Translate

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Day 1000 of Giving Thanks



This journey has changed my life forever… He has changed me. I am grateful that “it is finished”, regardless of my circumstances; “it is finished”, even in the storm; “it is finished”, thank You LORD!

 “All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve Him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” ~Psalm 22:29-32 (New International Version)
Yes our God is WOW... He brings His promises to light during struggle, increases our faith and provides miracles in ways that only HE CAN. We manifest through our words... our thoughts.
So many say, "He will not give you more than you can handle", I will phrase it the way I hear Him tell me every day... He does give me things I can't handle, so I will COMPLETELY SUBMIT TO HIM.

My prayer a few days ago...
“Praying for vision in many ways today. Vision to see with God's eyes, all things to do with my job (and the way I am to make a living). Moving toward my Chief Definite AIM in mind, in prayer and on my heart”. And today Father, I am so grateful for the correction with my eyes... and moving toward my Chief Definite Aim daily...

He gives rest to the weary, strength to the weak, peace to the restless, grace to all who know Him... That's me LORD... thank You for being all I need. My writing is His way of working out His details in me - daily... through His promises and so much hope.

Don't miss that part of your walk. It's the best part of walking with the LORD... leaning on and growing. He loves you beyond measure, without ceasing, unending grace is yours through the blood of Christ. Praise Him in your trials... Praise Him in your struggles... He knows your tearful moments, your triumphs and your times in crying out to our Father.

Remember the enemy will do all things to keep God's people away from their work... don't ever believe he will let up... the closer we are to God, and cling to God, the harder he works to devour us, to keep us from ministering to others... he works diligently to keep us in despair.

We are protected, however, he does penetrate in our moments of weakness. Trust we have a mighty God, believe we are His... but pray for protection, clarity and discernment... in the good moments and through the tough times.

Are you struggling tonight… you must know whose you are… know Him, and get to know who you are through Him. Call on Him, over and over. Be encouraged by knowing who you belong to – if you do not know, you can – call on Him, over and over. He answers.

"deliver me from my enemies..." ~Psalm 18:6
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble..." ~Psalm 32:7
"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them..." ~Psalm 34:17
"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me..." ~Psalm 57:2
"For I know the plans I have for you..." ~Jeremiah 29:11

Praying, praying, praying.

I am grateful that “it is finished”, regardless of my circumstances; “it is finished”, even in the storm; “it is finished”, thank You LORD!


© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily



Friday, April 26, 2013

Day 999 of Giving Thanks


Yesterday I came home early from work, dealing with a migraine and all the symptoms that went with it… I was going to ‘tough it out’, but felt led to ‘go home’. I arrived at home and my mom (Chris’ mom) shared a need for prayer for a family member. Being home was where I was supposed to be. It gave me the opportunity to pray for and with my family in a time of need. To provide possibilities to a situation, based on my own experiences. I am grateful for prayer, for our God who loves us so deeply, He ‘thinks’ of all things and how they work together. I am learning, although it is a tough lesson for those who are stubborn (me), to listen, let go and allow the Spirit to work things out before I lose it in circumstances. There is a calming lately, and I love asking my Father, “How LORD”, rather than, “Why”.

LEAN ON, RELY ON, AND BE CONFIDENT”, that says it all. We love You Father, help us to do all these things. Confidence of the Holy Spirit, dependence on the perfect plan and guidance through the lessons of life, hardship of circumstance and the love of our Father, and through all things because of Jesus. Let us lean on, rely on, and be confident. Your will LORD God, Your purpose... Amen. (Psalm 37:5)

Father, I am so thankful for the good days... I am grateful for Your merciful strength that flows through me in times of great need. It has been very long days with work and with things going on with the family. I am grateful that I have made it through and although I am tired, I seem to be no worse for the wear. ;)

I praise You and am greatly humbled as I live out this life that truly allows me to depend so beautifully on You... I depend on Your strength, grace and mercy daily, I depend on You and You alone because You are perfectly trustworthy.

