Giving Thanks Daily: Day 702 of Giving Thanks

As I sit here and wait for inspiration, or verification, I can see many things through how God works to share things with me. Many times during the day, I am given tidbits of a message, or little views into what is to come… that is how I write Giving Thanks Daily. A sentence here, a paragraph there, and amazingly, it all comes together – my life through words, is a story, a story that is developed through lessons and insights, lessons that become the tapestry of pages to glorify Him. A tapestry through living out my life that someday, when all is said and done, will exemplify Jesus perfectly.

Oftentimes when I begin to write, I am not always sure what to share, but the nudges are quite strong. Tonight, as well as being nudged all day. I have been nudged to keep pressing in, to read more, to pray more, to be more. I know that I can only be more, when I give Him more of me. “Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him. Do not be preoccupied with [an evildoer]who succeeds in his way when he carries out his schemes.” ~Psalm 37:7 (GWT)

In this world, we have all been labeled and I believe, often we allow those labels to define us, until we allow God’s voice to be heard. It is when we realize that it is the label of “His child” and the labels of forgiven and hopeful are apprehended, that we know who we are for sure.

Let us always remember Lord, that You are with us, that our choices for You will allow us to live rightly, let me always know, as Daniel knew, that Your plan and will are always done. “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,” ~Daniel 1:8-9 (NIV). Let me always remember that it is Your children You show favor to when we seek to be Yours wholly.

Thank you that in the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, I can have faith, and look at it through Your eyes Lord. Help me to NOT complicate what my faith is. Let me see all that You have for me and know that every moment I can step in and look up is a step toward greater faith. Thank You for reminding me that it is a journey that is mine with You, for You and all for Your glory.

Jesus prayed for us before leaving this earth, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” ~John 17:15-16 (New International Version)

There are times when all I know to do is pray. And, I believe that is a great thing to do. Prayer is how we connect with our creator, our savior, our king and Father. May it not be a time to go through what you wish for, but a time to spend getting to know your Father in heaven, a time to share your heart, a time to seek wisdom and clarity, a time to submit and begin to understand His greatness. Prayer is a time to be with God and share tender and loving moments.
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With the strength of the Holy Spirit and a heart of gratitude of who God is to me, I can remember who I am in all moments and I will be victorious, for He has already won everything for me.

My friends, we must choose to live joyfully, no matter what. We must choose the high road, no matter what vehicle we land in... We must always keep our eyes and hearts set on God in heaven. Father, we pray for the choice of joy as we go through trials, and we ask for Your continued reminders through love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

"All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]." ~Proverbs 15:15 (Amplified Bible)

Father, let my time be worthy, let not one minute be wasted. It is in these times that names and faces run through my mind. Do I pray, do I praise? Do I seek, do I thank? All of You Lord as I drift off to sleep, as I wake and as I move about, let it be all of You that I am thankful for.

‎"But my eyes are on You, Oh God the Lord." ~Psalm 141:8

Although there has been sorrow, self pity and disobedience on much of my life’s tapestry, my prayer is to live differently through change in Christ, toward Chris. I now realize how important it is to choose to live joyfully, no matter what. We must choose the high road, no matter what vehicle we land in... We must always keep our eyes and hearts set on God in heaven. Father, we pray for the choice of joy as we go through trials, and we ask for Your continued reminders through love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Living in Christ, because He died for me... Love beyond measure, love without end and love incomprehensible. Thank You Father God for Your love so great.