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Friday, August 31, 2012

Day 931 of Giving Thanks - Introduction

Introduction
written November 2010 (365 days after Day 1 of Giving Thanks Daily)

I am an avid people person and now a huge Facebook fan. I jump on every morning and before I go to bed.  As I perused my friends’ posts on the morning of November 3, 2009, I saw a post from my friend Catherine. She was on her third day of being grateful and her post, even though I had seen the two prior days, hit me this day.  So, I decided to take the challenge.

The first couple days seemed pretty easy, and I thought “this is pretty easy”, and in actuality, it is very easy. I don’t write at the same time every day, I don’t have a system and I am not tied to a common thread, except giving thanks. I just think back on my day or yesterday; or look forward to the day coming up and I write.

We all have so much to be grateful for. For some people, we fight to stay positive, others we are already there. This is a way for me to stay focused on what is really important, and truthfully, it’s not me. The important things in life, for me, include my family, how I can please God and finding ways to give back. In general, I am a very upbeat and positive person, but over the years, as many people, I have faced challenges and somehow become less than positive or upbeat.

My desire is to go every day of my life finding new and wonderful things or people to be thankful for.  This devotional/journal is only a start. A habit is formed in 21 days, get through this little book, and you are well on your way.  Please take my challenge, and for the next 90 days, create a habit of thankfulness and being grateful.

The Beginning Days
Nov. 3, 2009
Day 1 of Giving Thanks!
I am grateful for the lessons I am privileged to learn; and to know that with every mistake I make, I can get better; and I am accepted and loved no matter what. Yesterday I had a bad start and from the time I started moving, I felt behind (almost defeated). I stopped, prayed and started again. I had a terrific evening and was more productive than most full days. Thank you Lord.

Nov. 4, 2009
Day 2 of Giving Thanks!
I am thankful that I live in the best place ever where I have the freedom to tout my God and faith. And, it's ok for others to do the same. I am grateful hat there are people fighting to keep our liberties. Thank you Lord – for choosing this time and this place for me to exist.

Nov. 5, 2009
Day 3 of Giving Thanks!
I am thankful for my ability to talk, walk, see, hear, feel and learn. There have been a few challenges these past few months, and I am grateful that God reminds me that even tough I "feel" overwhelmed or whatever, that I still have all my capacities. Thank you Lord for showing me that it is always ok.



Again, I challenge you, take the 30 day challenge and intentionally "Give Thanks Daily" - journal, write it daily, then look back after 30 days and let us know how it went... then, KEEP GOING!



Are you up for the challenge? 


© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

A Note of Encouragement

WOW!!!
B E A U T I F U L !!!!
by Stephanie Wolfe-Saini

How are you doing today?

If your day is particularly trying, the Lord will see you through it? I know I repeat myself a lot but as you draw closer to the Lord, He will draw closer to you. Doesn't make sense? Ok! If your not walking real close to Jesus yet then He has a hard time coming some place He's not invited. So as you talk to Him more and more He will feel more comfortable being open with you. As you read the bible more and more and pray and show a true desire to know more and more about Him, He is going to open up amazing volumes of knowledge you never dream possible. I'm not just taking up space here it's true. After 30 years of just reading the bible that's all it was but when I wanted a much closer relationship with Him, I began to open the bible, and as I was reading my heart was opened up to places I felt like I was visiting. I enjoyed the old testament and before, I didn't. The wars made more sense.

At that time, I decided that I wanted to read the bible all the way through and that's when I began building a closer walk with my Lord and Savior. It's been so awesome since. The Lord can only come close to you when you desire to walk close to Him. When you are tempted, then He can help you with that temptation because you are learning to trust Him.

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ~Mark 14:38 (New King James Version)

So it says we are weak in ourselves but Jesus is able to help us overcome that temptation. Try it with an ice cream bar. You want it but you're trying to lose weight So talk to Jesus and see what happens when your heart (not your mind) is truly desiring to stay away from sweets. Praise the Lord.



