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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Day 1003 of Giving Thanks

I can only come to You knowing how grateful I am... if I forget LORD, help me and forgive me. For all I want is to show gratitude more deeply with every day that passes.

We have to walk every day in faith... stepping in knowing that HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS... and us not always 'believing' it. BUT, we cannot dismiss His Word, His promises, His provisions... You are a child of God, He loves you, there is no reason to doubt... so when we doubt, we have to remember it is one of two things; an attack of the enemy or just bad habits. For the most part, it is our own habits that hinder our walk...

So, what do we do? We trust, moment to moment... breath by breath.

If you don't let go, you will not change. He will strengthen you to do it, but you cannot resist His input... We become what we tell ourselves. We are what we focus on most...

If you keep telling yourself "I can't", than you won't...

What are some of the verses that keep you going in the midst of doubt or fear?

Belief, one breath, one moment at a time. We tend to make excuses rather than believe our Creator's promises.

Help us LORD. Help me LORD!

If you are feeling discouraged, depressed or in despair, pray for others as you need to be prayed for... pray in whole heart for those suffering as you are suffering. In whole heart, cry out to the LORD, for He is faithful and loves you so much... in despair, empty of ourselves, we can know His desire is for us to recognize that HE ALREADY FILLS US...

O' Lord Jesus, thank You for the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit, where we can understand Your promises... we love You Father, and desire to know You more, love You more deeply and trust You, believe, believe... believe.

“The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.” ~Psalm 34:17 (New American Standard Bible)

How beautiful Your Word Father. How wonderful Your promises and encouragement. Thank You that I am Yours.

"But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!" ~Isaiah 43:1 (New American Standard Bible)

Let us be aware of all He is for us, and all He says we are.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;" ~Romans 12:10 (New American Standard Bible)

What does this verse mean to you? 

Let's take it a little further. " Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;[a] give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the [b]saints, [c]practicing hospitality."

Footnotes:
[a] Romans 12:10 Or outdo one another in showing honor
[b] Romans 12:13 Or holy ones
[c] Romans 12:13 Lit pursuing

I hunger and thirst for You Father and daily, I am quenched in new ways... the living Water of my Redeemer for whom, there is no match.

Thank You Father for truth and conviction of the deepest levels. I love You.

© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Day 1002 of Giving Thanks


We can ask God, "What are you doing LORD? I don't see You in this... help me SEE YOU".  We must wait, listen and seek... HE IS FAITHFUL, even and especially in our little faith.

“To Do” lists, expectations, responsibilities... This is our life today, and what God wants is for us to give Him our lists, expectations and responsibilities first. He will order the list, His promises will confirm great expectations and the Holy Spirit will convict us to love one another as He loved us first.

Our Father we thank You for being faithful and trustworthy, and loving us Your servants. Thank You that we can walk this path protected, carried, guided and in full light as You promise.
Thank You for loving us, pursuing us and never leaving us. For this is what you promise. Amen.

Reading Isaiah 42 and I just love God and His works. Today, even as I may not "feel" good, or "sense" Him right in my midst, He has shown over and over that I am not alone or on my own. We serve an amazing and awesome God... Let us be obedient, walk in His light and presence, while loving once another, and glorifying Him for the good of the Kingdom... we do this brothers and sisters BY KNOWING THAT WE ARE HIS. Knowing whose we are, and who we are because of Christ in us.

Let us pray for one another today. What is your praise or request to lay before our King?
So many emotions and feelings have been swept under the rug, so to speak over the years. There are so many heart-wrenching moments that I have had to just push through. Living in this world that is so cold, disconnected and uncaring, coupled with all the pain from a past can leave one feeling down and in complete despair. Our LORD tells us to live in today, let the past go and know that our future is secure as His children. So, I continue to ask myself, what does my past hold that my God can't remove? NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. "So, let it go", I say, "LET IT GO". Then, be still and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!!!

Did you know that the Holy Spirit works out much while you sleep, while you are awake? We are to follow our King, in thought and action. Let us be aware of our every thought... holding them captive, abiding in Him.

In every way LORD let us be like Christ...

Father, we pray for our brothers and sisters, for rest and completion of Your work in their lives. We pray for the work of our Lord Jesus to hold her every thought captive according to Your will. We pray that Your amazing power and strength will move every mountain that is keeping them from breaking free from despair... heartbreak and guilt... I am not sure what their needs are LORD God, but You as our Creator and Comforter and Healer do... in all You are LORD, through our Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

God’s Promise concerning His Servant
Let us praise!
"Sing to the Lord a new song,
Sing His praise from the end of the earth!
You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.
You islands, and those who dwell on them.
Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices,
The settlements where Kedar inhabits.
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
Let them give glory to the Lord
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
The Lord will go forth like a warrior,
He will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies." ~Isaiah 42:10-13 (New American Standard Bible)

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your faith, or are you?

