And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT
Long-distance trail horses do much better on a trail that is termed a "single track with garbage" than they do on an established wide trail or open field. (Obviously, single track is one horse passes at a time; garbage means lots of brush, rock, etc.) I thought that sounded illogical until it was explained that an established wide trail or open field can be a total distraction for the horse. Lots of things to look at and the horse gets competitive with the other animals. In addition, there is very little concern on the horse's part for how he steps because there doesn't appear to be any danger.
On a single track with garbage, the horse is very focused and carefully picks its steps. There are usually no distractions - or at least, very few. The horse is highly unlikely to break and run and is extremely responsive to the rider's slightest touch of instruction... and it was right there that God tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention.
Now, I don't know about you, but there are times (even though I know I'm NOT) it feels as though I'm walking alone. I reiterate - I know I'm not alone, but sometimes, I can't see a clear path in front of me. I don't see the water source ahead. At times, the way is so close that it's hard to see at all. And I have to watch every step I take. There's the underbrush of life's debris and distractions to stub my toes or twist my ankle or cause me to fall and come up lame.
However, I know it is in the tough spots that I am most focused on following His lead and the most responsive to His slightest instruction. God hasn't taken me on this single track with garbage so that I will be confined and alone. No, I may not be able to look around to see where I am or where I am going, but I am not lost. I am found. The Great I AM, the Omnipotent Way Maker has chosen this single track with garbage. He's brought me this way so I can know Him better and trust Him more.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word! It is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and by Your grace, I will follow only You. Completely close my eyes, my ears and my spirit to anything that is not of You. Guide my every step, O God. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Showing posts with label grateful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grateful. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2026
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Promise for Today - Part Two - Powerful Way to Live Free
NOTE: For the rest of November, I will share Thanksgiving moments written by other authors.
Today's devotional was written by Debbie McDaniel.
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Psalm 28:7
We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.
Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like He’s far away, or doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling.
But here’s what can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give Him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. Through our hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, His power releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.
We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.
Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like He’s far away, or doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling.
But here’s what can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give Him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. Through our hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, His power releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Maybe you’re in a hard place right now. Maybe you feel like God has left you on your own to fend for yourself, or the battle seems too hard. Maybe there’s never enough money left at the end of the month, and you can’t figure out how to make things work. No matter what, in it all, be assured that God is with you and He cares. Choose a heart of gratefulness today. Make a list of all that God has blessed and filled your life with, that it’s been easy to take for granted at times. Trust He knows what concerns you and is at work even now, to bring you through this uncertain season. This Thanksgiving, thank God for providing all you need.
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Prayer:
Father,
We are humbled and so grateful for all You have done, all You are doing, and all You will do as we follow You. We choose to build and strengthen a heart of gratitude; to speak Your Word over every situation rather than to nurse and rehearse the challenges we face daily. Thank You for being the only Firm Foundation that helps us to withstand all the storms of life. We give You all glory and praise, in Jesus' Name. Amen
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Thanksgiving Devotional - A Season of Thanks
For the rest of the month, I will share Thanksgiving moments by Crosswalk/Home Word.
Today's devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
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All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal. —Psalms 119:160
This holiday season, you will most likely hear the song “My Favorite Things” from the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. To me this song has always felt out of place during the holidays, until recently. I have begun to hear it in a new light, recognizing the famous list of “favorite things” as a list of reasons to be thankful. The character Maria, who sings this song, thinks about her list of favorite things when she seeks comfort.
Christians have a list as well. Found in the Bible are promises from our Lord – keepsakes we can cling to at all times, including periods of worry, trouble, or despair. These promises urge Christ-followers not to be troubled or to feel alone. They are words offering great hope because they are not the words of mere men. They are inspired, never-changing words given to us from our Savior and Lord. Read through a few of these promises below:
The Lord will give His people strength. Psalm 29:11
The Lord hears our cries. Psalm 34:17
The Lord will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5
The Lord will answer when you call to Him. Jeremiah 33:3
You need not be afraid. God is with you. Isaiah 41:13
The Lord will give rest to your burdened soul. Matthew 11:28-29
The Lord will comfort you. John 14:27
The Lord has given us His Spirit to guide us. Acts 1:8
You will have everlasting life when you believe. John 3:16
The list can go on and on. The Lord promises us mercy, protection, strength, eternity, love, and forgiveness. As it says in the Bible, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and His word is truth (John 17:1). We cannot look at God’s promises like we do those of our friends and family. As people, we often promise, but don’t follow through, even when we have the best of intentions. God’s Word is binding and true. These promises hold fast. We do not have to wonder if they will happen. Rather, we ought to wait in expectation. So “when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you’re feeling sad,” I encourage you to remember all God has promised you. It is in these promises that you will find great strength.
