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Monday, February 28, 2011

Day 470 of Giving Thanks

This morning I sat quietly contemplating God’s purpose in my life – which, by the way, is something I am pondering quite a bit lately – and in my silence, I heard nothing. I have been here before.

I am grateful that my God is faithful and no matter how I “feel”, His plans for me are already set, I am just waiting to see where He places me, and how He prepares me. Isn’t that reassuring?

As the list of things to do gets longer at work, I seek Him more – for comfort – for guidance – for clarity – 
God speaks in many ways:
God speaks through His Word
God speaks through our thoughts
God speaks through conversations with others
God speaks through circumstances
God speaks differently at different times in our life

Father, as I go through my days this week time appears to be passing by very quickly, yet, it feels, at times much of my life stands still – help me hear Your desires for my steps and see Your blueprint for my life.

“To stand still is to lose – To move is to gain – To change is to grow.” ~Author Unknown

Today, through the frustration or fascination with where I am – I tell myself once again, that I am in pursuit of truth, clarity and significance, and with that is the journey. I already know that my eternal future is set, because of a wonderful and beautiful choice I made to accept the amazing gift from Jesus. Now, I pray that the decisions I have to make moving forward, will be wonderful and beautiful and will glorify my amazing God in the process.

"When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." ~Psalm 73:21-26 (NIV)

So, in this time when I do not hear You, I will be still more often, listen more intently and pay closer attention to the details of my life. I will be thankful for the silence, as it gives me more time to know You, to learn Your ways and discover, discover, discover! I will be thankful that I can share what I have heard so far, and glorify You by doing my best as I wait for Your best for me.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” ~John 14:6-7

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Day 469 of Giving Thanks

With light drifting away, and the chill of the air sharp, I ponder what to write – and I sat here for quite a while – listening to my husband think through building a platform bed and catching up on some reading. This, is a very interesting combination – when Chris works things out, he asks questions – which are not to be answered verbally – and asks more questions that, he himself answers. Quite cute, once I figure out how to interact with his “thinking through” things, yes, thirteen years in the making – the day I had that revelation saved many things…

So through Chris’ thinking, I too thought – quietly asked questions and waited and in the quiet, the lesson I heard on the radio yesterday was still simmering in me – Really, our job as Christians is to love one another, no matter what the behavior, and leave the changing up to God's hand. I find that I only see what is in front of me (behavior), and God is asking me to allow Him to work. Never know what seeds have been planted in people, and if we love them, not their behavior, we are opened up to showing Christ greatly – salvation to God, and God to change.

Some of the things I have grown into have been the greatest lessons ever:

Be still, that’s it just be still.

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ~Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

Listening more than talking, yet I do still struggle with this – because don’t most of us believe we have so much to teach others?

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” ~James 1:19

Loving the unlovable, and realizing I am one of the most unlovable – yet, God does love me greatly.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” ~Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

Knowing where I come from and sharing that with others, and knowing that this is truly a passion.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” ~Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

Remembering to ask for help­, and know that my God is right there for me. I never have to question that.

"This is God's Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.' Jeremiah 33:2-3 (The Message)

These have been my staples over the past few months – and I am very grateful for His leading and keeping me in the word. Father, I thank You for my life, my lessons and helping me to keep my eyes on You.

So, through Chris’ thinking through, and my ponderings, it has already been a full day – now the reward for hard work – a date with my husband, dinner and a movie – this is truly a great life.


Day 468 of Giving Thanks by Tina Wetor

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Day 467 of Giving Thanks

A few years ago when I looked forward to this point of my life, I saw a totally different outcome – I wasn’t looking for piles of gold or a perfect path – but I did expect “better”. And, as I sit here, finishing up a very busy work day – in my head, I say “I am better than this”, yet by whose standards?

And, how did I get “here”? What really do I expect? Better than what?

What is “better” anyway? My circumstances may not be what I expected, but through these trials, experiences and miracles, I have become less and He has become more, so I am – superior quality and posses great excellence – improved – more appropriate. I walk taller, speak more clearly and think more Christ-like, because “He must increase, but I must decrease.” ~John 3:30 (ASV)

This very moment was a homecoming for me – a moment of clarity. I am humbled by my arrogance and selfishness – and I am grateful for revelation in my life. I have talked about being content, when every day, I just “get by”; almost forcing my way through my day. I do know that when I am disgruntled or, even disgusted in my circumstances, I miss things – the signs, the blessings – I miss Him! Lord, I don’t want to miss anything You have for me.