Sometimes we fight through scripture, when really He desires us to rest in Him as He works us through His Word. That is what I find anyway. When I read, and read, and read, and find confusion... I know I must stop, pray, ask, discern and often leave it for a while... singing, praising, worshiping and pondering is what I need. And, when I come back and read again, I am renewed and His Word flows over all of my senses. And, as I read through and contemplate all that is going on in my life, all that God is revealing at this time, which is His time; the now.

So much of these past few years have been an amazing growth opportunity; an opportunity to forge new ways, which are His… to allow Him to construct with me what my unique design is intended for. To have the masterpiece established and authenticated in His amazing way.

Oh our Father is so amazing. He is so loving and tender. May we learn and grow to worship You in new and beautiful ways. May we come to know You are for us, even in and especially in the "heat of the moment", "in the middle of a storm", "through trials" and "in all circumstances"... For You are God... and You are all we can hope for. Thank You Father for Your love, tenderness and perfect will for our lives. “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” ~ Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified Bible)

Christ-like, new me… “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:21-24 (New American Standard Bible)

We can ask God, "What are you doing LORD? I don't see You in this... help me SEE YOU".  We must wait, listen and seek... HE IS FAITHFUL, even and especially in our little faith. Today, I trust, listen and believe… greatly, I do all these things and act, watch, wait and move as He directs.


©2013 Giving Thanks Daily


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

A special moment with my Father! (Testimony Series) - by Mary Fox


A special moment with my Father!
by Mary Fox

As most of you know my father went through a difficult and painful month after being diagnosed with a bowl obstruction and had to undergo a major operation. At the age of 89 and never having been admitted to a hospital in all his life, this was a big deal for him and for all of us who love him dearly.
The whole journey has been nothing less than amazing, painful and loving!

During the 5 weeks that he was away from home and in the hospital/rehab centre my father and I grew very close. In fact, the bond between us was quite incredible!  We came to a point where I instinctively knew what he wanted (ie. food, rest, pain relief etc).  He didn’t even have to speak. The trust that he showed me was truly amazing.  We sort of ‘got each other’.

This connection didn't just happen. I had to ‘be with him’ constantly.  I was committed and devoted to doing everything I could to see him return home and to have the strength he had prior to the operation.  As a result, I spent hours, days and weeks by his side, giving him as much nourishment as I could, massaging his feet, stroking his hair, whispering words of encouragement to him and praying for him. My love for him grew so much, as did the pain and heartbreak when we didn’t see the results we were hoping for.

One day whilst driving home from hospital, feeling tired and totally exhausted but ready and anxious to return to my dad, I sensed God interrupt my thoughts. I ‘felt’ Him whisper the following "I want you to minister to Me like you are to your father." BOOM!! I felt such conviction in my heart and I just sat in shock as I pondered the mystery of how I could so easily neglect my Abba Father in heaven.  Oh, to have a greater devotion to Him, how precious that would be -  to know instinctively what was is on His heart, to serve Him without compromise, to never leave His side and to minister to Him with such love.  This is what I believe our Heavenly Father trulydesires -  that we love Him with all our heart, mind and soul..”

I had to pull over to the side of the road.  I needed a moment to try and fathom the enormity and the honour of my Father’s request.  To be honest, I burst out crying because I saw in a new light my need to repent.  I saw how shallow and half-hearted my devotion and worship had been.  I was completely undone!  Oh, how many opportunities I must have missed to spend time at His side and to get to know what He is thinking and feeling and wanting me to do for His glory.

It is becoming increasingly clear to me that intimacy with our Lord is our primary calling, our highest form of ministry.  I am so grateful for this amazing lesson. Isn’t it just like God to gently minister to us and reveal Himself to us in the midst of such painful and difficult times?

Our God is so awesome! He is so worthy of all our love and devotion.



©2013 Mary Fox, Ps139 group
Mary is an amazing woman of God, wife, mother and sister in Christ. Her devotion to our Father is such a wonderful example in my life. She is a writer and edifier for Ps139 group and teaches daily on the Equip His People page. So many are blessed in so many ways.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Day 1001 of Giving Thanks

“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” ~2 Chronicles 7:14 (Amplified Bible)

The enemy has really worked hard this week to keep me down, but to no avail, I am victorious! It has been a week of new pains, old memories, new struggles and old insecurities that fell flat with His urgings with every raring of those unwelcomed feelings, even up to this afternoon, I could sense God moving mountains right before me. I lived many years in fear, as many do – even those who belong to Christ – how can that be? In one of ‘those moments’ earlier, I heard His voice once again, “you’re good Shawn – I will carry you the distance”. I have diligently prayed over the past few months to be encouraged, when I am down, or start to go down that path, and God has been faithful and daily carries me the distance.

As I sit and 'take in' the world around me, I am at peace. As I see the evil and chaos that this world delivers, I am assured in so many ways. He is my strength, my comfort, my peace. He is truly all I need.

The LORD has been so encouraging to me in every way through His children... I love the days when I get to talk to supporters at my job. I am so humbled that I get to have access to so many wonderful and amazing people on a daily basis. I have been working toward the discovery of my Chief Definite Aim and I know this for sure, it involves people. I believe God has revealed my purpose through all the things I do.