As you celebrate the season of Thanksgiving, in addition to thinking through all you are thankful for, take time to thank God for His many promises.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 40:31; John 16:15; Mark 11:23-26
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Today's devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
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All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal. —Psalms 119:160
This holiday season, you will most likely hear the song “My Favorite Things” from the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. To me this song has always felt out of place during the holidays, until recently. I have begun to hear it in a new light, recognizing the famous list of “favorite things” as a list of reasons to be thankful. The character Maria, who sings this song, thinks about her list of favorite things when she seeks comfort.
Christians have a list as well. Found in the Bible are promises from our Lord – keepsakes we can cling to at all times, including periods of worry, trouble, or despair. These promises urge Christ-followers not to be troubled or to feel alone. They are words offering great hope because they are not the words of mere men. They are inspired, never-changing words given to us from our Savior and Lord. Read through a few of these promises below:
The Lord will give His people strength. Psalm 29:11
The Lord hears our cries. Psalm 34:17
The Lord will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5
The Lord will answer when you call to Him. Jeremiah 33:3
You need not be afraid. God is with you. Isaiah 41:13
The Lord will give rest to your burdened soul. Matthew 11:28-29
The Lord will comfort you. John 14:27
The Lord has given us His Spirit to guide us. Acts 1:8
You will have everlasting life when you believe. John 3:16
The list can go on and on. The Lord promises us mercy, protection, strength, eternity, love, and forgiveness. As it says in the Bible, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and His word is truth (John 17:1). We cannot look at God’s promises like we do those of our friends and family. As people, we often promise, but don’t follow through, even when we have the best of intentions. God’s Word is binding and true. These promises hold fast. We do not have to wonder if they will happen. Rather, we ought to wait in expectation. So “when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you’re feeling sad,” I encourage you to remember all God has promised you. It is in these promises that you will find great strength.
As you celebrate the season of Thanksgiving, in addition to thinking through all you are thankful for, take time to thank God for His many promises.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 40:31; John 16:15; Mark 11:23-26
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Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for all You have done for us, the provision for salvation, redemption, and also the promise of Heaven. We are so grateful! Help us to be ever mindful of Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your mercies that are new every morning. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, April 25, 2025
Promise for Today - Overwhelmingly Grateful
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:10-12 NKJV
Do we ever stop to think about all the day-to-day (often perceived as) the mundane activities of our lives? The things we take for granted simply because they are a part of our daily lives.
How often do we stop and give God sincere thanks for running water, electricity, indoor bathrooms... We're more inclined to NOT notice unless they stop being accessible - and then, I don't think we're thanking anyone. We love and often adopt a sense of entitlement to what we consider our creature comforts.
How dangerous it would be to our spiritual well-being if we were to adopt the same sense of entitlement to the gifts and blessings our Father has so graciously bestowed on us!
Prayer:
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word in Colossians 2:7, Let our roots grow down into You, and let our lives be built on You, too. Help our faith to grow strong in Your Truth so that we will overflow with thankfulness. Give us clean hands and pure hearts, Father, hearts that are overwhelmingly grateful to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, July 15, 2024
THANKFUL - I'm Finally Back Online!
I missed being here! Hurricane Beryl happened and we were out of pocket until this evening.
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Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Notice it doesn't say FOR all circumstances. However, I can be thankful IN the circumstance. I'll tell you, I'm not thankful for hurricanes or tornadoes or the effects of them. Lost power in Texas in July can make me very grateful that I'm going to Heaven and not hell. I can be thankful IN the circumstance and praise God for His hand of protection on my family and friends. I can be thankful for people I met in the circumstance.