“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~John14:27

So now what? Eyes on Him, that’s what!

When I open up my heart, clear my vision and listen, He gives me exactly what I need. And, at the moment, I must work for Him, glorify Him in my daily walk and daily work – and wait upon Him to show me the next assignment.

With Him in my sights, on my mind and as my world there is nothing I need to worry or fret about! He assures me, that with Him, I've got it all.

I am insufficient on my own, yet massively significant with God, that’s what I have learned and Lord help me to truly comprehend and live that fully. “Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it." ~ Matthew 19:26 (The Message)

There is change coming – and changes is me constantly. I will look to the future, but with different eyes today. I see my life different and “better” in so many ways, and this is good. He has great plans for me – and it is up to me to believe, and up to Him to provide the path. Father, help me follow, teach me to lead when it’s time and find comfort in Your footsteps always. Today, I am praying for clarity of vision with a deepened sense of You in my heart and in my decisions. Lord, thank You for this journey – thank You for the humbling and correction – Thank You for the path before me and your leading. In Jesus’ mighty and perfect name, I pray. Amen.

“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 on 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.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13



Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Day 466 of Giving Thanks

Instantly, really? Really! As fast as I could say, “Lord I need”, He was there. And, that is how my salvation occurred. I asked, He answered a beautiful “Yes Shawn, you will spend eternity with Me.” My journey “in” God continues.

“For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing withyour mouth that you are saved.” ~Romans 10:10 (NLT)

There have been many moments since 2002 when I thought I would never make it, including this time of my life with some of the challenges I have faced lately. And, all I have to do is think back to all the miracles in my life – all the times when He got me through to know that it is with Him that I can persevere.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” ~Ecclesiastes 3:11

It has been a glorious journey of time – Time to learn – Time to heal – Time to dwell – Time to hear – Time to understand – Time to revel – Time to begin – Time to see – Time to know – Time to grow – Time to share – Time to teach – Time to break – Time to overflow – Time to pray. It is time to embrace Him wholly, to listen to His promptings closely and do whatever it takes. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1

One minute, it’s, my flesh saying, "Enough! I can't keep doing this!" And moments later, I know that me with God says, "Take my hand Lord, help me make this work."

“Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it." ~ Matthew 19:26 (The Message)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Day 465 of Giving Thanks

I am warning you all that I will speak my mind – often, my filter is not politically correct, but is a God filter. I am grateful that God has truly revealed His truth through my life. I have come to know many things over the past few years, and what I know is that truth is truth – God is God – and He plants faith deep within my heart – and Jesus will reap the harvest when appropriate.

My truth is:

My heart, His plan.
My day, His life.
My choice, His gift.
My acceptance, His abundant grace!


I am noticing a lot of “believers” who just cannot take a stand up or speak out – it breaks my heart. Friends we cannot be afraid to stand up for things that are right, or speak out against what is wrong. Jesus took the persecution for us, and received the punishment - our reward will be when we enter into heaven... Lukewarm is unacceptable, we must depend on the Holy Spirit – that is the fire that Jesus sparked so greatly the day I realized how much I needed His gift. I am grateful to breathe in the fire.


I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.” ~ Revelation 3:15-17 (The Message)


Did you ever wonder what you would have done if you were there when they crucified our God? What I know is that I cannot do anything without His guidance, and until we know Him, we are deceived easily - without the Holy Spirit I, more than likely, would have gone along with all the others.... "Crucify Him". I am wise only with the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I am grateful that I will never know what I would have done – but I am humbled greatly that I probably already know the answer.


“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will REMIND you of everything I have said to you.” ~John 14:26

Dwell in Him! And, be overwhelmed with God so I can start living out my purpose.

So stay alert. Don't for a minute forget the covenant which God, my God, made with me. And don't take up with any carved images, no forms of any kind—God, my God, issued clear commands on that. God, my God, is not to be trifled with—He's a consuming fire, a jealous God.” ~ Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (The Message)

Yes, today I am on-fire for God. My thoughts are constantly on God; and what Jesus did for me. But this is our time, the disciples spent three years – every waking and sleeping moment in the presence of Jesus, yet when Jesus was taken, they hid and left Him - thinking it was all over – that “He was a great teacher,” despite the fact that they “knew” who He was. It wasn't until they had proof and the Holy Spirit came down that their conversion truly happened, up to that point they were students. I don’t want to be lukewarm to be just a student, I want to live for Christ.