Prayer for Protection, Guidance and Pardon.
A Psalm of David.
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
my God, in You I trust,
Do not let me be ashamed;
Do not let my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed." ~Psalm 25:1-3 (New American Standard Bible)

He will see you through brothers and sisters...He loves you beyond measure, without ceasing, unending grace is yours through the blood of Christ. Praise Him in your trials... Praise Him in your struggles... He knows your tearful moments, your triumphs and your times in crying out to our Father.

The world delivers so much that looks good, seems right and brings comfort, but know this - these things are temporal and unsatisfying long term. There is a different choice of what is GOOD, is RIGHT and brings COMFORT, it's a perfect God who truly thought of and knows our true needs.

GOD IS TRUSTWORTHY, GOOD, RIGHT AND GOD IS OUR COMFORT. 

Don't be deceived, trust the LORD your God for what has b...
I wanted to share one more thing, in regards to standing strong, the why is easy, OTHERS NEED YOU TO CONTINUE IN PRAYER, it has eternal ramifications… keep praying for your family. Stand in faith, believe and allow yourself to change in the process and revel in those changes toward God.

Alone in your faith? That's what it feels like when you are the only believer in your household, when your ability to see change seems to fall straight to the ground. Defeat seems to be all around, as you see the enemy 'work your house'... Can I say, FIRMLY -
THINK DIFFERENTLY.
ACT DIFFERENTLY.
PRAY CONTINUALLY.
LIFT YOUR SPOUSE IN PRAYER, and all those in your household who do not know our Father in heaven, our Lord Jesus and walk in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
You are FAVORED and have the advantage.
Your family needs you to be STRONG IN THE LORD.

Don't give in to the lies of the enemy, and GRAB ON TO PRAYER DAILY, ALL DAY PRAYER, MOMENT TO MOMENT PRAYER... HIS WORD.

Grab on to His promises. Live in the light of the gift you received and live like eternity is at stake, because it is for your unbelieving family and friends. It is, and God, Son and Spirit are the key to their eternity.

Keep praying, stand firm in your faith... NEVER ALLOW THE ENEMY TO TAKE HOLD in your household.

© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Day 998 of Giving Thanks


We work on God’s foundation!

“In this work, we work with God, and that means that you are a field under God’s cultivation, or, if you like, a house being built to his plan.
"I, like an architect who knows his job, by the grace God has given me, lay the foundation; someone else builds upon it. I only say this, let the builder be careful how he builds! The foundation is laid already, and no one can lay another, for it is Jesus Christ himself. But any man who builds on the foundation using as his material gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or stubble, must know that each man’s work will one day be shown for what it is. The day will show it plainly enough, for the day will arise in a blaze of fire, and that fire will prove the nature of each man’s work. If the work that the man has built upon the foundation will stand this test, he will be rewarded. But if a man’s work be destroyed under the test, he loses it all. He personally will be safe, though rather like a man rescued from a fire.” ~1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

We are all designed with a purpose and our heavenly Father pursues us, draws us nearer and nearer to that purpose. It is when we begin to live in His will we see all those things - strength, power, discernment and clarity through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Walking in His light takes one thing... us listening to His commands and believing His promises. Let it be done LORD, through our actions according to Your will.

I am beginning the discipline of getting up earlier. It seems I am tired if I don't sleep, tired when I do... so, in an effort to be the best I can, do the best I can and give the best I can, I am going to get up and get moving earlier.

As I sit here, trying to read, but very little response from my eyes to focus - I pray. Tears mighty and holy God come and seem to lift the weariness. I realize I push, when I should submit... I take on when I should set boundaries... Help.

God I ask for YOUR STRENGTH and YOUR CLARITY as I set out each day to do what I am responsible to do. Help me Father to push through when I am able, and rest when I am supposed to. It is so hard to tell which is which. My body is tired and I am unable to wrap my mind around what I need to hear and do at times. Help me LORD for I am ready to hear You on this, see Your path and to deeply know Your purpose. How do I rest when so much is before me to do - job, household.... responsibilities? How do I move out of exhaustion and into rest? How do I minister and witness in these times of low energy? How do I step out of this and into all that is You and Yours? I AM READY FATHER. I AM READY.

