March 14
And He could do no mighty work there, except he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. Mark 6: 5-6
So, God’s mighty work, or in other words miracles, it seems are a two way street! Jesus speaks of prophets not being recognized in their own towns, let alone in their own families. Consequently they were unable to perform any mighty works because preconceived knowledge of them had been held on to. When eyes and hearts are closed, false judgments are assumed. If we are unable to recognize God’s work in a prophet or healer, there can be no miracle. Miracles require faith. Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that it is not only possible, but realistic for a miracle to occur? Do you look for miracles on a daily basis? How can we increase our recognition of miracles? By opening our “eyes” and hearts.
If we truly believe that with God all things are possible, than we can expect miracles to happen. The first step is to broaden our awareness of the smallest of things happening around us each day, things we may take for granted, but are miracles nonetheless. Increasing attentiveness is a conscious act that each of us can develop with practice. Stopping a moment at a time to look around our environment is helpful in recognizing the everyday, not to mean ordinary, miracles surrounding us. What is it that is right before us producing feelings of peace and happiness? Is it a sunrise . . . a sunset . . . a baby . . . a loved one . . . the first blade of green grass in the spring . . . buds on the trees . . . a flower that bloomed overnight . . .the first fluffy white snowflake . . . birds singing in a tree . . . the fresh scent in the air after a rainfall . . . a cool, refreshing sip of water . . . your pet’s fur glistening in the sunlight . . . the warmth and comfort of a fireplace . . . the sight of the mountains or the ocean . . . the earthy pine smell of the woods . . . a glorious rainbow . . . the sweet taste of a piece of fruit . . . unexpected kindness from someone . . . the eyes of a loved one . . . the reassuring touch of a friend . . . etc? There are so many miracles right in front of us! Just by observing, our faith has been increased!
The next step is to acknowledge with gratitude to God these precious gifts He has given to us. These gifts should fill us with happiness and awe at all His creation and when not taken for granted, guide us in our attempts to prioritize our lives. When we try our best to live in a state of gratitude for all these wonders we witness, we become more aligned with God and open to the possibility of greater miracles happening. And we wait with joyful anticipation, ready to receive all the miracles He has prepared to bring into our lives.
Heavenly Father, please help us increase our awareness of your everyday miracles.
How grateful we are for the miracles you surround us with!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
And He could do no mighty work there, except he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. Mark 6: 5-6
So, God’s mighty work, or in other words miracles, it seems are a two way street! Jesus speaks of prophets not being recognized in their own towns, let alone in their own families. Consequently they were unable to perform any mighty works because preconceived knowledge of them had been held on to. When eyes and hearts are closed, false judgments are assumed. If we are unable to recognize God’s work in a prophet or healer, there can be no miracle. Miracles require faith. Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that it is not only possible, but realistic for a miracle to occur? Do you look for miracles on a daily basis? How can we increase our recognition of miracles? By opening our “eyes” and hearts.
If we truly believe that with God all things are possible, than we can expect miracles to happen. The first step is to broaden our awareness of the smallest of things happening around us each day, things we may take for granted, but are miracles nonetheless. Increasing attentiveness is a conscious act that each of us can develop with practice. Stopping a moment at a time to look around our environment is helpful in recognizing the everyday, not to mean ordinary, miracles surrounding us. What is it that is right before us producing feelings of peace and happiness? Is it a sunrise . . . a sunset . . . a baby . . . a loved one . . . the first blade of green grass in the spring . . . buds on the trees . . . a flower that bloomed overnight . . .the first fluffy white snowflake . . . birds singing in a tree . . . the fresh scent in the air after a rainfall . . . a cool, refreshing sip of water . . . your pet’s fur glistening in the sunlight . . . the warmth and comfort of a fireplace . . . the sight of the mountains or the ocean . . . the earthy pine smell of the woods . . . a glorious rainbow . . . the sweet taste of a piece of fruit . . . unexpected kindness from someone . . . the eyes of a loved one . . . the reassuring touch of a friend . . . etc? There are so many miracles right in front of us! Just by observing, our faith has been increased!
The next step is to acknowledge with gratitude to God these precious gifts He has given to us. These gifts should fill us with happiness and awe at all His creation and when not taken for granted, guide us in our attempts to prioritize our lives. When we try our best to live in a state of gratitude for all these wonders we witness, we become more aligned with God and open to the possibility of greater miracles happening. And we wait with joyful anticipation, ready to receive all the miracles He has prepared to bring into our lives.
Heavenly Father, please help us increase our awareness of your everyday miracles.
How grateful we are for the miracles you surround us with!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson