DAILY DEVOTIONS with MICHELE

Christ desires us to have peace. If we do not have it, we miss part of the blessings of being a Christian. Now there’s a simple statement!  But I think we make it too hard. Too complicated. Christ wants every Christian to experience His peace. How many of us lived in peace this past week? Have you had peace today? If not, what's wrong?

Identify one way you can give back today. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—sometimes a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference, and it serves as a heartfelt expression of your own gratitude.

As we head into the Christmas Season, remind yourself each day that "Jesus is the reason for the season".  Let’s commit to taking a moment each day to simply “be still” before God. It is in these quiet moments that we often find clarity, peace, and a thankful heart.

Today, as you prepare Thanksgiving, spending it with family and friends, consider the little blessings around you—the smile of a loved one, a warm cup of coffee, or a beautiful sunrise. These everyday graces are gifts from God, designed to bring joy into our lives.

Today, intentionally set aside time for what truly matters. Whether it’s time with family, time spent in prayer, or time invested in helping others, make each moment count.

Gratitude isn’t just a one-time event that rolls around every November; it’s a lifestyle, a deliberate choice to focus on the blessings in our lives rather than on our circumstances.

Notice the Bible doesn’t command us to feel thankful in all circumstances. Instead it commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” When I begin to praise God in a difficult situation, even if I don’t feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation like diamonds on black velvet.

Charismatic people don’t think so much about themselves and how other people are going to meet their needs, or dwell on how their needs aren’t being met. Instead, they focus on meeting the needs of others.

Being a people person means encouraging others because that’s what you’d want them to do for you