There are so many blessings right before us. Don't miss them because you are focusing on something in the past. The past does not matter when it comes to your future. You are forgiven, healed, favored and blessed in ways beyond measure by the power of the Holy Spirit and the work of Christ... don't dismiss this truth in thought or in action. Step in and believe.

I think at times we focus so much on what we could have changed, "only if...." and we waste our energy in that way. If we ponder on "whose we are", and His promises, WHICH ARE TRUSTWORTHY, we can see our life transform and our faith grow. Today is a day of believing.

Anyone with me on this?

Allow the Holy Spirit to move you to the breakthrough that the Lord Jesus already provided. 

Be encouraged. 
That you already have the strength. 
That you are already healed. 
That He waits for you to recognize His absolute and constant presence. 
That all you have to do is keep believing. Hold fast. 
Stand strong. 
Submit all.

New day, new you daily. By allowing God's grace empower you through His forgiveness, we can let the powerless times of our life, diminish. By embracing God's strength and power in the process, we can let it go completely and live rightly daily.


© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Day 997 of Giving Thanks


My flesh has many needs, most of which will not be met with the desires of the flesh... my spirit has one need that will replenish, refill and regenerate every part of me physically. Help us LORD to move out of the victim mentality and into Your VICTORY! Let us continue to praise You, believe You and trust You… let us rejoice, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” ~Philippians 4:4 (New International Version)

Sometimes the biggest mountain in my way is me... help me remove me LORD. We are what we focus on... We manifest in our life (build, create) what we focus on most. When we talk about our pain, hurt, heartache, we believe that there is nothing else for us. For me, when I focus on the physical pain, I tend to 'feel' it more. I just keep pressing into our LORD. He is faithful, when we depend on Him, He delivers. Let the things that are not edifying to your life be the background, and let only God be the foreground.

 “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
“For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
“O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.” ~Psalm 84:10-12 (New Living Translation)


As I have prayed today, I was overjoyed with all the wonderful gifts and blessings I see all around me. I thank You Father for delivering in amazing ways and giving me the opportunity to see so much right before my eyes. Thank You Father for amazing days, even in the ordinariness of this life – I so appreciate the details you share with me, so often.  Thank You for Your Word, Your work, Your promises and the Holy Spirit; my Helper, my Guide and my Translator. As I read through Isaiah 6 tonight, THIS REALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION – 

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 
“Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?”
And I said,
“I am here!
Send me!” ~Isaiah 6:8 (Lexham English Bible)

I WANT TO BE THE ONE THAT SAYS, "SEND ME"... without hesitation, "send me".

Praying you have a wonderful sleep with the guide of the Holy Spirit throughout the night. Father, Your protection and peace for our brothers and sisters tonight, through all of this journey, the days that are tough, the moments that are overwhelming, let us call to You, trust You and know Your presence. Amen.


© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Friday, April 12, 2013

Day 996 of Giving Thanks


Again, I sit here, with tears welling up and my heart just about ready to explode at God's amazing goodness. There are so many praise reports in my thoughts... so, LORD, thank YOU for loving us so much.

"So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you." ~James 4:7 (Amplified Bible)

God is our motive – pure of heart leading toward being Christ-like in every way... prayer is our vehicle, our conduit through the Spirit and purpose daily. We can talk about listening to God, or we can really do it... Get into the Word to hear His instructions and the love for His children.

You cannot control our circumstances, but you can control your thoughts, your actions or reactions, your attitude and who you run to in those circumstances. And it's our Father's strength through the Holy Spirit because of Jesus' work all our thoughts, actions or reactions and attitudes can be rightly done.

Two weeks ago I had a coworker tell me, "you’re not gifted in counseling, why spend all this extra time online?" I reeled for 2 minutes, got angry for a half day and got focused again...

My friends, God is calling you to do something. My point here is that you can recognize it, but others are probably recognizing it too... It's time to stop sitting on the sidelines, waiting for life to happen. He's encouraging you to allow Him to work through what does happen. Be action oriented with your faith. Be still, but move when He speaks. Rest, but move toward Him in that rest.

If you are not hearing God, seeing Him work - ask yourself?

