Translate

Monday, October 31, 2011

Day 720 of Giving Thanks

On my computer screen, I saw, "Your changes have been saved."

My mind started reeling... when we are saved, we will change, and with our coming to Him, we will continue to change. So, are my changes saved? hmmm. I believe so.

It is when we realize the LIMITLESSNESS of God in us that we begin to live for Him. When we know that He's got us 24/7, and will be there at every turn, every decision and for every encounter. Trust the Holy Spirit in you and keep the dialog open and CONTINUOUS... oh, how God is so GOOD!

"for every encounter", including all those of the enemy. Father we thank You for Your presence in our hearts and in our lives. Thank You that You desire so much for us, we pray that we can be who You desire for us, and in Your strength and power we trust and depend, in the mighty name of Jesus we give all our prayers to for perfecting intercession. Amen

Seeing God correctly takes work, His in us... not ours to Him.


“Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God; He created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts.” ~Isaiah 40:28 (Good News Translation)

Tonight as I pull all the thoughts together, all of His nudges and promptings into an organized manner, I am reminded how much in me has changed, but there are times when I still do things the “old way”. Earlier today, I thought, “Don't we just complicate things? Don’t we place too much importance on what the world thinks or what is important to the world? My friends, we are to know that the bible is for us, specifically for “you.”  And, we get there by depending on the Holy Spirit who will translate what it is you need today – perfectly and completely according to what you need. All you have to do is ask in Jesus' name and it will be done. Lord, help us today bring Your truth to our hearts, allow our thoughts to ponder the greatness of You.

I just love when the simple thoughts are profound. And simply today, once again, God reveals a different way to look at pain and experiences. When my flesh is broken, my will seems to be going nowhere, that is when I know that it is all about the Lord - that it is His repair of me, and in me that allows me to see His will for my life.

And, the great thing about pain is that it never stays the same. You build up (yet more) tolerance or it moves to another location. I look forward to that move every day.

Lord, it is the mornings that You can draw me in, would it have been that way if I had sprung into action, rather that ease into my day? I thank You mighty and gracious God for all my circumstances, and I pray that my desire to be well, is Your will. Help me to know Your strength in me and help it to radiate through and about me today. Let me surrender and surrender all day, and remember to praise You through it all. In Jesus' name I pray for change and strength. Amen.

So, back to the work of Christ in my life, are the “changes saved”? I completely believe that His work in me has been a progression of, “Your changes have been saved”, and with every iteration, He changes and saves me again and again – not saved as in salvation, as that happens once, but “saved from myself” and “saved from daily disaster”. Forgiveness, that is the change that took me completely by surprise. There have been many instances where I have said, “No way Lord, you can’t have that… I can’t let go of that!”

Forgiveness without strings - comes through God's work in my life - and has happened in ways that I never dreamed possible, and in ways that I asked for. For years I wanted to hang on to the hatred and pain. It seemed much easier than letting go, and giving it to God.

My heart knew hatred – I had no problem remembering every hurtful and painful event or comment or what "they" did to me.

One day, I saw "their" life in a whole new light. God tore the hatred down and built up a wall of grace with amazing windows to a soul and revealed what I "knew not", and brokenness that I could not see through my own brokenness. He is really good, God is really, really good.

And in an instant, He took it, and I have never looked back.

‎"Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God." ~Ephesians 5:2 (Common English Bible)

Only God can define me... everything else is just part of my circumstances, not who I am!


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Day 722 of Giving Thanks by Tina Wetor

Faith doesn’t mean you don’t have fear of the unknown; it’s the confidence of God ability over your own.  Faith sees the promise of God complete, even if the first step isn’t complete.  Still the fear can echo within our hearts to cause us to doubt the truth.  As Christians, the Word says we walk by faith and not by sight.  (2 Corinthians 5:7) Yet, it seems our sights can blind us from allowing the faith to conquer our promise.

Our faith will be tested but its reward outweighs all the obstacles.  No one is exempt from their faith being tested; neither is anyone exempt from their faith being rewarded.  Our faith will be rewarded but we must remain faithful until the promise arrives.  GOD ALWAYS FULFILLS HIS PROMISES.  Can the journey get tiresome?  Honestly, we all get weary in life but as we wait on the Lord, He will renew our strength.  When we are renewed, we can mount on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31-But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

When David was called to be the King of Israel, he was a shepherd boy.  After the precious moment of being anointing by Samuel and the celebration, David went back to attending sheep until God opened the door.  When Saul was searching for a musician to bring comfort, David was given the opportunity to serve as a musician.  Besides being a musician, David was allowed to serve in the military and marry the king’s daughter.  Yet, David wouldn’t try to fulfill God’s promise in his hands, he rested in God’s.  He wouldn’t touch God’s anointed to bring about God’s promise.  Sadly, Saul tried to destroy David’s life with his hands.  At that time, who wouldn’t question the promise?  While running in the desert from Saul, do you think David had questions?

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Psalm 56:3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  Does it mean we will never be frightened?  No, fear is our enemy who can only be conquered by who (Jesus) we place our faith in.  Without faith in God it is impossible to do anything but with faith in God anything is possible.

Will it come to pass?  Yes, God will fulfill His promises, He has never lied.  Although David’s promise wasn’t fulfilled at the moment of his anointing, it was fulfilled.  When we can’t understand what direction God is taking, we rest in Him.  So, rest.  We will never rest if our hearts are filled with unbelief, it will drives us around in circles.  It’s time to open the Bible to allow our faith to be built up, it’s only through hearing the Word does it grow.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Tina Wetor
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Me in 700 words....more or less... (testimony series) by Darci Escandon

Me in 700 words....more or less..
by Darci Escandon

Have you been:
Sexually abused? Me to.
Emotionally and Mentally abused? Me to.
Physically Abused? Me to.
Betrayed by the ones who are supposed to love you the most? Me to.
Homeless and hopeless? Me to.
Lonely, full of self loathing? Me to.
Angry and resentful? Me to.
A high school drop out? Me to.
Consumed with self pity and feelings of failure? Me to.
Full of anxiety? Me to.
Had the wrong type of people as friends? Me to.
Been in relationships for the wrong reasons? Me to.
Lost a child? I lost 2.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~and~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Experienced God’s Grace? Me to.
His Mercy? Me to.
His Salvation? Me to.