© 2012 Stephanie Wolfe-Saini


Stephanie encourages others with Ps139 group; she is our primary writer on the Beloved Unbeliever and (I am not) Broken Glass pages, and contributes to Wonderfully Made and Psalm 139 with purpose. She has an amazing insight to God's grace and tenderness.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Day 930 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Donna Wright


 “FAILURE!” 
by Donna Wright

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” ~Psalm 9:9  (New International Version)

At one point in life, I found myself sitting on the edge of my bed, face buried in a towel, rocking back and forth while weeping under an emotional avalanche of failure. The weight of it swept over my mind, choked out my breath, and pulled me down into a dark, murky depression like a huge anvil plunging in water.

Past successes seemed insignificant. Diehard dedication faded to perpetual imperfections. It didn’t matter how far I had come in life or how hard I fought to regain myself on this journey. That ugly feeling of failure pounded it’s judgmental gavel against my emotions until it broke core of my self-confidence.  It seemed impossible to fight.

Yet, I STOOD my ground then and STAND my ground today.  The feeling of “failure” is an attack that stems directly from YEARS of being called “FAILURE!”.

I am not a FAILURE.  I am a daughter of Christ!  I am a royal diadem in His crown. I am a treasure to the heart of Jesus. He has my name engraved in the palms of His hands!

I’m fighting to WIN this battle. God is my confidence! God has made my life a success! He is the HEALER of my heart and emotions! I will push forward in prayer. I will read scriptures out loud to myself. I will speak LIFE to all those places where the enemy has spoken death. This is a battle and God IS MY CHAMPION! I’m on the winning side!

FAILURE is a LIE. It is a stronghold that the enemy has cast onto many lives. WE ARE NOT FAILURES! God’s power IS GREATER than the lies of the enemy, stronger than the lies of abusive people, and bigger than the lies we tell ourselves.  GOD IS OUR STRONGHOLD.

Jesus has the authority to break off the feeling of failure from your life. Lift your soul to Jesus and let the power of His Spirit fill your wounded heart with VICTORY and SELF-CONFIDENCE!

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them." ~Psalm 12:5 (New International Version)
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.” ~Jeremiah 30:17 (New International Version)


Donna is a survivor of over two decades of domestic abuse and acts as a mentor and friend to those living in or coming out of abusive situations.  She currently volunteers for Servant’s Heart Christian Ministries’ domestic abuse support page called, “Haven of Hope”.



© 2011 Donna Wright

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Day 929 of Giving Thanks


I wanted to give an update - my writing has been hit or miss for the last month, which is so unlike me, but I assure you, God's got this. I appreciate you all and thank You for being part of my daily routine.

Let me explain - For the last year, I have been fighting exhaustion (not just tired, but severe exhaustion). Last year I had blood work, work ups, probing and evaluations... and nothing came out of all the hoopla. But this battle has been raging inside my cells, through my blood stream and modifying my DNA (according to my doctor) for 29 years.

"even because of the extraordinary degree of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, in order that it would torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would depart from me. And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because the power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore rather I will boast most gladly in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in calamities, in persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." ~2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (Lexham English Bible)


Today, I had another doctor's appointment, in the recent series of several. On Sunday, I had totally lost hope of seeing true energy again; exhausted, and in much pain; really no more pain than normal, just less energy to deal with it. I have felt like I could sleep all the time - but I continue to push through. Saturday was supposed to be a busy one, but it just was not going to happen - I didn't do much of anything. Sunday became busy and I ended up doing a lot more than I had planned, and at the end of the day, I was wiped. I had absolutely come to the end of myself and my energy.

I poured my heart out to the LORD and bared my soul and just cried for help and guidance. I was feeling that this doctor appointment would yield much of the same; lots of explaining, lots of “uh huhs” and raised eyebrows from doctors who had no idea what to say or how to respond. But I prayed anyway, for someone to “hear me”.