  • Am I talking to my Father regularly? 
  • Does my Father know my voice? 
  • Are my thoughts moving toward His promises or stuck on my challenges? Are my thoughts stuck on my mistakes, mishaps, circumstances or past? 
  • Do others know WHOSE I am, because of my joy and hope? 
  • Am I self-centered, or reaching out to others? 
  • Do I isolate myself? 
  • Do I blame God, and/or others for where I am? 
  • Do I believe there is hope, or just talk about it? 
  • Do I minister outwardly the truth to others, but inside I am filled with fear and doubt? 
  • DO I TRUST GOD? REALLY TRUST HIM? 


He is calling you, pursuing you. It's time to 'pick up', listen and get moving AND STEPPING IN, COMPLETELY, TO HIS HEALING? Friends, it's our own words, more than others that hinder our healing. Make today the day that you decide to observe, correct... and heal. Make today the day that You hear His encouraging words for your life... "I love you", "I am here", "you are already healed" and "you are mine".

Is anyone with me today?

When the LORD leads us to counsel others, we can notice similarities in our behavior and those we are working with. The hope is that it's past workings, but the truth of the matter is, God will use others to help us see ourselves. He is so good.

God’s new plan—righteousness by faith, not through the Law
"But now we are seeing the righteousness of God declared quite apart from the Law (though amply testified to by both Law and Prophets)—it is a righteousness imparted to, and operating in, all who have faith in Jesus Christ. (For there is no distinction to be made anywhere: everyone has sinned, everyone falls short of the beauty of God’s plan.) Under this divine system a man who has faith is now freely acquitted in the eyes of God by his generous dealing in the redemptive act of Jesus Christ. God has appointed him as the means of propitiation, a propitiation accomplished by the shedding of his blood, to be received and made effective in ourselves by faith. God has done this to demonstrate his righteousness both by the wiping out of the sins of the past (the time when he withheld his hand), and by showing in the present time that he is a just God and that he justifies every man who has faith in Jesus Christ." ~Romans 3:23-26 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

Be encouraged through His promises. O' how He is faithful to those who abide.



© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

In These Times by Ron McIntyre


From time to time I have noticed, and perhaps some of you as well, that names of false teachers, preachers and event leaders seem to find a way of getting their names on our pages.

We, as leaders, must have full discernment in being able to call out a person that fits this definition. Today there are many popular evangelicals that are deceiving the sheep with their false words of encouragement, false hopes and even outright lies that are a far stretch from what we are taught in the Bible. Prosperity teachers seem to really draw followers who believe in the name-it, claim it philosophy. Show me one place where we are told to claim anything that isn't spiritual in Jesus name. How arrogant to demand God do something because we claim it to be!!!

We hear those who preach peace through religion and that all religions should bond together, after all, we have the same God. THIS IS FALSE!!!!!

We hear that the gate is "wide"--Jesus said the "gate" is narrow--Who do you believe?

We hear that all we need to do is love and everything will be all right. Jesus said that we will suffer for His namesake.

My friends, the church today has become politically correct and attempts to reach out through programs while telling people what they want to hear. What about teaching what the Bible teaches and warns us about?

We hear that the church will save the world from hunger and solve health issues. Where in the Bible are we told that the church will solve all the problems of the world? The church is to take care of believers, that we are commanded to do.

We are told not to yoke with unbelievers, yet we see pastors sharing their stages with pastors and public speakers that do not share the same God as we do. There is one God, period. There is ONE way , period.

Do not be fooled because someone looks good, speaks well and quotes scripture. Do not follow someone because your common sense thinking tells you this must be true.-----Make your decisions only with facts, and the only facts are in the Bible. We are individually accountable and responsible for our own thoughts, words and actions. When we face the Lord, there will be no blame game. Read your Bible and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit when you do, don't ever take the word of someone else unless you know it to be true.

The Old and New Testaments warn us throughout about wolves in sheep's clothing that will lead the sheep astray, I pray that no one here is following a false teacher in any way, shape or form. Some people know that a person is false but will still get in involved with their programs because they may do good for others. When you endorse a program, you endorse that teacher.

God the Father is our creator. Our Savior is Jesus. Our healer is the Holy Spirit by definition--not man!!!!!