I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled!" ~ Luke 12:49


Lord, help me with my unbelief... Lord, show me your wounds...


I am humbled by God's work in me daily, and how much the Holy Spirit feeds me. I could not do this without that. I am so grateful that I do not have to answer the question, “What if I were there when they crucified my God”.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9


I am grateful that His grace is sufficient and that we have the steady power of the Holy Spirit in us, just as Jesus did.


“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside." ~Luke 14:14

Monday, February 21, 2011

Day 464 of Giving Thanks

My vacation is officially over – It has been a wonderful seventeen days – I am grateful for the adventures. Not only was I able to meet some friends from Facebook, I reconnected with my family and had a long weekend with my husband at the end. I am a fortunate woman – a fortunate woman with decisions to make, and changes to embrace!

 “Great changes are easier than small ones.” ~Francis Bacon

I started my vacation without any real expectations – a time to reflect and rest was the only goal from the onset. And, vacation or not, it is always a time to reflect, and wait on the Lord for rest.

Resting in the Lord that as I embrace the future – I will not only change, but transform. With every failure I come through, I know that victory is already won. With every failure I come through, I know that He collects the tears and the smiles.  With every failure there is hope beyond measure.

          "And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." ~Matthew 18:3 (NIV) – I only have hope in the cross. I keep my eyes on the cross when the world appears in view. Blink to clear the world and with every tear, comes Christ... blinking often.

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  ~Zephaniah 3:17

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 
Yes, I am a fortunate woman – and today, and every day, I see hope and light and joy in all things. Father, I am ready for my dream – it has changed – please reveal it for me. Father, I await to hear you whisper, to make my path clear.

“When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time.”  ~Author Unknown
 

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Day 463 of Giving Thanks

There have been many times in my life when I began again; and with every new beginning and every new day there is hope. A hope that only God can freely give. And through my life there have been many times when failure was more than I could tolerate, yet, I came through victoriously – vic·to·ry is a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war; the ultimate and decisive superiority in any battle or contest; a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, difficulty, etc.

Victory for every situation and every circumstance is already accomplished because of the finished work of Jesus, through the perfect plan. Victory only comes through God and everything I face is victorious because of a mighty God –

Oh, how I long to hear my master say,“…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” ~Matthew 25:21

God has given me wonderful gifts to pursue His will in my life, and my entire life is being lived so that I can become who He designed me to be. With the world before me and my God with me, I know that I will accomplish much, and He will provide me strength to overcome anything, especially my enemies – Today, I don’t even know what that might be, but I know that victory is mine through Him.
Today, I implore you to desire that same peace and that same hope. What would you do if you knew victory was already yours? I hold onto many truths, and through His purpose for me, it is His gifts I am to share.

 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
   “When he ascended on high, He took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” ~Ephesians 4:1-8

Preparation, that is all that my life has been up to now. What are you preparing me for heavenly Father? I am Your child and it is my desire to leave Your imprint on the world, and to never be one following in the footprints of the world. Lord, show me Your path - keep it straight, lead me when I can walk, carry me when I cannot and stop me when I stray. I am Your child, let me life leave many imprints for others to see. Prepare me Lord! help me to be one with many to fulfill Your purpose, and when the pain of this life becomes unbearable remind me that it is my job to be still and come into Your presence and know Your peace. 


“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”~ Psalms 37:4

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Day 462 of Giving Thanks


There is no place like home. Although I had a great time in Colorado, catching up, praying, having a wonderful time with my mom and meeting some of my Facebook friends face to face, I was sure ready to head home.

At 9:28PM last night, my plane landed at the Oakland Airport, a little late, but home nonetheless. My wonderful husband tracked my flight and picked me up, right on time. I am grateful to be home and safe.
 
 “Your dwelling place is secure, your nest is set in a rock;” ~Numbers 24:21

We arrived home and eight little feet were right at the door waiting to greet me with sniffs and meows; and on the dining room table a dozen red roses and a Valentine card. Thank You Father for all the wonderful gift of home and giving me the gift of knowing my permanent dwelling place in You.