Today, not only was I “heard”, I also received some good news. Two of the blood results from last year’s tests were not relayed to me properly. In fact, my new doctor, said my vitamin B12 levels were severely depleted, as well as my vitamin D; he said most people wouldn’t get out of bed at all with those numbers. The good news is not that the levels are down, but that there is a reason (a fixable reason) for the exhaustion. He asked how I felt about shots, and would I be able to administer my own…. “No problem”, flew out of my mouth… What was I thinking? Really, give myself a shot. But I “sucked it up” and learned, and today, I started a new regiment and hope was realized once again that this body will see “energy” once again.

Father, I am so sorry for doubting. So regretful that I have to hit the floor in utter despair to really ask You to show me a miracle – to prove to me that You “hear me”, that my cries and pleas are important and I am valued and meant to be healed. Thank You that today’s revealing was  a minor thing, that had become a major hindrance for me, is really just You showing You to me. And, that I have nothing to fear or to worry about regarding my well being – You have it all under control. Thank You for giving me the pushes necessary to ask for help, to be bold with my doctors and trust Your promptings. I thank You that today was just one more “thing” to credit You with, and to trust You even more with.

Today, I am, again, blown away by Your mercy and plan.  Thank You for good news today. Even if nothing changes, I am assured so often that You are with me on this journey. If I am healed, I am grateful; if I am not, I know that Your purposes are greater, and I am content in this knowledge; but as Paul continued to ask for healing, so will I. Thank You LORD for Your amazing ad timely answers to the absolute pouring out of my heart. I am so humbled by Your mercy and love. Amen.


"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18  (English Standard Version)




© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).


A Note of Gratitude

The Ups and Downs - Life
by Darci Escandon
Ps139 group

Life is like a roller coaster. You have your ups and downs and while you are on the ride, there are times where you can’t stop smiling and then others where you think you are going to get sick. It can be exhilarating and cause an adrenalin rush. Other times, it may seem like the ride will never ever end. I know that’s how my life has been lately. Tomorrow, will be one of those crazy, nervous, may feel like throwing up (sorry for being graphic) day. After work, I will be going to see my stylist and she will be shaving my head. I stopped to see my mother in law this afternoon, and most of her hair is gone now due to the cancer. I made her a promise that when her hair falls out, I will lose mine as well so that she wouldn’t be alone in her baldness. For me, it’s just hair and it grows back… but her’s may never grow back . So, it will be an emotional time for me… Yet, God is so good and present. With all this craziness going on, my father and Muslim brother are looking forward to me sharing with them, what I am learning in my Old Testament class over these next 8 weeks (each one of my classes only last 8 weeks so they are really intense). I am looking forward to being able to witness to them….so, with the exciting comes the devastating, with the joy comes tears, with the pain comes love. This is my roller coaster ride of life and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am so grateful that I stayed in line and got on the ride!



© Darci Escandon, Ps139 group





Thursday, August 16, 2012

A Note of Encouragement

Who Commands the Wind

by Sandy Anderson
Ps139 group


Lately I've had many times I've felt helpless...like a leaf in the wind with no control. That's not me so I took it to God in prayer for I know better. I used those exact words..."Lord, I feel helpless like a leaf in the wind." He said, "You may not be in control but I always am. WHO COMMANDS THE WIND?" In that moment a sweet release of all worries was lifted. I had to say aloud, "You are! I'll just relax and flow with it and know you'll land me safely where ever you're taking me." I had a spirit filled moment in my kitchen with that single thought. When we lose control is when He takes control. There is a difference in losing control and simply letting it go freely. Remember who commands the wind and waves and don't fear them. He may be taking you to an amazing place you never even thought of going. Just a thought worth sharing.



© Sandy Anderson, Ps139 group



Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Day 928 of Giving Thanks

God sure comes to different conclusions than we do, ehy? Thankfully, He knows better than we do.

He is all that He has promised... and so much more than we can perceive. Daily I pray for His perspective. 

It really is the the simplest of thoughts that can be the most profound. Today, I have pondered much over these many years of knowing God, but during a conversation earlier today, it came down to GOD IS COMPLETELY TRUSTWORTHY IN ALL THINGS!

Simply simple and true.