The same breath that I can use to complain or grumble should instead be used to praise the One who spared my life. Should be used to thank the One Who gave His life so that we as Christ followers can live with Him in eternity.
Prayer:
Father,
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Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Notice it doesn't say FOR all circumstances. However, I can be thankful IN the circumstance. I'll tell you, I'm not thankful for hurricanes or tornadoes or the effects of them. Lost power in Texas in July can make me very grateful that I'm going to Heaven and not hell. I can be thankful IN the circumstance and praise God for His hand of protection on my family and friends. I can be thankful for people I met in the circumstance.
The same breath that I can use to complain or grumble should instead be used to praise the One who spared my life. Should be used to thank the One Who gave His life so that we as Christ followers can live with Him in eternity.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Master Plan. We rarely understand the whys and the wherefores, but we are thankful for the spiritual insight You give us in the storms of life. Help us to live our lives according to the written Word in Philippians 2, that we would continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is You who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill Your good purpose. That we would do everything without grumbling or arguing, so we may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” We want to shine among them like stars in the sky as we hold firmly to Your Word of life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, December 1, 2023
For All These, We Praise
Psalm 144 NLT
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.
Part your heavens, Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David.
From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets.
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.
Part your heavens, Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David.
From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.
Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets.
Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.
Prayer:
Father,
Yes, blessed are we for You are our Lord God Almighty! We pray Your Word from the psalms, we will praise You, Lord, with all our heart; we will praise Your name for Your unfailing love and Your faithfulness. When we call on Your Name, You answer.
May all the kings of the earth praise You, Lord! May they sing of Your ways for Your glory is great. Though You are exalted, You look kindly on the lowly; You see us from afar. Though we walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve our lives. With Your right hand, You save us. Your love, Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Do It Now
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.
Psalm 24:1 NLT
Psalm 24:1 NLT
As Christians, we can spout this verse along with the one about God owning the cattle on a thousand hills and the hills on which they stand. Personally, I think I've given head assent to this Truth, but not had full comprehension with my heart. However, I heard a music video today that got me thinking about this verse on more than a superficial level.
It's easy to think that all we've worked for over the years is ours. It's just as easy to look around and be grateful for our family, our home, our job, our car, etc. But to whom are we grateful? Over the years, have we become complacent with our gratitude? When was the last time we intentionally, devotedly expressed to God just how thankful we are for everything HE HAS GIVEN US?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for everything You have provided for us - family, friends, dwelling places, health and healing, jobs to be able to provide for our families, strength and knowledge to be able to do the jobs You've provided for us. Pastors to teach us Your Truths, the Holy Spirit to guide us, Jesus to pay the price for our sins. For the beauty of the Earth we live on, the air we breathe, and so much more. Thank You for trials to make us stronger in You. Thank You for grace and mercy to get us through them. Thank You for Your love. Help us to love others as You love us. Holy Spirit, keep us ever mindful of being intentionally grateful to God. Father, give us clean hands and pure hearts so that we may stand on Your holy hill. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Redirect Our Focus
From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
John 1:16 NLT
We all get so busy that we forget things. Some things we need to forget, but I don't want to forget the good things - the blessings of life. I don't know about you, but I can get caught up in life and unconsciously forget about giving thanks for not only the so-called extraordinary things God has done for me but for the DAILY benefits He provides. The enemy of our soul works overtime to distract us, to take our eyes off the goodness of God. We don't ever want to take Him for granted.
John 1:16 NLT
We all get so busy that we forget things. Some things we need to forget, but I don't want to forget the good things - the blessings of life. I don't know about you, but I can get caught up in life and unconsciously forget about giving thanks for not only the so-called extraordinary things God has done for me but for the DAILY benefits He provides. The enemy of our soul works overtime to distract us, to take our eyes off the goodness of God. We don't ever want to take Him for granted.
Today, my daughter and I had a deliberate conversation about the blessings of God in just the last year and ten months. After a couple minutes, it just flowed into a natural praise gathering and the more we acknowledged God's blessings, the even more we remembered and reminded each other of them and gave thanks. We were mutually encouraged and came away with a God perspective rather than a navel-gazing view of life. That is always a good thing!