 “What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I've always longed to live in a place like this, Always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to God-alive! 
Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. 
God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God! How blessed they are to live and sing there!” Psalm 84:1-4 (The Message)


I am grateful the two weeks I had to reflect and spend time with my family – as well as the many hours spent in God’s presence with His beautiful word and faithful promises. It is an honor to share His lessons in my life with so many, and I am grateful that a mighty God can use me – I believe He uses all of us greatly when we submit to His will for us. Lord I submit and I believe in the amazing purpose of my life.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~Isaiah 41:10 (day 457)

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never failThey are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ~Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV) (Day 453)

I am grateful to know that I can enter my dwelling place, which is His presence. Yes, there is no place like home, there is no place like being safe in home and knowing that home is a wonderful gift… yes, there is no place like home, God’s dwelling place.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!” ~Psalm 84:1 (NIV)
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You." ~Psalm 84:4 (NIV)

Day 461 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Robin Prater

"And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, 'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.' But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.' And the woman was made well from that hour." Matthew 9:20-22 NKJ

We can find this story in Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:40-56.

I must say, this is one my favorite stories. It is one that blesses me deeply. It is my hope that you too see more to this story and find a deeper faith.

During this time when a woman's flow came she was considered unclean. She was an untouchable. She was not welcome near others. Friends nor family welcomed her. She was dirty. She was in pain. She was lonely. Can you see her there? In her deepest pain and she wants is to be accepted and loved. Everyone has turned away from her. She lived alone. She ate alone. For twelve years she suffered, but her faith did not waver. She hasn't found relief anywhere. No doctors have miracles for her. No answers as to why. This woman spent all she had for medical treatment. She continued to grow worse. What was she to do? To live in faith.

This woman's name isn't given. I think that is important. This isn't just one woman, but many. Many who are searching. Who are lonely and in need. All they want is one touch. But, is there there anyone willing to reach out? This woman carried this pain for twelve years. Twelve long years of being alone and feeling as though she was unworthy. Can you imagine? Maybe you too feel the same today. Do you feel the shame she carried?

As this woman approached Jesus, "For she said, 'If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.'" Mark 5:28 NKJ There is a crowd around Jesus. He is surrounded, but He knows she is there. She sees Him and reaches out. She touches and she is healed before she releases her hand. It was not her touching Jesus that healed her, but her very faith in Him. Her belief. Everyone had turned away from her, but here we see Jesus turning to her. I find comfort in that. "And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, 'Who touched My clothes?'" Mark 5:30 NKJ

This woman was trembling. She was scared in this crowd. Even in a crowd she felt alone and desperate. But there was One who could bring her peace and comfort. In her need. In Jesus' perfect time He heals herShe is restored. She has life once again. I can see her walking away from this day a changed woman forever. She is accepted and loved by her Savior. I can only imagine how much her faith increased with just one touch. His love flowed into her with healing. Healing not only of her body, but her mind and heart. She was completely healed in every way. We have a mighty God who knows our need before we approach Him.

We see Paul with a thorn in his side. It doesn't say what his pain is, but we know he prays three times. He is crying out to God for relief. All he needs is a touch, but the Lord touches Paul in a different way. God is not ignoring Paul in his need. He doesn't remove the thorn, but gives him grace to endure.

"And He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ~2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJ

Here we have two different stories of healing, but both leave us with hope. God knows the healing we need. He will give us strength to overcome and peace to endure. He is all we need. Aren't you thankful we have a God that knows each need and is there for us? He walks toward us when others turn away. It is His love that brings healing. We are made perfect in Him. We can be sure of one thing. No matter where we are we are never alone in our pain.

About Robin:
Robin Prater is the author of two blogs.
She is currently doing book reviews and working on her first novel. She lives in Missouri with her
husband, Steve and son, Jacob. Along with Daisy who sits at her feet daily as she writes. Robin's passion is to live out loud for Christ and share all He has done, is doing and will do for those who love 
Him.

Day 460 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Shona Neff

As Christians we often hear about having thankful hearts. And, it is well we should! However, as it is with so many parts of our Christian faith, it can be easier said than done.

Self
There are many of us who let “self” get in the way of a thankful heart. Often times I find myself in the kitchen scrubbing dishes. I am more disgruntled by the work of my hands than the fact I have a kitchen with running water, plenty of food to dirty the dishes bobbing among the effervescent bubbles, and a family to sup with.

Self kills a thankful heart. This same obsession was the stealthy murderer of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve. Scripture paints a picture of a man who elevated his love of money over all else (John 12:4-6, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11). What a strong pull financial matters had on this keeper of the funds that he betrayed Jesus for the current-day equivalent of about twelve dollars.