I have been thinking and praying much about so much.  I am finding He is directing me directly to Him, eliminating the middle man/woman so I can hear what HE has for me, no confusion. Often, I am brought back to “the basics”, those verses I learned early on, those thoughts that brought me directly to my heavenly Father in all times. I find myself pondering, “Don’t I know that He desires us to desire that pureness of heart, that newness of faith, while desiring the amazing wisdom that only comes from the Holy Spirit teaching me?” Am I alone here, or is this resonating with anyone else?

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” ~Jeremiah 33:3 (English Standard Version)
 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” ~Isaiah 61:3 (New International Version)
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~Matthew 7:7-8 (New International Version)

His Words are what I need, as I walk through this journey. It really does seem as though we have had our share of "stuff" going on. The challenges never cease, do they? So, what does this mean? What questions do I ask, so I can confirm His work in me?

How are we to cope?
How are we to rest?
How are we to encourage one another and grow stronger?

For me, the biggest question is, “How am I to stop and hear God if I am in the middle of stuff and circumstances?” Every day, the LORD asks me to minister to others, to share my heart and show the love of Christ through my prayers. My question for you is, “Will you join me today in sharing the light and salt of Jesus? Will you minister to others, share your hearts and prayer with others.”

If you are not ready for this, what is holding you back from being consistent in your faith? May I just say for me, "It's me"! LORD help us to walk in faith, be disciplined and to take action.

Action toward Your Word daily.
Action toward prayer continually.
Action toward being salt and light.
Action toward releasing the old and embracing the new of You.



© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Day 927 of Giving Thanks Daily


I have really struggled keeping my tongue, and I am praying that I do not speak out of turn and with tact and truth. I really do want to encourage others through the truth, and I am praying diligently that I can share the truth in a manner that is "Jesus and Holy Spirit" enabled, from the heart to my thoughts and off the tongue. Let me LORD, be directed and humble in all I do; let me be loving and kind; let me be helpful, engaging and productive for the Glory of God!


"He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
None of us lives to himself [but to the Lord], and none of us dies to himself [but to the Lord, for]
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord.
For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." ~Romans 14:6-9 (Amplified Bible)


Tonight, I am encouraged, and following a day where I have needed encouragement all day, He has been so faithful. It is a simple truth, and a simple reminder tonight.

Father, I am ready for rest, I seek Your comfort and diligent quest to be wholly Yours in all aspects of my life, mind, body, soul and actions. I pray LORD God that I can be constantly reminded of truly awesome You are, and how amazing my lessons can be. Let me see all that You have for me. I love You Father.

Look Up
In the times when you have fallen down, and you just can't get up on your own. Dig deeply into your soul - hear Him. He is calling to you...

"get up"
"fight through it"
"keep moving"
"take that first step"
"take the next step"
"you're almost there"
"move your mind"
"tap into your heart"
"don't quit"
"never, ever quit"
"YOU CAN DO IT"

You can do amazing things with God. Trust that He is with you - cheering you on, and pouring His strength into you.



© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Day 926 of Giving Thanks

I am exhausted Father; every part of me is crying for strength this week. And, that strength comes through praise.

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” ~Psalm 119:14 (New International Version) 


As I sat before my LORD this morning, I asked Him to flood my mind with all His promises, every word that delivers hope, my heart to overflow in gratitude, and I was able to cruise through my day. In fact, I am continuing to “go” and it is late. I am ready for rest, a rest that requires focus and steadfastness so that I can count on the Holy Spirit to work all this out as I sleep – the worry, uncertainty, and moments of despair as I think what my physical future holds. I have to completely remove, the “what if it doesn’t work” and the “what will be done” behind – completely behind. It is a choice to focus on Him. To revel in the “what has already been done”.

Daily we make a choice to live for God... I cannot imagine not being grateful. I think of Job and how deeply He knew that God's promises would hold through the tests of time - how deeply the LORD loved him. Let us all have faith like that in ALL our circumstances.

We are to have active faith and that means active prayer. Note to self, when I need prayer most, I know someone else out there needs it more. Show me LORD healing through intercessory prayer.