Truth, joy and love,
Strength and Honor

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Day 995 of Giving Thanks


"They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.
O Lord, give victory; let the King answer us when we call." ~Psalm 20:8-9 (Amplified Bible)

Be encouraged. 
Be hopeful.
Be joyful.

All these things require us to be His wholly, or they are just emotions that come and go. But God never leaves; He has been here, will be here and always knows where you are too.

Psalm 20
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you];
Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion;
Remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah [pause, and think of that]!
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.
We will [shout in] triumph at your salvation and victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.
They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.
O Lord, give victory; let the King answer us when we call.”
(Amplified Bible)

I can spend my life questioning why, or I can press into Him and thank Him daily for the good days... and the lessons of the bad. That is what He has desired for me to do. I love His ways. I don't always like the moments... but I love the outcome.

One day, one moment at a time... every day get better. That is the ticket.

“It is only when we obey God’s laws that we can be quite sure that we really know him. The man who claims to know God but does not obey his laws is not only a liar but lives in self-delusion. In practice, the more a man learns to obey God’s laws the more truly and fully does he express his love for him. Obedience is the test of whether we really live “in God” or not. The life of a man who professes to be living in God must bear the stamp of Christ.” ~1 John 2:3-6 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

He loves you, has loved you, and will continue to love you as only He can. Be encouraged and know that He will never leave You. He is always available to His children and seeks all of us, just as He so lovingly pursued the Israelites. He desires us to know Him. His ability to related to us comes through Christ's humanity, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Let us not doubt Him, but run to Him. Know that He is always for us. Father, thank You.

You are our hope.
You are our light. 
You are our salvation. 
You are our peace. 
You are our everything.

I hear over and over, “Be still... allow Him to be recognized”. Ask the Spirit (in you) to reveal our Father. Thank Him for loving you so much that He is present, available and approachable. It is because of the humanity of Jesus that we can relate so amazingly to our Creator. I so appreciate this. Please share your prayers and praise today. Let us all pray together to our Father who loves us so immensely.

LORD, You know my heart, my "responsibilities", my fear and my limitations - help me to set boundaries, grow in trusting Your strength and wisdom to be more of You, less of me... all of You, none of me, but wholly who You created me to be. O, I so desire to step into that faithfulness, and trusting attitude. I love You Father. I stand in faith today for the physical challenges to become my un-worrying stand. In Your precious and perfect promises I trust and abide daily, moment to moment. Amen."

© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Monday, April 8, 2013

Day 994 of Giving Thanks Daily


At some point you have to change your perspective.

God can do amazing things, but He leaves choice to you.... start every morning thanking God, giving thanks for the good things. Focus on that, rather than the negative.

I promise you will change. But better yet, God promises are greater. 

As you as you start changing your thoughts toward the good things, your circumstances won't feel this daunting. I have been there. I know this one. That is why I started giving thanks daily (my blog). I wrote every single day for over 600 days what I was thankful for before missing even one. Now I write as led, and have all the other pages. You have to choose to change things. But you have to follow through.

Decide to heal my friends. Believe and trust our Father that this is already accomplished, and it will be done.

Those who are depressed, take a step to move out of the darkness and into His amazing and tender mercies. If you are in pain, ill, struggling financially, with your job, your marriage, or just unsure why... keep moving toward God. The only way to heal is by His work in you... become your greatest advocate before Jesus' feet.

Do not allow the enemy to take hold of any part of your life; everyone has pain and the enemy will take even an inkling of pain and work and continue to work it to a gaping hole in your life (deceivingly through our own flawed perceptions).

The Holy Spirit is our strength, courage and He is your "pick me up" in times of trouble. You are all powerful through Christ... YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST. You are loved beyond measure. Today Father, I give my fears, doubts, sorrows, physical pain and everything else that is hindering my growth and healing of this fleshly body. I boldly come to YOU in Jesus' name with not enough faith to do "all things" but depend wholly on You to give me more, help me believe more, trust You more, abide in You more, dismiss the holds in my life COMPLETELY. Mighty and faithful God I thank You that all this IS POSSIBLE. That I have all of You to hold on to, cling to, trust in... that You have already WON this battle, that I am a victor, never a victim. I am Yours, loved, cared for, protected and already delivered. Help me LORD... help me see, hear and do all that You place before me. Help me today take that first step, the next step and every step to follow in the days to come. Thank You for being with me, loving me and holding me. Thank You for salvation, Your mercy, Your favor and Your light that shines in every moment, EVEN MY darkest moments. Help my family do the same. Expectant LORD that You hear our cries, hear our prayers and answer every single one of them according to Your will and for Your glory. I love You our Father, I trust You, believe You and am ready to recognize every one of Your blessings and gifts. Help me to be grateful. Amen.