These are extremely busy times at work, and I expect to see God daily as I seek Him. And I am thankful for the many moments He reveals Himself in my life. And in the midst of all the busyness, yesterday was a day of praise, prayer and laughter... a day of accomplishment and satisfaction at a really deep level.

Just a few weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with how much had to be done (all around - personal and work life)... but as I know so well, the LORD has this, He knows what I need and I expect to see Him move mountains in me over the next week or so. It's like He whispered it to me today... "you're good Shawn - I will carry you the distance... ". So humbling isn't it?

“This doesn’t mean, of course, that we have only a hope of future joys—we can be full of joy here and now even in our trials and troubles. Taken in the right spirit these very things will give us patient endurance; this in turn will develop a mature character, and a character of this sort produces a steady hope, a hope that will never disappoint us. Already we have some experience of the love of God flooding through our hearts by the Holy Spirit given to us.” ~Romans 5:3-5 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

God's at work for sure. I have been praying and seeking to see a miracle in several areas; my Chief Definite Aim and my health. As I prayed about the work we do on Facebook, blogging, Ps139 group pages, etc. I don't see conversions or transformations, but it doesn't mean they aren't happening. God confirmed His work through me is important and that is enough.

I am definitely not a Pollyanna, but I do love life, spending time with others and staying ‘in the mix’ of things. I come from a long line, as well as great examples of fighters; that’s not the challenge, I can fight through most any situation, it’s the being still and leaning on God that has been  I have been asked, "How do you keep going, stay positive, on fire for the LORD"... simple answer, "God". And to add to that simple answer, “He knows my voice, I know His promises and I call on Him to reveal all of them for me”. I often request from Him, "Let my life be a prayer", and He is faithful, for there is much to pray about and for. I stay in the Word, desire to know Him more deeply and the only way to do that is by hearing Him, listening for His comforting presence. I was in a place yesterday morning where I just couldn't stop praying. I was overwhelmed in my heart, in my surroundings; I had a sense of heaviness from the desire to do something else in my life than "just this", and God exchanged my dismal heart with one filled with Him, and the desire to serve Him more.

And His blessings continue. Every day you can see Him working in your life! Every moment is a gift from above. Rejoice. Rejoice in Him.

Wishing I had hours to write today... I am so encouraged and amazed by His grace and goodness toward me. If you doubt God's love, there is so much hope in the gift of the Holy Spirit. I am committed to sharing what I have and continue to learn through His work in me...

I know that as I write, pray and share, I too am ministered to through what God shows me. That is His daily gift. In His work through my life, I see hope and every day, I pray for others to see hope in our God as well. I am burdened by the broken, the weary and unable to move forward or to heal.  As I said, He gives up much to pray for an about, we just have to be aware. Our thoughts toward Him will change our life from devastation of moments to determination and drive. That too is a daily gift that just like salvation, we have to accept and open it fully to appreciate its power.


© 2013 Giving Thanks Daily

Friday, May 3, 2013

A Step to Extraordinary - In the Word with Tina Bale, TjB

Taking that next step to extraordinary:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" ~ Proverbs 9:10 (New King James Version)

This is one of my favorite verses in the bible because it breaks down how our mind (which is a battleground) effects our daily thinking.

It starts with that flicker of awe. You know that moment when you look closely at the petals on a flower or the intricacies of how a humming bird flies. At those moments your eyes, heart and mind are awakened with that sense of awe of how detailed God is!

From there we can see our own image and how before we were conceived we had no form! WOW! We seem to have come from nothing yet here we are, but WHY are we?

The why is the beauty of the next part of this verse for us, we are because HE/our Heavenly Father is detailed and intimately planned us to be. You see that just. like those flower petals and the beauty of that humming bird tells us that God did not merely 'throw us together' on a whim...WE, each of us, WERE PLANNED!

Now if we put this all together:
God is AWESOME, His works are amazing and purposed!

When we search these things and study who God truly is it is truly intimidating. There is no limit to what HE is or can do. In this we are gaining WISDOM.

Next is in the searching of His word and the examples that are played out in scripture we see that these regular everyday people were capable of extraordinary things because they had true UNDERSTANDING that if God wants something done then DONE it is! Like you and I, like the flower petals and the humming bird God is able to back up His vision and plans.

He has PLANNED great things for each of those who fear Him and love Him.

Search Him and see what He wants for You next. What is the step you will take today toward EXTRAORDINARY?

The humming bird is so tiny yet nothing compares with it's speed and grace. The flower is beautiful and fragrant however part is planned with distinction and function. The beauty even has purpose on its own, yet together it is stunning!

YOU, my friend, are STUNNING! There is purpose in every aspect and angle of who HE (our living God) has thought & planned you to be. 

Take that step, see God is AWEsome, search Him and find YOUR purpose!


© 2013 Tina Johnson Bale, Ps139 group

Shawn Delia Boreta

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