“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” ~1 John 3:23 (New International Version)
“Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ~John 6:29 (New International Version)
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” ~John 3:17 (New International Version)

My active faith is trust.
My active faith is confirmed through the Word.
My active faith belongs to the LORD.
My active faith is continued prayer.
My active faith requires Him in all my thoughts.
My active faith is my life is a prayer.
My active faith will pull me through every time, because active faith required active relationship with my God.

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Day 925 of Giving Thanks

"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God…" ~John 1:1 (New Living Translation)

Tonight I am led to pray for those who are deceived by "spirituality", which is the enemy's way of “faking God”. How many fakes draw us in? Are we praying protection enough, for discernment enough, for clarity enough?

Father, give us all these things as we walk in this world and live for You. Help us to see truth and run away from deceit and evil which is camouflaged as good. Amen.

So, let me ask, are we a people of truth, or are we people of comfort?

I have to ask myself, am I comfortable in this situation, or am I seeking comfort through the Holy Spirit? Am I seeking truth, or believing what is told to me?

How do we keep seeking truth?

The answer is His Word! The answer is prayer! The answer is His to reveal to us daily as we come in faith and trust that He is LORD.

We believe in God's promises. His concern and love for us as His children. As believers, we will disagree, but my hope is that we can all be open to His amazing truth. We believe every day is "onward to perfection". Thank You LORD!

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Day 924 of Giving Thanks

I am learning to allow the calm in the midst of a storm. But as of today, I still know the storm is all around me. As I wade through the emotions, and the tidal waves, I trust in the knowledge of all He has given me from the first day He began drawing me near (my entire life).

Today, it is these words that is my hope, and is your hope. I pray that you know this truth.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed." ~John 3:16 (The Complete Jewish Bible)

Jesus died for our sins, every single one of them, but we have to acknowledge that it is only His death that will do. He died so we can live.

What is the one thing that you are holding onto that is keeping you from holding onto God's promises for your life? Could it be the past; hurt, physical pain or uncertainty?

Whatever it is, did you know that God is the Cure, the Comforter and the Answer to them all? And all along remember that we have the power to direct Satan to “Back off”.

If your faith is not enough, ask Him to increase it. Faith of a mustard seed... Really? Really!

Let it be known through the communication of the Holy Spirit what that means for each of us through our circumstances. Let us shout out and rejoice Your goodness for our lives. Thank You Jesus, thank You... we praise You, we ask that all things we experience be used and honed so that we can see You in all things, even and especially these things we can't and don't understand.

“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].” ~Isaiah 40:29 (Amplified Bible)

LOVE IS BEING TRUTHFUL, not conforming – if someone is wrong, you tell him or her. If you sugar coat things to make people feel better, confront it lovingly, in truth. If the wrong is the one looking back at you, it seems it would be an easy task. Let this task be done in grace and obedience. Let us look forward to “When the storm has swept away…”

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

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Day 923 of Giving Thanks

Sometimes we have to get out of God's way so we can see what way we should be going. I am ready Father, show me the way, lead me in grace and help me to press in as You desire.

“You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way. But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it." Matthew 7:13-14 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Sometimes we have to get out of God's way so we can see what way we should be going. I am ready Father, show me the way, lead me in grace and help me to press in as You desire.

God made me, and drew me near to Him... it's the God part of me that was drawn to the truth to Jesus.

I sometimes have to think of it as my insides are God, but the outside gets this worldly film... that film cannot change what I am inside. So, we can ponder, did our insides change? Yes/No? We will never not be created by God. We can really try to filter our logic into all this, but as you see, our filters are different... the great thing is WE ARE HIS.... inside and out... because of the robe of righteousness.

There is a part of all of us that yearns for God... desires to know Him and to understand. When I was far away from God, I still knew when He was tugging at me... that's the Jesus in us. The drawing of the LORD... the voice that says, "He's calling, go to Him".