His Forgiveness? Me to.

Life’s been hard, no doubt about it. So hard, in fact, that at one point, I turned by back on God. However, because He is so faithful, He never turned His back on me.

What was the lesson I learned through all of it? God is alive. He is present and working in my life. God provides for our needs. That is His promise to us. However, that does not mean that we can just sit around and wait like the guy in the flood did. God requires us to step out in faith. He wants us to trust Him ultimately and completely. Sometimes, that means that we need to step outside of our comfort zone. For me, it certainly meant that.

I havn’t had the best past. Often, my doubts about my abilities and my shame and embarrassment of who I was before I came to know Christ kept me from stepping out in faith. Many people have told me I would never be good enough and I guess, my past has taught me to have a fear of success. My fear has been holding me back from God’s plan in my life.

God has been calling me for the last 2 years to step out in faith and do something. Because of my fear and self doubt, I had been making excuses and thinking I’m not good enough. Recently, I stepped out I faith and started working for God.

Rather than thinking about what I can benefit from it or that I am not qualified enough, I began to see how I can help other people. It no longer became about me and my benefit, but it became about others and how they can benefit. It became a God thing, not a Darci thing. God equips the called, not calls the equipped.

As things start to happen now, I can point out and say “That’s all God”. When people ask me how this happened I can say “It’s a God thing”. God is getting the glory, not me.
I’m not in this for myself…I’m in it for God. All I had to do is get out of His way and step out in faith.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

God is faithful and He knows our needs. When we can get over ourselves and realize that the reason we are here is to bring glory to Him and allow Him to work in our lives, amazing things can happen. I don’t judge my success by the money I have in the bank or the things I can buy, I judge my success by the treasures I build up in Heaven. To me, that’s better than any winning lottery ticket or Publisher’s Clearing House prize. What I have been given is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose blood was shed on the cross for us all. All I need to do is step out in faith.

Thank you Lord, for showing me how I got in your way. Thank you for showing me how to step aside and let you work. Thank you for being faithful and for always showing up even when I am not sure of where you are. Thank you for taking care of our needs and for making such a big difference in my life! I love you Lord. Please forgive me for getting in your way! Amen





© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Darci Escandon
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Day 721 of Giving Thanks by Darci Escandon

Have you heard the parable about the guy who gets caught in a flood and asks God for help? The parable goes something like this:

It was flooding in California.
As the flood waters were rising, a man was on the stoop of his house and another man in a row boat came by. The man in the row boat told the man on the stoop to get in and he'd save him. The man on the stoop said, no, he had faith in God and would wait for God to save him. The flood waters kept rising and the man had to go to the second floor of his house. A man in a motor boat came by and told the man in the house to get in because he had come to rescue him. The man in the house said no thank you. He had perfect faith in God and would wait for God to save him. The flood waters kept rising. Pretty soon they were up to the man's roof and he got out on the roof. A helicopter then came by, lowered a rope and the pilot shouted down in the man in the house to climb up the rope because the helicopeter had come to rescue him. The man in the house wouldn't get in. He told the pilot that he had faith in God and would wait for God to rescue him. The flood waters kept rising and the man in the house drowned. When he got to heaven, he asked God where he went wrong. He told God that he had perfect faith in God, but God had let him drown.
"What more do you want from me?" asked God. "I sent you two boats and a helicopter." 
Often times, I think that sometimes, I don’t recognized God’s help when it’s staring me right in the face. For some reason, I have an idea in my head about what God’s help is supposed to look like. It’s supposed to be something supernatural or incredible…like finding the winning lottery ticket in the street gutter as I am walking the dog or getting that surprising knock on the door from Publishers Clearing House even though I never sent in that entry form I received in the mail.

But yet, I keep telling myself and everyone around me that I am stepping out in faith and that God will take care of me. I know he will provide all the things I need. It says so in His word:

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow...." Matthew 6:31-34 New King James Version (NKJV)

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever." Philippians 4:19-20 New King James Version (NKJV)

“If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.  But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.  Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."~ Luke 12:28-34 New King James Version (NKJV)

I also encourage you to look up these other verses as well:
Romans 14:17-19
2 Chronicles 1:8-12
Philippians 4:11-13
Matthew 19:29-30
Mark 10:28-31
Malachi 3:10
Deuteronomy 8:2-3
Psalm 23:1-3
2 Corinthians 9:8

Yes, God provides for our needs. That is His promise to us. However, that does not mean that we can just sit around and wait like the guy in the flood did. God requires us to step out in faith. He wants us to trust Him ultimately and completely. Sometimes, that means that we need to step outside of our comfort zone. For me, it certainly meant that. God has been calling me for the last 2 years to step out in faith and do something. Because of my fear and self doubt, I had been making excuses and acting like the guy in the flood. However, recently, thanks to the words of a dear friend who told me “Darci, you need to quit giving stuff away and start running your business like a business and the true gift from God that it is”, I stepped out I faith and started working for God. Rather than thinking about what I can benefit from it, I began to see how I can help other people. It no longer became about me and my benefit, but it became about others and how they can benefit. It became a God thing, not a Darci thing.

As things start to happen now, I can point out and say “That’s all God”. When people ask me how this happened I can say “It’s a God thing”.  God is getting the glory, not me. I’m not in this for myself…I’m in it for God. All I had to do is get out of His way and step out in faith.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

God is faithful and He knows our needs. When we can get over ourselves and realize that the reason we are here is to bring glory to Him and allow Him to work in our lives, amazing things can happen. I don’t judge my success by the money I have in the bank or the things I can buy, I judge my success by the treasures I build up in Heaven. To me, that’s better than any winning lottery ticket or Publisher’s Clearing House prize. What I have been given is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose blood was shed on the cross for us all. All I need to do is step out in faith.

What is it that God has called you to do that requires you to step out in faith?

