December 8th, 2021
By Jerry Frecon
As a little boy, I vividly remember my Grandmother telling me how blessed I was to have nutritious food to eat while many people had nothing. I was born and raised on a farm where we grew many crops and raised many animals not only for our own food but also to sell and give to many others. As I reflect on these experiences, my education and becoming a Christian, I realized how truly blessed I was to live and work in agriculture. Being a witness each growing season, to the many creations and miracles of God’s work in both the plant and animal world, helped me distinguish good science from my faith. Too many times I have seen and experienced, during my working years, things that others contribute to chance or coincidence that could only be accomplished by the hand of God. Being able to distinguish the difference of coincidence and God, is to be blessed.
Another treasured blessing has been being a member of God’s church at St. John’s and participating for almost 40 years with brothers and sisters in Christ. As Paul said in his letter to the Ephesians- “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power to work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Our church body unites us and blesses us.” Ephesians 3:20
I have never been sure of what motivates people to give. Much is written in the word about giving as many of us have much more than we need. Jesus wants and admires sacrificial giving. He wants us to give time, money, and convenience. To have this attitude and to do this is a blessing. At St. John’s, so many have been blessed to be givers. I have been blessed to see and learn from them as have my children. I feel much joy being a giver even though it is never enough.
Each day as I pray, the first thing I do is thank God for all the blessings He has given me; the blessing of my spouse, family and friends, all the food and goods He provides me, the blessing of good health of body and mind; the blessing of joy and peace. I am truly blessed to receive the greatest gift and blessing Christ has for us who believe.
As a little boy, I vividly remember my Grandmother telling me how blessed I was to have nutritious food to eat while many people had nothing. I was born and raised on a farm where we grew many crops and raised many animals not only for our own food but also to sell and give to many others. As I reflect on these experiences, my education and becoming a Christian, I realized how truly blessed I was to live and work in agriculture. Being a witness each growing season, to the many creations and miracles of God’s work in both the plant and animal world, helped me distinguish good science from my faith. Too many times I have seen and experienced, during my working years, things that others contribute to chance or coincidence that could only be accomplished by the hand of God. Being able to distinguish the difference of coincidence and God, is to be blessed.
Another treasured blessing has been being a member of God’s church at St. John’s and participating for almost 40 years with brothers and sisters in Christ. As Paul said in his letter to the Ephesians- “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power to work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Our church body unites us and blesses us.” Ephesians 3:20
I have never been sure of what motivates people to give. Much is written in the word about giving as many of us have much more than we need. Jesus wants and admires sacrificial giving. He wants us to give time, money, and convenience. To have this attitude and to do this is a blessing. At St. John’s, so many have been blessed to be givers. I have been blessed to see and learn from them as have my children. I feel much joy being a giver even though it is never enough.
Each day as I pray, the first thing I do is thank God for all the blessings He has given me; the blessing of my spouse, family and friends, all the food and goods He provides me, the blessing of good health of body and mind; the blessing of joy and peace. I am truly blessed to receive the greatest gift and blessing Christ has for us who believe.
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