to the temptations and tricks the enemy tries to put in our way and we do not fall victim to old habits and behaviors.
The holidays are a season of joy and community, but for some can also be a predatory time in the Spirit. Amidst the joy and happiness experienced by some, other people are combating loneliness, discord within their family/friend circles and a host of other life situations. But God has sent a reminder that we are never alone when we are in His Church. We are the Bride of Christ, which means we are always loved, wanted, needed, cared for, sheltered and accepted. In order to receive all the benefits that come with being the Bride of Christ, we have to remember to stay hidden under the Blood of Jesus.
I sense the Spirit of God saying this season that He wants us to draw closer to Him. To remember that whether or not we have physical family and friends to spend time with this season, that above all we are His children and we are His family. That Jesus gave his blood for us. Jesus rose from the dead for us. And Jesus has paved a road for us to come into the Lord’s house, to sit at His table and have a feast with Him.
For those of you who need to feel the warmth, love and acceptance of God let today be the day you ask Him to be fully present in your life. God is knocking on the door of our hearts (Revelation 3:20). If we allow Him entry into our hearts, homes and every aspect of our lives He will show how He is at work in our lives. Once we know we are connected to God, we can stand on His love, strength, vision and direction for our lives to handle any situation.
Reflection and Prayer: Father God, thank you for loving us for who we are, as we are and where we are. Jesus, thank you for loving us enough to bare our sins and die for us, fight off death for us, raise from the dead for us and giving us the opportunity to live real, meaningful and fruitful lives. Holy Spirit, thank you for being with us. For wooing our hearts and showing us the heart and mind of God. Lord, we ask in this season of thanksgiving and sharing that you will open our eyes, ears and all our senses to see you as you truly are. That we will release every issue of life to you. That we will experience greater depths of joy, your rivers of living waters in every aspect of our lives and know that you love us and accept us. In Jesus name, Amen.