Thank you Lord, for showing me how I got in your way. Thank you for showing me  how to step aside and let you work. Thank you for being faithful and for always showing up even when I am not sure of where you are. Thank you for taking care of our needs and for making such a big difference in my life! I love you Lord. Please forgive me for getting in your way! Amen.


~Darci Escandon
© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Darci Escandon 
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150361536487809

Friday, October 28, 2011

Day 720 of Giving Thanks

"I am learning,” is one of my favorite statements… I don’t ever want to believe that “I have arrived”, so again today, I use it again. I am learning is with every cycle, every lesson, every repeat of a behavior, I get better. God’s work in me and His word penetrate every part of me and I exude growth. Another favorite phrase is “I am encouraged!" 

When we accept the gift of Christ's blood, we have the opportunity to dwell in the living waters of His sacrifice 24/7. It is His blood that washes away all of our sin, impurities and failures. It is by His blood that gives us life eternal, refreshes and renews us daily, as well as equips us here on earth. I have guaranteed growth as long as I willingly participate in His plan and as long as I choose His way for my life.

I will fail, while knowing I am already the victor. I will become weary, while being restored un-endlessly. And, even in moments of doubt, I will persevere because He is my source for everything, my game plan and strategy and my everything. 

Prayer is not an activity I need to schedule, and it is something I can do all day – although I can “schedule prayer time. Prayer is an action I take to seek God, to be with Him... the more I pray, the more I will know Him. He tells us to "Call on Me".... (Jeremiah 33:3). He has promised, "Never will I leave or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Every day, I received so many invitations to be with Him. And I know, He will always honor His word, and all my desires that are according to His will.

The awesome news is that His Word endures, regardless of the season. For through the seasons, we will see different things growing or dying around us, but we can be sure that all He provides us through His Spirit will last. God NEVER CHANGES through the seasons.

Whatever season of life you are in, He is there. His word, His presence, His promises - Thank You Father for all the preservation we received and the growth You give us through our life. We love You LORD. (Peter 1:24-25). I am learning that even though my perspective has changed dramatically through my thoughts, my life is forever altered, in an amazing way.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." ~2 Corinthians 10:5 (New International Version)

I am learning, every moment of despair is removed only with God’s interception through hope of Him being in us. Have you noticed that when the enemy attacks, and You are in the Word, captured by God and trusting a mighty God, that God speaks from every direction, He moves mountains to get your attention and gives you even more reasons to count Him trustworthy!

“For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” ~Psalm 48:14 (New International Version)

Yes, my LORD consumes me, as the fire around me closes in He washes away the impurities, failures and pain.

“Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe;"
“For our God [is indeed] a consuming fire.” ~Hebrews 12:28-30 (Amplified Bible)


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

A Letter (testimony series) by Peggy McGlothlin

A Letter
By  Peggy McGlothlin

Lord,
 
I spent so many years of my life sitting in different churches, hoping against hope that I would find You in one of them. When that didn`t work, I gave up and walked away. Why didn`t I find You there, Lord? Why did I only find rejection and condemnation there?  I spent years being afraid of not being good enough to please You. Why did You cause all of that in me, Lord? Was I that hard to teach? That`s what I always thought, You know. Of course You do. You gave me those thoughts.
       
I wanted to love You so badly, and to be sure in my heart that You love me. I heard that so many times in my life. At the same time, I heard about this angry, vengeful God who was going to allow most of His creation burn in eternal torment because we would never measure up. I could never understand how You could allow that if You really loved us.
         
I really messed up for a very long time, You know. I came to the place where I believed that You could not possibly love someone like me. I became very bitter and angry.
         
One day, I decided that I would live my life as if I believed everything I had been taught about You. I confessed You as Lord of my life. You & I both know I didn`t really believe it. But we had our moments, You & I. Those brief glimpses of You were enough to keep me hopeful. You were there all the days of my life, Lord. I know that now. Every word, every action, came directly from You.
             
I remember the day, just a few short months ago that You revealed Yourself to me as the God who loves me, who desires me and who does everything for my good. I finally knew the God who is in control of all things, including me.
               
Knowing You now, Lord, fills my heart and soul with so much joy, so much peace and contentment. You are the reason I wake up in the morning, the reason I do what I do. You have taught me love and acceptance and You have caused me to know that You do, indeed, control all things.    
         
I could go on for hours about all the things that I`ve learned about You ~~ all the things You have taught me in the last few months. I will do that when You are ready for me to.
                 
All I want to do for now is to say thank You. Thank You for being the God Of love that I always knew You are in the deepest part of me. Thank You for loving me with such an amazing love. Thank You for all that You have given me to show me Your love. Thank You for seeing me as You created me ~~ Perfect in every way. Lord, thank You for giving me the gift of loving You without fear and without guilt. Thank You for the gift of  knowing that You found me worthy of Your love. You have given me all things good, Lord. And for that, I truly thank You.

 
About Peggy
My Bio?  I’m 68 years old, a widow, Mom to 6 kids, Grandma to 8, and Great Grandma to 8. I’m from Massachusetts, and have spent most of my adult life in West Texas and I currently live in Georgia.  I love God, love being involved sharing that love for God on Facebook, as well as personalized, one-on-one ministry.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, all rights remain with the author
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Day 719 of Giving Thanks

Lord, give me the courage to change and the strength to stand firmly in those changes.

“I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” ~Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)

At the end of me today LORD, and so thankful that at my end You are endless. That is what I hold on to, and look forward to. At my end, You are endless.

In the middle of unexpected attack, and it truly is amazing how God shows up... thought I would share the words given to me.

"This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." ~Isaiah 30:15 (New International Version)

LORD, THANK YOU for knowing what I need every time.

Do you ever feel like you've been shot in the heart with an arrow? And, I don't mean cupid's arrow, I mean a weapon of war, a sharp ended, flesh-splitting weapon! Lord, take the after shock of that hit away and allow the wound to heal quickly. There are times, when the physical pain of illness seems to be nothing compared to the blows to the heart.

