Issue 709 – Simple Pleasures – April 9, 2022
Yesterday, Kathy and I took a road trip to the nearby town of Aldergrove. We wanted to check out one of the local greenhouse garden centres, just for an outing.
We were impressed with the selection of plants and accessories. Just about anything you might think of that can be grown in this area was there.
Outside, we found a petting zoo. To be generous, it wasn’t fancy, just a few miniature goats and some chickens located on a wet piece of the property. Still, we enjoyed seeing and petting the goats. I believe you are never too young or too old to enjoy a petting zoo.
Life is full of simple, often taken for granted, pleasures. It might be a morning cup of coffee or a sunrise. It could be the antics or the laugh of a small child. The sight of a familiar flower can bring a smile.
I am sure you can think of your own personal simple pleasures.
The blessings of God are likewise all around us. Sometimes we look for the big blessing or the spectacular miracle and miss the delicate work of His hand that is right in front of us. we often forget that…
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:7
Every simple blessing or pleasure is a gift of God. It is no wonder that we can read of God’s blessings in the Bible.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly place. Ephesians 1:3
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! Psalm 31:19
Even non-believers benefit from the blessings and grace of God. They have reasons to rejoice. Yet, it is the true believer who can rejoice the most. We have earthly blessings and pleasures, but we also have the guarantee of blessed eternity with our Lord.
Back in the 1890’s Johnson Oatman Jr. coined a praise song. Its lyrics remain true today.
Count Your Blessings (public domain)
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings; see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all;
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
It is good to pause and enjoy the small pleasures and the many blessings of God. When the heat gets too hot, or the pressures become too strong, stop. Count your blessings and praise God.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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