"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 (New International Version)
"Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you."~ Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)

Before I knew the LORD, I questioned much... and received no answers which I now know, I was blinded to the truth, and deceived by the enemy of lies, and wholly believing the fallibility of miracles. Today, in knowing the LORD, truth is revealed in amazing ways. I will get a word, a direction, a vision and before I know it, the verse will be presented, a confirmation revealed through a conversation or whatever else God will use to ensure I know it's Him.

Did you know the enemy cannot get to your thoughts (know what you are thinking), but can influence them? Did you know that only God can know Your thoughts and can give you the power and strength to hold onto His truths and dismiss the lies?

Father, thank You for reminding us that You have given us comfort through Your words for so very long. Help us to remember the words of the Psalmist as we pray, seek and trust. God truly does communicate in many ways. I have grown to realize that His ways are truly perfect. God truly does communicate in many ways. I have grown to realize that His ways are truly perfect.

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” ~John 1:16 (New International Version)

TEST EVERYTHING. Brothers and sisters, make sure that you test everything. Don't allow the world to deliver things that sound good, for the world belongs to the enemy...

TEST EVERYTHING.

"Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]."But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast."Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be."And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." ~1 Thessalonians 5:20-23 (Amplified Bible)

Do not trust man, trust the LORD. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth, every time... and every time, test everything! From the beginning, He is all we need, and trustworthy to His Word - every time. 

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Day 923 of Giving Thanks

E N C O U R A G E M E N T

Have you ever had a day (week, month, year) where you feel that no matter what you do, it's not right? Over the years, I have had countless times like that. As I started this week, I decided to change how I feel about every day. In fact, yesterday I woke up feeling a bit blah! I quickly rolled over, and started again. So, I forced myself to get up on the "right side of the bed". What a difference.

There are so many things to be grateful for:
breath - I can breathe freely, clear lungs, fresh air.
sight - I can see the flowers in my garden, the eyes of the ones I love as I look at them.
free will - the ability to choose what I do each day.
speech - I can talk to anyone, especially God.
hearing - I can hear the laughter of the child next door as I get ready for work. I can hear the baby cry, as she seeks her mom’s arms. I can hear, if I truly listen, to the word of God as He directs my day.
my gifts - the talents and uniqueness of who I am so I can connect with others and they can be encouraged or touched.

I am especially grateful for the man I am married to, the daughter God gave me, the friends placed strategically in my life so I can grow, be challenged and be encouraged; for the opportunities to share with those less fortunate or in need; the blessings to teach what I have learned, and to learn what others have lived.

Thank you Lord for the encouragement I see and feel all around me every day.

written: September 9, 2009

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Friday, August 3, 2012

Day 922 of Giving Thanks

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”  ~John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)

It has been a day of scripture, reflection and learning. In this life we are faced with decisions. We must choose well. Today, I contemplate many things, and know that there are decisions to be made. As I come to You now LORD, and I take this time to dwell in You, worship You, listen for You, let it be Your desires for me be heard and Your desires for how I serve be known deeply in my soul. Amen.

Father, let me continue here with prayer, as it honors and glorifies You for me to be humble before You. To realize I do not and cannot have the answers on my own. That words are only words unless they are backed by Your Word.

Let me continue to know that my losses are really my gains.
Let me continue to realize that the subtleties of corrections repair severe infractions that keep from whole presence in You.
Let me remember in every situation my choice is submitting to You wholly.

We may see something completely different than what the LORD sees, let us always (did I say ALWAYS?) come to knowledge and truth through the Holy Spirit. Let us seek You LORD in all things to be wise in.

“And he said, Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice. And He consecrated Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice.“When they had come, he looked on Eliab [the eldest son] and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.“But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” ~1 Samuel 16:5-7 (Amplified Bible)

Many of the long time evangelists have taken the stand that church is church, faith is faith, but that is not what the bible says. The false teachers are many. Many of which were revered at one time, are now using this same methodology and have banished the Holy Spirit. The path is narrow, very narrow (Matthew 7:13).  I am grateful for all His truth.

Let us LORD in Your strength through the Holy Spirit remove all that we bow down to "in Your name" that which is not You. Let us reflect on Your Word, depend on Your truth and adhere to it. In Your name we ask to be bold in faith, stand for the truth and display grace that is pleasing to You.