Giving it ALL to You LORD. And the love and adoration for You can never be enough. I wait on You LORD and know that You are trustworthy and faithful by "heaven's standard", which is difficult for this mind, at times to comprehend, yet AMAZING for this heart to hope in.

Thank You gracious Father God for Your presence in my life, for all You do and those You send to speak into my life and to my circumstances. Thank You for those who lift me in prayer, for those who care deeply in the name of Jesus for my healing, my restored and replenished heart and all that and who concerns me too. It is my daily prayer to be courageous and brave through every day and in every moment. I have an amazing life Lord because of You and I cannot imagine another kind of life. Thank You my amazing Father, and the never ending ability to bring this all to You through a mighty and perfect savior – in the restorative blood of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

My friends, I implore you to pour your heart out in prayer to God and He will lead you to overflowing portions.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Day 718 of Giving Thanks

Noise is more that decibels tapping our eardrums. And, I believe that “we” become very accustomed to so much noise that it’s difficult to be still and take in the quiet. For me, quiet is sometimes meditating on a verse, it could be listening to very soothing instrumental music and other times it is just listening to the uninhibited sounds around me.

How many people do we know who are drowning out the truth with noise?

Today has been a day full of not so quiet. It was a very busy day at work, and this evening has been full of things to do, but now it's time to drown out the noise to hear the truth. It was only yesterday God reminded, on a few occasions that I should listen more, allow the messages and requests come to me, rather than me go after them. And, that is what happened all day long. He revealed, that I am here to share the Word! What an AWESOME thing.

We are all here to help one another as well. In ministry we are to complement one another, not compete. In ministry we are to encouragement one another and share all that we learn. In ministry, we are to listen more and speak less. How can we answer questions, if we don’t know what the questions are? How can we pray for someone if we don’t know what they need or their hearts are yearning for? And, how can I hear the Holy Spirit’s directions, answers or facilitation if I am too busy talking?


‎"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." ~ John 14:26 (Amplified Bible)

Let Him BE...
Let Him BE the someone I cry myheart out to.
Let Him BE the comfort I seek when comfort is required.
Let Him BE the only voice I hear in times of turmoil or tragedy.
Let Him BE the One and only God for me.

It has been an incredible journey of the mind. Years ago, I heard the saying, “from the inside out…” It has been an amazing transformation to be a part of. To know that I came from outwardly motivated to inwardly moving toward Him – wholly changing from the inside through my thoughts to shine Him outwardly. In all the years of self-help books, an addiction I gladly gave up, I never knew the peace and security I now have, and all because “it is finished” (John 19:30).

I use to strive for perfection, and I always knew that I would never arrive. Today, I know that I am not perfect, yet I am being perfected by His perfect will toward His perfect plan. Hope lives amazingly, because there is going to be a time I will arrive perfectly into His presence.

“I give thanks to my God upon my every remembrance of you, always in my every prayer for all of you, making the prayer with joy, because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now, convinced of this same thing, that the one who began a good work in you will finish it until the day of Christ Jesus…” ~Philippians 1:3-6 (Lexham English Bible)

Paul’s words are a perfect reminder of this truth of His finished work in me that is only possible because of His finished work on the cross. This, right here is cause and reason enough to “be still and listen”.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

A Simple Testimony (testimony series) by Shona Neff

A Simple Testimony
by Shona Neff

Have you ever heard or read a testimony that kept you on the edge of your seat as events unfolded? There are some wild stories of God’s amazing grace and unfathomable love that beckon to an unbelieving world. Mine is not one of them. It is plain. It is boring compared to some, but it is still divine!

No bells or whistles decorate my story. It started with the yearnings in a little girl’s heart. Desires of all shapes and sizes vie for attention in our hearts, but it’s pretty miraculous that the desire to know God beat deep in my being.

Actually, it all started with the construction of a beautiful church not far from my childhood home. I longed to be a part of the congregation. My family attended church during my pre-school years, but for reasons unbeknownst to me, we stopped going. I found out later that herding a family of seven in one direction on a Sunday morning took a toll on my parents.

My desire to attend that church grew as I watch the building take shape brick by brick. All these years later I’ve never set foot in that building. However, I am happy to report that, because of the little spark in my heart so many years ago, I ultimately set both feet firmly in God’s kingdom.

It took time for that spark to grow, but almost 25 years after watching that church go up, my husband and I joined a Sunday school class filled with seasoned citizens. It was the only class in our new church that investigated the Bible verse by verse. That tiny spark incubated in my heart grew into an insatiable hunger for God’s Word. I also joined a women’s’ Bible study. I nourished myself on the divine feast that constantly stretched out before me and soon I was teaching the Old Testament book of Daniel. The flame was fanned.

Finally, when I studied Daniel 11 in order to teach it to the women in my study group, that little spark ignited! I got it . . . I finally got it! It didn’t take drama. It didn’t require a traumatic event. My story doesn’t stir the emotions like some testimonies. However, it is divine and heaven heartily rejoiced when I entered God’s kingdom with a genuine understanding of the sacrifice Jesus provided when He died on the cross.

Yes, it’s a simple testimony, but I am thankful that it is still good enough to be a child of God.

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:8 NIV).

©2011 Shona Neff

BIO
Shona loves inspiring and equipping aspiring writers and speakers. She loves making the practical interesting, doesn’t let the status quo reign supreme, and understands that life doesn’t have to be so serious. Shona  is co-founder of StepUP Writing and Speaking Services. She is also a Personality Mechanic and you can visit her blog at shonaneff.com. Shona also enjoys radio gigs with KKIM Christian News and Talk in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Day 717 of Giving Thanks

God rescued me plain and simple! He rescued me from death and darkness and emptiness. And, I have been received into the kingdom where the love of three encase and secure my eternity (Colossians 1:13). A love that has no boundaries, but is boundless - a love that completes everyone who chooses it – a love that is whole and complete.