When you are distracted by the stresses of life - such as chronic pain, grief, a broken heart, a wayward loved one - it is easy to lose focus on our Saviour and ALL He has done, is doing, and will do for us. Let's consciously redirect our focus on Him with very grateful hearts.
Prayer:
Father,
The words in Psalm 103 say it so well. Let all that I am praise You Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise Your holy name. Let all that I am praise You Lord; may I never forget the good things You do for me. You forgive all my sins and heal all my diseases. You redeem me from death and crown me with love and tender mercies. You fill my life with good things. Help us to never forget. Give us clean hands and a pure and grateful heart. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
The words in Psalm 103 say it so well. Let all that I am praise You Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise Your holy name. Let all that I am praise You Lord; may I never forget the good things You do for me. You forgive all my sins and heal all my diseases. You redeem me from death and crown me with love and tender mercies. You fill my life with good things. Help us to never forget. Give us clean hands and a pure and grateful heart. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, December 2, 2019
The Gift of Hope
You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:12c-13a NLT
Day Two, counting down the Advent. Celebrating hope this first week. Is there anything more fun than children when coming into the Christmas season? Oh, they are so excited and have such great expectations! The anticipation of all the possibilities of things that could happen...
Ephesians 2:12c-13a NLT
Day Two, counting down the Advent. Celebrating hope this first week. Is there anything more fun than children when coming into the Christmas season? Oh, they are so excited and have such great expectations! The anticipation of all the possibilities of things that could happen...
One of my granddaughters is autistic and no matter how old she gets, from Thanksgiving on she will unabashedly ask, "Granna, what are you going to give me for Christmas?" just like she has every year since she could talk. Her expectation is that she will get a present from me; her hope is that it will be something she likes. LOL Her absolute delight would be keys of any kind...
I think she is much like how Christ meant for us to be when He said we should be like children - wanting to be with Him, full of expectation, trusting Him to care and provide, delighting that He has given us the keys to His kingdom.
For so long, we lived without God and without hope... Proverbs 13:12 NLT tells us, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Living without hope can be so devastating, but praise God, He sent His Son into the world so that we could have the hope of glory! It is a glorious thing, hope.
For so long, we lived without God and without hope... Proverbs 13:12 NLT tells us, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Living without hope can be so devastating, but praise God, He sent His Son into the world so that we could have the hope of glory! It is a glorious thing, hope.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us Jesus and with Him, the gift of hope! Help us to be ever mindful of the price that was paid for our salvation and the redemption of our souls. Help us to walk humbly before You, God, and to be always grateful for all You have provided. Cause our hearts to be moved with compassion for others and to be generous givers in all we lay our hands to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, November 26, 2018
I Have to Do Everything
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16 NIV
I don't know when it happened. I'm not even sure how it happened, I just know that I've caught myself doing it, and I don't like it. Grumbling. Complaining. Being negative. I told my sister today, that is NOT who I want to be. I have to rip out that bad seed by the root, get rid of the thorns and re-work the hardened soil of my heart and soul! Jeremiah 4:3 tells us, Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. I am thanking God this day that He shines His light on the Truth of His Word and loves me enough to correct me.
Michelle offered that we should refocus our hearts and minds by actively communicating every day what we are thankful for. Knowing my sister and I are two peas in a pod, I readily agreed with one stipulation: We have to be truly grateful, not negatively grateful. What do I mean by that? Well, none of this - "I'm grateful I didn't smack the snot out of anyone today who ticked me off, even though I had ample opportunity." To which she replied, "Yeah, I was thinking no - 'I'm so grateful God gave me good perceptive skills so I could see an idiot coming from a mile away' kind of thing, either." (Yes, you can see for yourself we needed to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God... Confessing our faults one to another, praying for one another that we might be healed.) It is God's Word - His Living Word - that changes the hearts and minds of mankind.