God can use evil and wrong for His good, but I believe it's His job not ours to decide how to do that (Matthew 6:24). Caution is to be exercised when we open ourselves up and expose ourselves to false teaching and cults; and we are not to partner ourselves to false religions and be in alignment in anyway (1 Corinthians 15:33).

“Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” ~1 Corinthians 15:33 (Amplified Bible)

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Broken Bones, Inspired Heart (Testimony Series) by Tricia A. Furness

Broken Bones, Inspired Heart
by Tricia A. Furness

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28 (New International Version)
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” ~Isaiah 55:9 (New International Version)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm youk plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
In mid-April of this year I decided to begin praying and worshipping every night. I first spent around an hour praising God and singing to Christian music, praying between songs. I began a prayer list, and it slowly grew. One evening a friend told me about a meeting he was invited to. It was in Minneapolis, MN. It was one of those meetings that, unless you are an important person in the community, you were not likely to be invited. It involved all the “big-wigs” in the Christian community. My friend did not understand why he had been invited. 

I offered to pray for God to complete whatever he had planned in all His Glory. I prayed very hard for several minutes, and then tried to move on to my reading for school (I was attending college). However, I could not focus on the reading, so I put it down and began praying again. I was amazed at how deep my concentration was. I felt enveloped by the Holy Spirit for several minutes, a new experience to me. Then, suddenly, I was overcome by a feeling of joy. It literally felt like my cup was overflowing. I knew something had happened for my friend. I praised and praised God for whatever had happened. This was at 7:45pm. 

The next day I asked my friend what happened at 7:45. He said a certain leader had sat by him, talked to him for a while, and asked him to call their office soon to set up a meeting. My friend was ecstatic because this was the group he’d been longing to represent as a worship leader. I told him what happened, and knew that God was communicating to him that this was where he wanted my friend to go. Eventually I was able to tell this religious leader what had happened. He told me that this was incredibly powerful testimony and was excited. That was my first prayer miracle, a prophesy. This was, again, in mid-April.

Three weeks later, in May, I had a seizure (only one I’d ever had). When my body hit the ground I broke my collar bone, meaning a month off work. Then, however, I went to family church camp and for the first time in my life I was healed from demonic attacks, the Enemy placing evil thoughts in my head, and of financial hardship. I knew the broken collar bone was the enemy’s attempt to crush my faith. After the healing I felt so free, like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulder. Half an hour later I was enjoying coffee with friends. My shoulder suddenly cramped up and I was in immense pain for 20 minutes. I screamed and cried as my friends prayed over me. When it was over, I realized that the devil still wanted his hands on me, and therefore attacked me at a weak spot, my collar bone. 

A couple days later I found out the broken bones had moved a couple inches and doctors could not explain it. So, instead of returning to work in a week, I was scheduled for surgery 2 weeks later. This meant another 12 weeks off work, totaling 4 months. How could this happen? How could God allow this to happen? I was full of worry and fear until I read the verses I posted above. God used this time off work to strengthen my faith. With the extra time, I read my bible, a few devotionals, and listened to online sermons. I began having longer worship and prayer time every evening. My list, with my prophesy story spreading around, grew longer very quickly. I now pray for over 100 people/groups every day. I have seen 3 other prayer miracles in these 3+ months. I have learned how strong prayer can be. As I prayed more, I grew closer to God than I ever thought I could. God knew that these things happening would give me the opportunity to concentrate on Him. When I didn’t get all I needed to learn from the first injury, he allowed me another. While my financial situation is terrible, my spiritual life has grown immensely, and all because of terrible things happening to me. God knew what I needed. He saw I needed brokenness and time off to be closer to Him. He had plans for me and my prayer life. When these bad things happened, only God could see what would be the result, and only God knew the plans He had for my life. 

So, now I am thankful for what He has given me, as I know His sight saw things I never thought possible.


© 2011 All Rights Remain with the Author
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809 

Shawn Delia Boreta

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