Being thankful is a choice... I choose to be thankful and I discover so much to be thankful for in my life. Is it possible to be thankful for being thankful? This verse is prominently placed to the right of my monitor at work, “May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love.” ~2 John 1:3 (Good News Translation)


Today my mind has been going since 6am this morning. It is now 16 hours later, and it still will not stop. In my day of “thinking”, I have had thoughts from planning to clearing to re-gearing to just being with Him, and that just about hits all the options, I would say. As I sit here, I earnestly and wholly come to the Lord. And, I reflect on a conversation, combined with my thoughts and the realization that God’s amazing gifts for me include tying things together for me when I bring the pile to Him. It may not happen today, tomorrow or next week, but He is faithful in showing me the way. One thought, “Everyone has the same access to God. No one is holier than the next.  We all have the robe of righteousness, the power of the Holy Spirit and an outpouring of His gifts according to His will and plans for our life.” Inspired by a life with God  (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Corinthians 12, Job 29:14)


“He is also the one who told us about the love that God's Spirit has given you.” ~Colossians 1:8 (Contemporary English Version)

Now that is exciting. 

We all been given individuality and our own distinct personalities. God will direct me and when I listen to His instruction, I will grow. When I finally wrap my heart around all that He has given me and when I stop fighting through my circumstances, I will understand much.  When I use what He gave me, and I truly understand what He created me to be, He will show me the power in having Him. 

It is my job to grow in Christ to become more like Him and adhere to His desires for my life. And all this is done with Christ in me, and no other way.

This is what holds my heart when the loss of heart is a temptation. I have a helper with power beyond reason and comprehension... Love within, from God above and because of the cross - thank You Jesus!

"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." ~ John 14:26 (Amplified Bible)

Love in the name of Jesus.
Love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Love because you are greatly loved.
Love, love, love, because what else has greater reward than loving those around us?
Love, even those who are unlovable - because really aren't we those people too?

“Christ was before all things. All things are held together by Him.” ~Colossians 1:17 (New Life Version)

And, to conclude, where I began. “God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets us free. Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation.
“Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God's Son, and everything was made for him.
“God's Son was before all else, and by him everything is held together. He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that he would be above all others.
God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son. And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God. Colossians 1:13-20 (Contemporary English Version)


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Monday, October 24, 2011

Day 716 of Giving Thanks

Oftentimes when I begin to write, I am not always sure what to share, but the nudges are quite strong. Tonight, I have been 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)

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.

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.‎

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 much 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)

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

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.

Although there was much 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.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                  
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Day 715 of Giving Thanks

There is unlimited power in a life with Jesus in control. And, today I sought after the power to remain grounded in who I am, in the effort subduing my displeasure. I am a “wear my heart on my sleeve type of person”, yet, I truly believe that I cannot be a good example when I am disgruntled. In my displeasure today, I did grumble and complain, not loudly, but deep in my heart and to a friend; it still amazed me that my flesh still wants to validate my hurt with others. When all I should do is give it completely to God, and let Him handle the hurt and distribution of the pain.

I know that God loves the love letters we bring to Him... signed not only with Xs and Os but with our heart's desires as well, and today my heart’s desire is to remove what is not useful in the King”s work and replace with what is pleasing to the King.

“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" ~Psalm 46:10-11 (Amplified Bible)

The only way for us to see that He is our refuge is by being still. It's amazing how that works, isn't it? Lord, help us seek Your presence today and every day.

I whispered these words several times today, “Lord through the Holy Spirit today, help me to be strong in You and overcome my circumstances. Let me know Your presence today. Let me eliminate the world around me, even if for moments at a time.” And, for many moments of the day, that is exactly what I did… He removed the world, and allowed me to dwell on His word. I also heard a great message that directed me to Psalm 46, which once again ministered to me greatly.

‎"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." ~2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Lexham English Bible)

He will give us what we need through the scripture and when we depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance when we read and dwell in His word. This is something He desires so greatly for us. Let us be in You Lord, as You are in us.

The only way for us to see that He is our refuge is by being still. It's amazing how that works, isn't it?

Lord, help me seek Your presence today and every day. Give me strength to remove the war that goes on in my mind, and allow me to be still, to rest and rejoice in all of You, my wonderful, awesome, forgiving and merciful God!

”Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth.
“He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.
“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” ~Psalm 46:8-10 (Amplified Bible)

God has given me an amazing gift, and that is being thankful and encouraging others... but the real secret here is knowing why I am thankful and that in itself will encourage me.
He died for me because He loved me first. He is coming back because He loves me always.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*
My Strength In Jesus
Jesus' Power Is from God.
Jesus left us the Holy Spirit, who is GOD IN US.
in AWE so often. Thank you Jesus.

Let me shine Lord, but let it be YOU they see.

Jesus' Power Is from God.
Jesus left us the Holy Spirit, who is GOD IN US.
in AWE so often. Thank you Jesus.

Without tragedy, we would not know victory... the true tragedy is life without Jesus, and the true victory only comes through Jesus. Don't have a tragic life, embrace a life with hope -

- do you know Jesus? Is He where Your hope comes from?
I trust You LORD.
I thank You Jesus.
I depend on the unending strength and power of the Holy Spirit.
And, reverently, I seek You and adhere to You.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*

‎"Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?"
WE ARE ALL IN need of a savior, no matter where we come from or who we are - our disease is the flesh...

"Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." ~Romans 7:24-25 (NLT)
AND THE CURE IS JESUS, son of God, God in the flesh... our only hope.

‎"Jesus Teaches About Prayer
One time Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his followers said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his followers."
Jesus said to them, "When you pray, say: 
"Father, may your name always be kept holy.
OUR FATHER, MIGHTY AND PRECIOUS GOD
"May your kingdom come. 
MAY WE BE EVER PRESENT WITH YOU.
"Give us the food we need for each day. 
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING WE RECEIVE.
"Forgive us for our sins, 
FOR EACH DOUBT, FEAR, LIE, HARMFUL ACTION OR ACTION AGAINST YOU OR OTHERS
"because we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And do not cause us to be tempted.' "" ~Luke 11:1-4 (NCV)
IN YOUR NAME JESUS WE PRAY FOR STRENGTH TO AVOID EVIL AND KEEP OUR HEARTS AND MINDS PURE OF INTENT AND EYES UPON YOU. AMEN.