Those who are depressed, take a step to move out of the darkness and into His amazing and tender mercies. If you are in pain, ill, struggling financially, with your job, your marriage, or just unsure why... keep moving toward God. The only way to heal is by His work in you... become your greatest advocate before Jesus' feet.

Do not allow the enemy to take hold of any part of your life; everyone has pain and the enemy will take even an inkling of pain and work and continue to work it to a gaping hole in your life (deceivingly through our own flawed perceptions).

In the eye of a storm; in the heat of the fire; in the midst of heartbreak - let us come to You LORD in faith, in hope, in confidence that we can count on Your presence. As we hit our knees, let us know Your greatness, Your love and all that You promise. Help us Father to realize not just Your presence, but Your desire for us to recognize You throughout all of our moments and that you hold us in Your perfect embrace. Let us see You.

Psalm 90
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Book Four
"Let Your work [the signs of Your power] be revealed to Your servants, and Your [glorious] majesty to their children." ~Psalm 90:16 (Amplified Bible)

A Prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place and our refuge in all generations [says Moses].
2 Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
3 You turn man back to dust and corruption, and say, Return, O sons of the earthborn [to the earth]!
4 For a thousand years in Your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.(A)
5 You carry away [these disobedient people, doomed to die within forty years] as with a flood; they are as a sleep [vague and forgotten as soon as they are gone]. In the morning they are like grass which grows up—
6 In the morning it flourishes and springs up; in the evening it is mown down and withers.
7 For we [the Israelites in the wilderness] are consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath are we troubled, overwhelmed, and frightened away.
8 Our iniquities, our secret heart and its sins [which we would so like to conceal even from ourselves], You have set in the [revealing] light of Your countenance.
9 For all our days [out here in this wilderness, says Moses] pass away in Your wrath; we spend our years as a tale that is told [for we adults know we are doomed to die soon, without reaching Canaan].(B)
10 The days of our years are [a]threescore years and ten (seventy years)—or even, if by reason of strength, fourscore years (eighty years); yet is their pride [in additional years] only labor and sorrow, for it is soon gone, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger? [Who worthily connects this brevity of life with Your recognition of sin?] And Your wrath, who connects it with the reverent and worshipful fear that is due You?
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.
13 Turn, O Lord [from Your fierce anger]! How long—? Revoke Your sentence and be compassionate and at ease toward Your servants.
14 O satisfy us with Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning [now, before we are older], that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad in proportion to the days in which You have afflicted us and to the years in which we have suffered evil.
16 Let Your work [the signs of Your power] be revealed to Your servants, and Your [glorious] majesty to their children.
17 And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands—yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it.

I am so grateful for God’s influence, and my changed perspective… and ever growing desire to please the LORD. I love You Father, I love Your Word... I desire to abide, love others greatly and deeply.

© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Wow - new book coming by Colleen Marquez

My friend Colleen’s new and first book will be released in the Fall of this year. I truly am surrounded by some amazing and talented people, who God has used in amazing ways.  As children of God we have all been adopted, that is our perfect example... and in this life, we see exemplary examples of adoption - courage, hope and inspiration all the way around. A gift for Little Tree, her new book is a children's story about an apple tree who couldn't bear fruit, until the farmer uses his wisdom of grafting to bring fruit to her branches through the gifts from the other apple trees in the orchard.

Her inspiration began through the heartache of infertility. Colleen and her husband tried for 4 years to have a baby, naturally and medically; they watched as all their friends as they began families and finally,  God used an amazing illustration to move them toward their own family.

Thank you Colleen for sharing your story in this beautiful and touching way.