Judas’ self must have been the root that caused the unthinkable betrayal and prevented him from seeking the forgiveness of his Master afterward. Perhaps the infamous traitor’s “self” believed his sin was so great than forgiveness was impossible. Like I said, self is a killer.

Attitude 
Attitude affects a thankful heart. There are those whose natural inclinations cast a melancholy shade over their disposition. They tend to see things more from the down side, than the up. However, don’t think this shadow cast by a blue demeanor affects only those inclined toward it. Each of us is guilty of allowing the negative spirits of judgment, blame, and criticism, to usurp our attitude of gratitude now and then. When we kick positive thoughts out of hearts, we invite hostility in for an extended stay.

Give Thanks Daily

Thankful hearts glorify Jesus!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God” (Philippians 4:4-6 NRSV).

Whether it is self or attitude, both are murderers. They kill the spirit and, taken to the extreme, can kill us physically. The fact that Judas Iscariot hung himself is a testament to that.

What if Judas had set aside “self” and, instead, rejoiced in his position as one of Jesus’ Twelve? What if, instead of greed, Judas immersed himself in gentleness? And, what if, after his act of betrayal, he had been motivated by gratitude and approached Jesus for forgiveness? Things would have been different for that sinner if he had sought forgiveness instead of a rope.

Let us all have thankful hearts. It is right to give thanks in the small things and rejoice in the big. Let our thoughts dive into what is good instead of allowing them to hover pathetically over the bad. Rejoice in the Lord always and give thanks daily.

~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*
Shona Neff, a bit more information…
Shona loves to inspire people with God’s Word and help them pursue God’s call on their lives. She is Senior Editor of Rooted Living digital magazine, co-founder of StepUP Writing and Speaking Services, and maintains a personal blog, www.shonaneff.com, which includes audio devotions taken from her radio show, Practical Christianity. She is also an editor, writer, speaker, and personality consultant.

Facebook 
StepUP Writing and Speaking Services:  http://www.stepupwritingandspeaking.com/
Personal Blog: www.shonaneff.com

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Day 459 of Giving Thanks

I am grateful for family – unpredictable, quirky and wonderful. I am the third child, there are seventeen years between my sister and I, and nineteen between my brother and I – I was truly the second wave. Although I am the baby in the family, I was raised alone, so have the affect of being an only child – independent, bold and I am very fortunate to have the best of both worlds. Although my siblings and I were not close when I grew up, I did have the opportunity to be close with a couple of my nieces and nephews.

My family is a gift from God – and today, I not only have the two families that God placed me with, but I have my family within the body of Christ – and I am grateful for my entire family.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~ 1 John 4:10

I arrived into this world and today I am privileged to have my given family and that has a couple meanings for me – I was accepted into a family here on earth and the depth of love I have known through my life is an amazing testimony of my heavenly Father and His watch over my life. My birth family sacrificially gave me up, so I could have a better life and Jesus sacrificially gave His life so that I could live. I have amazing blessings in my life.

One of the amazing blessings I received this week was spending time with my niece, Robin. She is one of the most amazing women I know – and although we have lived distantly, we love and respect each other deeply. Robin and I were pregnant at the same time and both have beautiful twenty-one year old daughters; her family, however kept growing - she has a son, twenty and twins, who are fourteen, another son and daughter.

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” ~Nahum 1:7

I am grateful for Robin’s example of courage and strength – a fighter. Father, in the quiet of the night, and the wonder of Your presence I seek You and thank You for my family. Lord, I am grateful for the perfect position You have placed me in; I pray for Your wisdom in all things and in all circumstances; I desire that love and tenderness are present, and strength and courage are exampled through my life.

Gracious and merciful Jehovah Jirah, in Jesus name, I lift Robin up to You and boldly ask for healing, for the complete cleansing of her cells, renewal in her blood and organs and complete restoration of health. I pray Lord that she will truly know Your presence in her life, that with every waking moment and with every breath she can recognize Your touch in her life, and in the life of her family. I pray that they are comforted, as they confront the uncertainties before them. Gracious and perfect God, it is Your will and plan I covet and Your perfect purpose in all that we live through, and it is You, Jesus that I cling to in all the storms. In the precious blood of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

“When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” ~Proverbs 10:25



Shawn Delia Boreta

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