Jesus says... 
"Teaching about Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. " ~Matthew 5:13-15 (NLT)

Verse 16 has spoken into my life for years... it is one of my favorites. Let me shine Lord, but let it be YOU they see.

"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." ~Matthew 5:16 (New Living Translation)

Let my displeasure in my circumstances move to rejoicing in You and experiencing great pleasure because of the greatness of You LORD all along this journey from flesh to heaven.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Day 714 of Giving Thanks

There are days when my pleas to God, include “I need a miracle...” And, it continues, “Let me recognize You all around me. Let my heart and thoughts be completely toward You. Let me know that You've got this.”

And, what is “this”? This is all the stuff that pops up in my life, the unexpected obstacles, challenges, the things I wouldn’t necessarily choose in my life, but come across my path anyway. So, whatever “this” is, I know that God’s got it if I cannot handle it and He's got me when I need to handle it.

Today I am assured and comforted. In fact every morning, I wake up trusting that my day is completely covered, I am protected and He is just a “Hello God” away.

Today we had a friend of the ministry came in and check up on us… and he asked if he could read a chapter that he felt we needed to hear. Psalm 39 was exactly what I needed to hear today. And, here are a few verses that just hit home.

“Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
”Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.  Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” ~Psalm 39:3-7 (New Living Translation)

Hello God, you know my needs - I pray for Your will, and I pray that Your will match the desires You have placed so deep within my heart. For me the obstacles seem too many, the pain and exhaustion too much to bear today. Help me Lord to fulfill my obligations today and continue toward realizing my dream. Thank You Lord for the gifts of hope and joy – and the perfect placement of all things. Thank You for returning the "hello", with so much love and favor for me and my life, Your daughter. In Jesus' name I trust, and in the power of the Holy Spirit I submit to Your plans and all my steps. Amen. 

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” ~Psalm 37:23-24 (New Living Translation)

I am grateful for all my steps, the steps that firmly hit the ground as well as those that stumble. I am grateful for solid ground under my feet, arms that carry and catch, as well as the mighty hand that lifts me after a fall. Thank You Father, that no matter what step or stumble, I stand firmly which assures my heart and settles it toward hope.

“We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us." ~Romans 5:3-5 (Good News Translation)


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Day 713 of Giving Thanks

Sometimes I am just tired and weary and in great need of His rest and presence. I am learning that it is when my perspective could use some improvement that I am reminded that I can have the best perspective because I am God’s child and favored one.

‎"GOD is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness." ~Psalm 145:3 (The Message)

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. It is necessary for that one to increase, but for me to decrease.
“The one who comes from above is over all. The one who is from the earth is from the earth and speaks from the earth; the one who comes from heaven is over all.” ~John 3:29-31 (Lexham English Bible)

Always remember that our perspective is not God's. Every circumstance has two views - one from fleshly eyes and the ONE from a heavenly perspective. We must be faithful in knowing that there is God's way to everything and trust that He has a plan.

Daniel understood this... "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds."
"The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom" ~Daniel 1:7, 19-20 (New International Version)

Faithful is revealing. Being steadfast will bring truth to light. Daniel examples that to us. God will place us where we need to be and when we submit to His plans for our life, we meet Him and He shows Himself to us in the most amazing way.

"During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” ~Daniel 2:19-23 (NIV)

We must give Him all the glory for what He does with us and through us. It is never us, it is all of Him. Again, "He must increase and I must decrease." ~John 3:30 (CEB)

“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 us always remember that it is Your children You show favor to when we seek to be Yours wholly.

Keep me, love me Lord... for You have saved me. Let my heart be ever set on Your grace and mercy, and moreover on who You are. Great, awesome, perfect, mighty, amazing, merciful, gracious God.

I am grateful for access to an amazing God, and the discovery of purpose – mine is sharing with others what I love about my life with God.

When we die to self, and live for HIM, lift truly begins.
My heart finds strength in His presence and I am groomed through struggle. Did you know that you have been made wonderfully and God has given you amazing gifts to fulfill a purpose and will continue to do so as you grow toward Him? And He will continually lift you? 

His love never fails.
His plans are always perfect.
He is the beginning and the end.
He is God."

It is time Lord, to let the day go... to begin rest and give You all that blessed my day, perplexed my heart, created pain or brought joy - my day is Yours Father, as is my life. Thank You for giving me so much to be grateful for... and with Your guidance and help to look forward to, especially today.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Day 712 of Giving Thanks

“God's got this... really!” the words that rushed through my head, several times over the last few weeks. Everything from emotions to physical, I know that God’s in control and there is much to trust in.

I definitely know that God is trustworthy. How do I know this? Let’s take it from the beginning, Because of Genesis 1, all stories are possible. Because of our Creator all stories can have a happy ending. I know that everything that has been, and everything that will be is already known by our amazing Creator. Because of God we have it all with a choice to believe.

”Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, pain or persecution? Can lack of clothes and food, danger to life and limb, the threat of force of arms? Indeed some of us know the truth of the ancient text: ‘For your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter’.
“No, in all these things we win an overwhelming victory through Him who has proved His love for us.

“I have become absolutely convinced that neither death nor life, neither messenger of Heaven nor monarch of earth, neither what happens today nor what may happen tomorrow, neither a power from on high nor a power from below, nor anything else in God’s whole world has any power to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord!" ~Romans 8:35-39 (J.B. Phillips New Testaments)

Impressive, right? May we be, first and foremost, impressed with YOU GOD! God is always calling. Have you answered? Do you know what He did for you? Where do you expect to spend eternity?

"When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven." ~Colossians 1:5 (Good News Translation)

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life." ~John 3:16 (Good News Translation)
Heaven bound.

I am grateful that I can always come to You Lord, no matter what the challenge. And, even more grateful that my life is important to You. Thank You Jesus.

Just rest.
Rest in Him.
Just submit.
Submit to Him.
Just love.
Love because He loved you first.

