Day 411 of Giving Thanks

This coming new year will be a year of difference.  Isaiah 61 states “The Year of the LORD's Favor.”  And, as I ready myself to welcome in a new year, I know that last year has been a year of change and trusting God – that I have a purpose and that He completely has a handle on things, through this journey, I will continually receive clarity.

Jeremiah 29:10-13, says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)

I breathe easy knowing that it “is finished” by the work He did on the cross and the reward of heaven is mine with my simple acceptance of His gift; that gift that I personally accepted eight years ago. And, my life has been moving toward that heavenly dwelling ever since.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." ~Philippians 4:4-5

With all this said, you may look at what I say and wonder many things. “Is her life that perfect? Does she really have that much clarity? How can anyone have so much peace?” And, these are things that I ask myself on many occasions, and yet the peace I feel is not because I have a step by step guide to how my life will turn out, or know where each foot will be placed with each step. It is that all my steps have purpose and my only responsibility is to follow the perfect footsteps of Jesus.  What I have learned and gleaned from the lessons, the challenges, the storms and the obstacles of my life, I know one thing for sure at this juncture of my life, that all I have to do is, ask, seek, knock and it will be given.

So, how can I fail? How can I not know peace? How can I not trust?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~Matthew 7:7-8

In the past, I viewed “knowing God” as “having religion”, and only saw ‘what I had to do’ or ‘what I would have to give up’… Now, with my eyes wide open and in proper focus I can truly see – what He does every day, while understanding of the magnitude of what He has already done, I live my life doing for Him because He loved me first, and loves me now.

Now, I truly see what I have gained and am learning to see what I gain every day.  My responsibility is to listen – and act upon His instruction.

“And I, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, am being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” ~2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

He is the beginning
He is faithful
He is trustworthy
He is love
He is life
He is perfect
He is everything
He is the end
He is God

Because He is who He is… I am encouraged.  I will live out my life doing His work of encouraging others, all because, He is.

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." ~Hebrews 3:13

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." ~2 Corinthians 13:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." ~1 Thessalonians 5:11