Bridget A. Thomas's Blog, page 7

The Shepherds of the First Christmas

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying...

A Year With the Good Shepherd

Photo Credit: Sam Carter on unsplash.com

As you may know, my one word for 2023 is Shepherd. As we wrap up each year, I like to look back and see how my word helped shape my year.

Here are some ways this word played a role in my life over the past twelve months.

Psalm 23 played a theme throughout the year. Many evenings when I went to bed, I would go through this famous passage in my mind. Keeping Scripture in our hearts helps us to store truth inside of us. And this is helpful in our ev...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 Recap

What an amazing November we had! I hope you all enjoyed the gratitude challenge as much as I did. It was an inspiring month, as we drew closer to God. Each day we focused our attention on the Psalms, prayer, gratitude, and praise.

You might have noticed that we started with a verse from Psalm 3 and continued in order until we reached a verse from Psalm 25. In each day’s message I was following a similar pattern to what I discussed in a prior post called “The Best Thing I Did All Year.” In a n...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 30

Photo taken October 9, 2023

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. – Psalm 25:1

Dear Heavenly Father, although we have reached the end of the gratitude challenge, please help us to keep gratitude in our hearts. Help us to remember all the blessings we discovered this month. Help us to fully grasp just how faithful and trustworthy You are. When we keep gratitude in our daily lives, it transforms our outlook and attitude. And we are so grateful for that. And we are grateful for You, because ev...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 29

Photo taken November 28, 2023

Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. … Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory. – Psalm 24:8, 10

Dear Lord, what a gift to know the King of glory, who is strong and mighty. You see us, You know us, You hear our prayers, and You care about us. Thank You for being faithful – yesterday, today, and always. We are so grateful we can put our trust in You. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

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Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 28

Photo taken October 7, 2023

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely go...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 27

Photo taken September 30, 2023

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. … But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. – Psalm 22:11, 19

God, we are so thankful to know that You are always near. Even if we cannot physically see You, we know it’s true. We walk by faith, not by sight. No matter what we are facing, we are not alone. You are never far from us. Your presence surrounds us. We are grateful for Your faithfulness...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 26

Photo taken September 30, 2023

Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might. – Psalm 21:13

Dear God, You are good and You are mighty. May we sing Your praises today and every day. No matter what comes our way, You still deserve our praise. Your mercy and grace have saved us and rescued us. When we keep that in mind, it makes us want to praise You every moment. We are thankful for You, Lord. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

I’m thankful that I can praise God. I’m t...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 25

Photo taken September 30, 2023

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. – Psalm 21:6-7

Dear God, we echo King David’s sentiments. Surely You have granted us blessings and made us glad with the joy of Your presence. We trust in You. Through Your unfailing love, we will not be shaken. We are thankful for You, Lord, and Your presence in our...

Gratitude Challenge 2023 – Day 24

Photo taken September 25, 2023

Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. – Psalm 20:6

God, we are thankful You are on our side. We are thankful You will bring victory with whatever we are facing. We are praying for it and believing for it. Thank you for fighting our battles! In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

I’m thankful for the victorious power of God’s right hand. I’m thankful that my c...