"If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do. You will become wise, and your knowledge will give you pleasure."
LISTENING, THAT IS THE PART WE MISS ON so much...
"Your insight and understanding will protect you and prevent you from doing the wrong thing. They will keep you away from people who stir up trouble by what they say—"
BUT WHEN WE LISTEN, we gain what He desires us so greatly to have.
"those who have abandoned a righteous life to live in the darkness of sin, those who find pleasure in doing wrong and who enjoy senseless evil, unreliable people who cannot be trusted." ~Proverbs 2:9-15 (Good News Translation)
KEEP YOUR EYES ON HIM.




© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                   
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Monday, October 17, 2011

Day 711 of Giving Thanks

I spent so much of my life trying to glean a beautiful harvest from many books and authors of different accord, when all I needed to do was look for the ONE book, with many authors of the same accord.

Thank You for Your word God. Thank You it contains lessons, teaching, inspiration, correction, edification, encouragement and everything we need to learn what you have for us. Thank You for the interpreter of Your word for each of us through the Holy Spirit and giving me the desire to seek all Your truth and promises.

I must remember that we minister through our lives, we don't save through our lives. We all have to recharge. I pray that you are doing so in the strength of the Lord, and that you are resting in the sanctuary of His presence.

We all have a past. We all have things that held us up, stopped us in our tracks and we all need to be forgiven... Give it all to Jesus and know that He already gave it to you, and that was always the plan. 

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him." ~John 3:16 (The Message)

If you are needing strength, know that you can GO TO GOD DIRECTLY FOR THAT STRENGTH. I pray that they will find the amazing strength, courage and power so graciously given by our mighty God.


We have the greatest opportunities every day to shine the Jesus light for those around us. I believe we do that by staying in His word, understanding that we ARE LOVED GREATER than we will ever know, seeing GOD all around us AND KEEPING OUR EYES and HEARTS on the things that are important to God.

.... and the greatest of these is love, LOVE, LOVE!

"But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love." ~1 Corinthians 13:13 (The Message)


All we have to do is pay attention to the things around us to see God at work through others, through our circumstances and through our responses. Thank You Father for being here for us, and giving us all of You, may we honor You by giving all of us to You. Faith, Lord, yes, that is all we need... just a little will do, as you are mighty to save, perfect to love and amazing to ponder. Thank You. Thank You!


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Day 710 of Giving Thanks - Tina Wetor

Miracles never cease, yet so many people doubt their existence.   As I breathe, I am an example miracles do exist, I wasn’t expected to live twenty-four hours after birth.  With all of the medical complications, the doctors were not hopeful of a successful outcome.  A 3lb, 5oz baby arrived for a purpose-to bring glory to God.  If my life only brings glory to God, I still prove miracles never cease-He changed me.

The Bible isn’t another book upon a shelf; it’s the living Word of God.  Sadly, so many people only accept the miracles of Christ for the period of his earthly life.  Or the Book of Acts was only during the time of the disciples, it’s not for today.  So, they refuse to allow God the opportunity to move within their lives in powerful ways.  Why would God bless one generation with miracles, moves of the Spirit, or transform only one time-period?  HE WOULDN’T!   God is no respecter of persons, He doesn’t have favorites.  Yet, He is willing to move upon those who are desperately thirsty and hungry.  HOW HUNGRY ARE WE?  Can we allow God to move completely?  What if it’s different than what you have experienced?  Can you trust Him?

No Christian will disagree that salvation is God’s most precious gift-the cross of Jesus sealed this.  Nevertheless, I am captivated by the truth, God doesn’t change.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Will we be able to comprehend God’s way or thoughts? 

Isaiah 55:9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

As massive as the ocean is, man can’t completely walk around it, swim across the world, or overcome it.  Yet, man has the opportunity to be amazed by its wonder.  Man can touch it, smell it, and swim in it.  Still one can be remember the experience of being near the ocean, memories always live but will it drive you to come back?  At this point in my life, I choose to believe in miracles, I believe in God.  Never can I grasp all of Him, but I choose to be astonished and amazed of the majesty of Him.  I want to keep coming back for more.

Recently, I did experience a miracle, my father asked me to pray for him.  Although I have prayed for his salvation for years, (he just got saved) it still astonished me the opportunity to lead him to Christ.  Yet, I am still astonished of this question, it’s strange to me BUT I love it.  It’s a precious moment; I have longed for-to share Christ.  My father was touched with my love for him through praying for him but he caught something else-my hunger.  He said, “I want to pray just like you.”  I replied, “You will dad, just keep praying and reading the Word.”  “He will draw you, just listen.”

Someone needs to know, God cares deeply.  Yes, the sickness is present and real.  But may I remind you, so IS GOD.  God hasn’t left you or rejected you.  What heartache is ripping your life apart?  God is close to the broken-hearted and longs to bind-up the wounds.  Worried about food on the table, God will provide because He cares for you.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Tina Westor            
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Saturday, October 15, 2011

I Took It By Faith For Me (testimony series) by Tertius Pretorius

I Took It By Faith For Me
By Tertius Pretorius

When I was born, things did not happen in the normal way. I was one of a twin, born two months prematurely at home and a breach baby, with the umbilical cord around my neck. I was born second and suffered brain damage. The result was that in the process I suffocated and the motor part of my brain was damaged i.e., my muscle control, coordination and balance was severely affected.
      
A year later my parents began to see specialists and numerous doctors and all told them the same thing, namely that I would never be able to walk, talk or learn anything. About a year later my mother heard what she was hoping for at a specialist in Johannesburg. He said that my intelligence was above average and that with the right lifestyle and physical exercises, my condition would improve. This confirmed what my mother already knew.
       
When she looked into my eyes, she said later, she did not see the eyes of a mindless vegetable. There was too much expression and alertness.
        
I was brought up very normally except for one change - I seemed to prefer to play with my feet instead of my hands. My two brothers and sisters treated me as one of them, no preference or difference being made. This had a very positive effect on me. In my mind I was normal. I joined in with most of what my siblings did. I learned to shoot a catty and to fight with a mock sword. I shot with a bow and arrow. Still later, when my two brothers began shooting with pellet guns, as usually I didn’t want to be left out. After a lot of practice, I realised that my shooting was coming up to their standard, this motivated me even more. In my early twenties I attempted to qualify for Springbok Colours.
        