Watch Now
Learn about the upcoming release and how you can get involved!

  an illustration from A Gift for Little Tree by Masako Dunn


"I have two fruitless tree stories. The weeping fruitless cherry tree story - where God restored my hope with a cherry on my fruitless tree, and then later, the three in one apple tree, which God used to explain to me how adoption was like a farmer's grafting. That story led us to adopt. Both stories were heart changing moments." ~Colleen Marquez


The Weeping Fruitless Cherry Tree Story
by Colleen Marquez

I cried when I realized the tree we bought for our front yard was a weeping fruitless cherry tree. Of course I had picked a tree just like me, fruitless and weeping as my husband and I struggled with infertility. We had chosen that tree to plant in our front yard to celebrate the close of escrow of the house we now could say we “owned”. Each day, as I watered it by hand, I saw lacy pink blossoms pop from the tree’s seemingly lifeless twigs. Beautiful but barren, I wondered, with inconsolable longing.

Then, weeks later, I discovered a tiny package of promise – sent just for me. As I examined the fading blossoms of my little cherry tree, something new caught my eyes. From a single shriveled blossom, grew a tiny green lump like a pea….or…was it a cherry?! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I cried out with amazement and a strange new hope hovered inside me.  How could it be? What could it mean? Could a fruitless tree really grow a cherry? What could God be telling me through this?! In the crossroads of despair and hope, I chose to embrace hope. I laughed, I cried some more, then I called my husband at work and told him through my tears. He loved me enough to agree with me that it must indeed be a sign of hope from God!

Every morning that followed that summer, I tiptoed barefoot through the muddy grass to our tree, to look at my little cherry. Day after day the cherry grew bigger and bigger. Later, it began to ripen and turn red, and I delighted in this visible sign of fertility and life. With fresh hope I began to believe it must be a sign I would someday have a baby to love. I couldn’t stop looking at that cherry for the joy it gave me was like nothing else before. Only God would have known what that small miracle of life on a simple fruitless tree would mean to me.

Even though it was the only cherry ever to grow on our tree, my hope persevered whenever I remembered it. After 2 more years of active waiting and praying, at last God answered our hearts’ desire by grafting life into our barren family tree through the gift of adoption. It was the moment I had waited for all my life!

As I held our beautiful infant daughter close in my arms I showed her the miracle tree that had renewed my hope 2 years earlier. I thought of the tears I had cried, and of all my days of despair, and I marveled in the miracle of God’s gift of life to us. It wasn’t the timing or the way I had imagined we would become a family, but it happened exactly the way God knew we would appreciate best.

With a single cherry, God brought refreshment and promise back into my heartsick spirit, and in His perfect timing, brought the gift of our precious daughter, and eventually, the treasure of our son, to the branches of our waiting arms.

It is hard to believe twenty years have passed since that cherry of hope lifted my heart. Our home buzzes with the busy lives of our high school senior daughter and third grade son, and I am grateful beyond words for the gifts of our children, and for their beautiful birth families. God truly answered the desires of my heart, beyond my wildest dreams. And it's my time to pray for others.

Today, our cherry tree's branches are once again bare and scraggly, dormant in winter. I think of those I know for whom this season is filled with the heartbreak of infertility: the hollow longing for children to love. But I am convinced that hope, like spring is just around the corner. And this year, as I watch for signs of life on our tree, as I've done every year for two decades,  I will pray God restores hope anew with the gift of a cherry on a fruitless branch in someone else's yard. May God's hope be yours this year. Truly, all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27)

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” ~Proverbs 13:12

After many years of infertility, Colleen and her husband Mickey are the grateful parents of two beautiful children, given to them by God through the loving arms of their birthparents. They live in the Bay Area, California.  Colleen's first children's book, A Gift for Little Tree - a parable about apples, adoption, and love will be published by Cupola Press in Fall 2013.  For more information - www.giftforlittletree.com

original article 
(c) 2013 Colleen Marquez

 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

By His Stripes, for Steven


In the moments of despair, our humanity wants to give up or lay down... Let us do both. Give up all our insecurities and lay down our fears... all to Him. All to Him.