Yes, I have to do everything - without grumbling and complaining or arguing! We choose to control what comes out of our mouths by following Your Word, I will bless the Lord at all times: Your praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word in Philippians 4:7, we choose not to worry about anything, but to tell You every detail of our needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and Your peace which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over our hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus. Make our hearts pure so that when we speak out of its fullness our words will be pure. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Philippians 2:14-16 NIV
I don't know when it happened. I'm not even sure how it happened, I just know that I've caught myself doing it, and I don't like it. Grumbling. Complaining. Being negative. I told my sister today, that is NOT who I want to be. I have to rip out that bad seed by the root, get rid of the thorns and re-work the hardened soil of my heart and soul! Jeremiah 4:3 tells us, Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. I am thanking God this day that He shines His light on the Truth of His Word and loves me enough to correct me.
Michelle offered that we should refocus our hearts and minds by actively communicating every day what we are thankful for. Knowing my sister and I are two peas in a pod, I readily agreed with one stipulation: We have to be truly grateful, not negatively grateful. What do I mean by that? Well, none of this - "I'm grateful I didn't smack the snot out of anyone today who ticked me off, even though I had ample opportunity." To which she replied, "Yeah, I was thinking no - 'I'm so grateful God gave me good perceptive skills so I could see an idiot coming from a mile away' kind of thing, either." (Yes, you can see for yourself we needed to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God... Confessing our faults one to another, praying for one another that we might be healed.) It is God's Word - His Living Word - that changes the hearts and minds of mankind.
Yes, I have to do everything - without grumbling and complaining or arguing! We choose to control what comes out of our mouths by following Your Word, I will bless the Lord at all times: Your praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word in Philippians 4:7, we choose not to worry about anything, but to tell You every detail of our needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and Your peace which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over our hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus. Make our hearts pure so that when we speak out of its fullness our words will be pure. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Giving Thanks In Those Times of Life
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1st Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Yesterday, I mentioned watching The Hiding Place again. I bring it up today, because the very first time I watched it, I was not actively pursuing a relationship with Christ, yet it made such an impact and had a great influence on my future walk with God.
1st Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Yesterday, I mentioned watching The Hiding Place again. I bring it up today, because the very first time I watched it, I was not actively pursuing a relationship with Christ, yet it made such an impact and had a great influence on my future walk with God.
I remember the scene of the two sisters talking about our Promise for Today - being thankful in all things - and the one declaring she would not be thankful for the lice in their bed in the death camp - only to find out shortly after her declaration that the reason the female prisoners in their particular building were not accosted was because the guards were afraid of getting lice, too. For weeks, I remember thinking about being thankful IN all things... It began a life-long journey of learning to make that choice even in the worst of times.
I believe if we choose to give thanks in all circumstances, it allows God to take it, anoint it and pour it out, causing seeds of beauty and grace to bloom a little further down the road. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, after much prayer, my bottom-line decision was to journal about it in the hope of helping someone else along the way. And there have been several that page* has helped. In fact, just this week, while promoting a blood drive in our office complex, someone responded as a first-time donor and mentioned it was because her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. An opened door. An opportunity to show love. And the exciting part to me is this woman does not YET have a relationship with the Lord. I asked if she and her mother had a support system - neighbors, church family, etc. Her mother had joined a church recently, and she is now thinking about it...
Giving thanks IN all things - an eternal, life-changing opportunity - because I've been there. I again proclaim Psalm 118:17 KJV, I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
I believe if we choose to give thanks in all circumstances, it allows God to take it, anoint it and pour it out, causing seeds of beauty and grace to bloom a little further down the road. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, after much prayer, my bottom-line decision was to journal about it in the hope of helping someone else along the way. And there have been several that page* has helped. In fact, just this week, while promoting a blood drive in our office complex, someone responded as a first-time donor and mentioned it was because her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. An opened door. An opportunity to show love. And the exciting part to me is this woman does not YET have a relationship with the Lord. I asked if she and her mother had a support system - neighbors, church family, etc. Her mother had joined a church recently, and she is now thinking about it...
Giving thanks IN all things - an eternal, life-changing opportunity - because I've been there. I again proclaim Psalm 118:17 KJV, I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your perfect love and perfect plan for our lives. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your perfect orchestration of intersected lives. You are so good! Keep us ever mindful to have grateful hearts, O God. Use us for Your glory - In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.*(https://www.facebook.com/dontbesuchaboob/)
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