I often used to look back on my life and clearly saw God's hand in it, but I did not want to see it. To me it implied living like God wanted me to. From what I saw around me, I did not want that.
          
Eventually I gave my life to Jesus with only the Holy Spirit drawing me and no one pushing me. I did not get what I thought I needed, from God and left the church I was born into and started going to Pentecostal churches. God was really merciful to me, my first pastor being the best teacher that I've ever heard up to now, live. God used it to give me a very firm grounding in His Word. After a few years he asked me occasionally to bring a short word at prayer meetings.
           
However, church was not all “plain sailing”. It was extremely lonely because I was ignored in many different churches and here is where the “tire hits the tar’. Even that was good for me. God was teaching me to only depend on Him and not on people. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” ~Romans 8:28 (New International Version)

I started watching God TV and experienced a revival and when the Evangelist pointed his finger at the camera and prayed for impartation, I took it by faith for me. Now I had to see the evidence. That meant that now I had to see (remember I do everything with my feet) to put my feet on someone and pray for them. God's mercy is quite unbelievable. As soon as I did that, I felt something like high voltage current passing through me and the miracle that I was asking for happening. I got so used to it that, when a miracle did not take place, I am very surprised and usually knowing the cause of it.
           
This does not mean that all my prayers get answered. It does mean that when I lay my feet on somebody listening to the Holy Spirit there is a very good chance of a miracle happening and this is God's love to me and to other people, manifesting Himself through ordinary people like me. Is this a cause to thank God for?


Day 709 of Giving Thanks - Darci Escandon

I’m not perfect. Are you surprised to hear that come from my mouth? I make mistakes. Sometimes the mistakes are little, sometimes they are whoppers. However, what God has shown me is that when I make them, I act like a rebelling child. Have you ever rebelled since becoming a Christian? Have you ever told God "I don't care, I am going to do it my way" when He is trying to keep you from doing something that is going to harm you? Sadly, I have. I feel like Paul when he wrote

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” ~Romans 7:15 (English Standard Version)

When i sat down to write this message this morning, the enemy told me not to do it because if I confessed that I mistakes and am not “perfect” then "they (the world) will know you mess up and how could anyone want to be associated with or encouraged by someone who messes up like this".

The enemy doesn’t want me to move forward, he wants to keep me down and to just give up. But, that’s not me. I am never going to give up. I am going to do what God wants me to do, Be what God wants me to be... and stumbling is part of the growth!

So, what did I do as I was drowning in regret of my mistakes? I searched scripture out. I sought God out. And guess what, He showed up and He led me to the following:

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” ~James 5:16  (New International Version)


“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” ~Romans 7:16 New International Version (New International Version)


“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” ~Proverbs 19:20-21 (New International Version)

I was reminded of how David rebelled and even that Peter was told by Jesus, "Oh yee of little faith".

Life is hard no ifs ands or buts about it. We are still human and we still have our flesh to deal with. Not one of us is perfect. If we were, we wouldn't need God. That's why I am so grateful for being broken. When I am broken, that means that I allow God into my life to fix me the way only He can. That doesn’t mean I am going to continue to rebel and ignore God’s voice in my life. Quite the opposite, I am going to pray and work harder to head the voice of God in my life.

Psalm 51 
"Generous in love—God, give grace! 
Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
Scrub away my guilt,
soak out my sins in your laundry.
I know how bad I've been;
my sins are staring me down.

You're the One I've violated, and you've seen
it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
You have all the facts before you;
whatever you decide about me is fair.
I've been out of step with you for a long time,
in the wrong since before I was born.
What you're after is truth from the inside out.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.

Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.

Make Zion the place you delight in,
repair Jerusalem's broken-down walls.
Then you'll get real worship from us,
acts of worship small and large,
Including all the bulls
they can heave onto your altar!"
~Psalm 51 (The Message Bible)


Dear Lord, my heart cries out to you in praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for showing up in my life, for loving me enough to discipline me, and for speaking to me, warning me not to go at this life alone. Please forgive me for my rebellion and I ask that you bring me back to the straight and oh so narrow path. Amen.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Darci Escandon                  
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 14, 2011

Day 708 of Giving Thanks

Encouragement often means doing something uncomfortable, or out of the norm. If you haven't encouraged someone today, it's time to create this habit... think about what you might need, as far as encouragement, pray and God will show you who to share that word with. It really works. My life is dramatically and drastically different than it once was. The thoughts that run through my mind now amaze me, and it has nothing to do with me, but it has everything to do with His work in me. Because there is life in my life and there is hope and joy because of His life’s work. I am encouraged every day through God’s word, and He truly has given me much to live for and hope in. 

My thought after listening to a teaching... isn't a wonderful thought that God is (my God, your God) absent from death... He will live and remain forever. And, He gives that to us through salvation. Jesus did not "die" as we know death. He did not have to die to self and allow God to lead, as He was already in perfect alignment with the Father's will and purpose. However the separation from God He experienced is most heart wrenching. He experienced every excruciating sensation that absence of God, once you have had God, exists. I believe for Him, this would have been worse than the wounds His flesh received before He was put on the cross.

I cry when I think of what He endured for me... 

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” ~John 19:30 (NIV)

... and rejoice that He loves me so greatly.

“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” ~Matthew 27:51 (English Standard Version)


Because of what He did, and my choice to believe it was for me, I am to STAND out from the world... let people see that you are different than others. And, today I remember grace toward others, as I am grateful for God’s grace in my life. He's got me moving toward Him constantly - inching some days, miles the next. Giving me life through life… giving me life with hope… giving me life and joy through life.

"You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?" ~John 11:25-26 (The Message)

And, I will repeat what I stated earlier, “And, He gives that to us through salvation”.  My life is complete and because of that,  there is nothing more I will need or will ever need – I have said this before, I am a fortunate and rich woman.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                  
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Shawn Delia Boreta

Free e-Book Devotional

Free e-Book Devotional
It's All About Me