These words came to me as I prayed for my friend Steven (whose work I have shared here). Please lift him in prayer as the "Major Depressive Disorder" is a fight... We know that many great saints of the LORD had their "thorns", this is Steven's, and it is heartbreaking to watch him hit that moment when his thoughts move from Child of God to self-loathing. My friends, we cannot allow the enemy any hold in our lives - he takes liberty with every opportunity AND we have to fight back... CAN YOU STAND WITH US IN PRAYER FOR MY WONDERFUL FRIEND?

By His Stripes... eternity with Him - that is our freedom, and our plea mighty and faithful God is relief for Steven and this hold in despair. Father we thank You for Your work in him, the progress made, the less frequent episodes, but we do boldly pray for complete healing. In Jesus' name, in agreement with Angelo. We cry out Father, in hope for this life as well as heaven. We thank You for this man of God's words that minister to so many, that make so many unbelievers stop and think, and evaluate. We pray for the despair to be released in Jesus' name, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray that THIS MOUNTAIN be moved, that these thoughts HOLD YOU CAPTIVE - IN THE POWER AND FULL STRENGTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, we stand and pray now. In the perfection of Jesus' blood we ask that all that is evil and negative be washed away, this we boldly and in full hope and whole heart, we pray.

"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.” ~Exodus 14:14 (New American Standard Bible)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”” ~Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” ~Psalm 37:7 (New International Version)

"Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving! Fulfill the promises you made to the Most High! Cry out to me whenever you are in trouble; I will deliver you, then you will honor me.” ~Psalm 50:14-15 (Common English Bible)


© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Day 993 of Giving Thanks


It is pride that keeps us from turning and running to Him... pride is a character of satan. Run from those urges and right into the arms of our Savior - "Come to Me". I love that assurance of hope.

If you are a believer, and spend most of your time finding what is wrong in others or their walk with Jesus, I pray that you are reminded daily (moment to moment) that we are all works in progress, that the only perfect person was Jesus, and He instructed us to love one another... please don't spend your time correcting others, when there are so many who need to be encouraged in their walk. It just makes sense to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us daily (moment to moment) toward our eternal perfection. We can watch others change around us, in amazing ways when they know they are loved.

I had someone say to me today, "Why are you doing all this extra stuff (meaning Facebook ministry)? You are not gifted in the area of counseling." Do you have people in your life telling you things like that, even though you know God has placed you right where you are? Maybe it's the enemy trying to feed you with doubt, when what you should be doing is seeking the peace of God.

Let God be a mightier presence in your heart, mind and soul than the naysayers that the enemy uses to distract you from your work for His Kingdom. Let God be the loudest voice you hear.

The Armor of God
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." ~Ephesians 6:10-12 (New International Version)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)

Jesus said....“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." ~Matthew 11:28-29 (New International Version)

My heart belongs to Jesus, but He has given me the power to love in whole heart all that and all whom He loves - today, letting the Holy Spirit lead me in love, kindness and tenderness. Why?Because - His pain for our sins, our sins for His death, our death to sin to be His for eternity all because He was obedient and loved us so much. Thank You Jesus for loving me this much. Why? Oh, because He loved me first and loves me perfectly.

I believe He desires us to know Him, and will give every opportunity for those to come to Him... He continued to pursue the Israelites and they kept turning. But He still pursues, while giving us all the opportunity to keep praying, ministering and witnessing... what a wonderful thing that He pursues, wouldn't you agree?

I don't know about you, but I don’t always respond correctly, but I really work at learning from my mistakes... When a mistake happens, and others are the victims - I let the hurt party know immediately that I realize what I did... I apologize and ask them to forgive me. Does it work out every time? No, but I do grow from each experience. With a heart for God we do not intentionally hurt others, but we are going to cause pain. Father we pray for lessons to be lived out in victory - YOUR VICTORY - daily. We pray for discernment, strength and courage to do the right thing every time... yes, every time. We pray for wisdom, a heart after Your desires and will and grace given, as well as received. We thank Him for His continual pursuit of us and His love unending! WOW!


© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Shawn Delia Boreta

Free e-Book Devotional

Free e-Book Devotional
It's All About Me