Thankful Life - December 18, 2014

As I fight through a little battle physically this morning, I thought about what all this means to me. Often times we believe the chronic pain is our curse or our cross to bear…For me, the reality it's my blessing… I have the opportunity to seek God more, and if that's what it takes for me to do so then it could never be a curse… It's my Saviors time with me. Daily I have opportunity, after opportunity… Thank you Jesus! I can only do this... live in hope and expectation because I am His. Help me Father to remember this in all my moments today, tomorrow and every day I am this side of Heaven.

"It is because of God that you are in Christ Jesus. He became wisdom from God for us. This means that he made us righteous and holy, and he delivered us. This is consistent with what was written: The one who brags should brag in the Lord!" ~1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (Common English Bible)

I know that if things went smoothly, I would not have sought after or fought toward Him very much. I do notice that when things are going well, I tend to "not bother" God as much – I get complacent. I don’t want to, but it happens… by no means am I saying that God is creating the reasons for me to seek Him, but… if I recognize this about me, I realize that our Father definitely knows this about me.

Father, it is my desire to seek You at all times, including and especially during times that are seemingly going well – while reminding me that “all times” are going well when I remember You.

If there were no tough days, how would we know the good days? If there were no trials, how would we see the miracles?

I found so much joy today as I poured out prayer this morning – God truly comforted my own physical challenges are I brought the challenges of others to Him. My life is very blessed, and my heart and soul have learned to soar through recognizing God’s mercies in the every day. Today, I experienced many mercies… and I am thankful.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;    
His mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;   
great is Your faithfulness.” ~ Lamentations 3:22-23 (English Standard Version)

And as I settle in tonight, I celebrate another day and sing my LORD’s praises in His Word, one of my favorites and such a comfort for my heart – every time!

Psalm 62 (New American Standard Bible)
1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. 
3 How long will you assail a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? 
4 They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah. 
5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. 
7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath.
10 Do not trust in oppression  And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. 
11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this:That power belongs to God;  
12 And loving kindness is Yours, O Lord, ,For You recompense a man according to His work."

 

©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Thankful Life - December 17, 2014

Another day and yet more opportunities to seek my LORD and Savior...

Do you know God and His promises for you? I do… And once again today, I was reminded. God is present in my life.

"This means that our knowledge of men can no longer be based on their outward lives (indeed, even though we knew Christ as a man we do not know him like that any longer). For if a man is in Christ he becomes a new person altogether—the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and new. All this is God’s doing, for he has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ; and he has made us agents of the reconciliation. God was in Christ personally reconciling the world to himself—not counting their sins against them—and has commissioned us with the message of reconciliation. We are now Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were appealing direct to you through us. As his personal representatives we say, “Make your peace with God.” For God caused Christ, who himself knew nothing of sin, actually to be sin for our sakes, so that in Christ we might be made good with the goodness of God." ~2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

Breathe...

Stand firm in the midst of storms and fires... they will never stop coming.

I find myself asking, during times that seem unbearable, "what more can I do to draw nearer my Father?" And, simply I pray more... talk to Him, seek Him and look for ways to do it even more - draw near.

So, as the waves crash and the smoke inches in... I breathe! I breathe in His Word.

Father we come to You in whole heart that our lives can reflect our Savior in mighty ways. That we can minister when our lives and circumstances seem out of control, as well as when we see Your blessings in the good times. Help us to live Christ-like and love others without judgement or disdainment for anything that is done toward us. Let us remember that we have all sinned and fall short... that without You our lives would be empty and worthless. In Christ's name we pray.


My daily lessons, and perfect God's orchestrations of the interactions through others are my constant reminder that this life is to be 'done' for Him. When I dwell on "it's all about me", I become discouraged quickly... when I make efforts my focus is on Him, what He wants me to do.... and helping and blessing others, I find peace and joy. These constant reminders come to encourage me that this world is temporary... and He is the only thing constant and permanent... My friends.don't let this world and what happens keep you down. I pray you find joy even in the tough times....

God is present in my life. And I pray for you today that He will be present in your life as well.

‪©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Thankful Life - December 16, 2014

Yesterday was a very strange day emotionally from the 'get go'... no event actually triggered any changes, yet as soon as I woke up, my heart was gravely lamented – and seeking my God began and continued all day.

On days that are tough, I count on the LORD.... and there have been many rough days lately, emotionally and physically.... So to my Father I run where I am accepted and comforted with open arms because He can handle it all.

He has endured it all... so I can have the strength to endure "just my part".

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." ~Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version)

As I listen to those around me… either audibly or visually through the things that I read, I have an inkling of why my heart is so grieved, and I can only imagine how much the heart of our Father is grieved by what He sees; what His children say, live and share. We allow much to filter through to our lives and bleed out to those we are to example to. Every day I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ will allow the Holy Spirit to lead, that I will be led wholly by the Holy Spirit to live well… to be guided and corrected. And, as we live in this world, and see all that it delivers, we are called to decipher the truth and live righteously according to our Father’s will.

“Behold My Servant, Whom I uphold, My elect in Whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice and right and reveal truth to the nations.” ~Isaiah 42:1 (Amplified Bible)

Let me not be grieved, but celebrate...

This month, we celebrate the birth of Christ… Knowing that the birth of Christ would be nothing without the death, burial and resurrection of Christ – the Messiah. During this time year, many people celebrate! Sometimes what they celebrate isn't quite clear. But it's during this time that we can love in amazing ways and witness the true reason for the season.

God loves you so much and desires you to be His.

Many pray… as believers, we pray to God... and in one breath ask Him to "help" us – and then in action, we reject Him and adhere to what is acceptable to the world.

Father, I pray for our hearts to be Christ-minded... obedient and open to hearing Your leading in all things, even and especially with the things that seem to be minor or harmless or not so important. Help us to be mindful of what YOU DID to save us; that we are burdenless because of YOUR work and love for us; that we are limitless in our abilities to be like You and do Your will every day because of the Holy Spirit in us. Help us to be grieved and convicted to leave this world behind. Help us to leave behind our inappropriateness of speech or actions, our inabilities to operate in fullness of Spirit and let go of the flesh. As an example, but too for our own good and well being. Help us toward our own perfecting in this life of flesh because we need Your help in all this. Through Christ Jesus we petition and plead. Amen.

“I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles],
“To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.
“I am the Lord; that is My name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.” ~Isaiah 42:6-8 (Amplified Bible)

If you do not know Jesus... it's time to choose Him. Know that He pursues you... He is for you... and it's all on Him, once you choose. He will help you be obedient, once you are His. Have you asked Him into your life?

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out," ~Acts 3:19 (English Standard Version)

We must give our lives to Christ and accept His gift of salvation... His work on the cross DID IT ALL. Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (New International Version)

Such a giving Father in heaven who prepared the way... and all we have to do to be saved is ask God to come into our life. To be the master over us. And, in that instant, we are saved. It's by the strength of the Holy Spirit AND BECAUSE HE LIVES IN US, that we can be obedient.

I pray for those who do not know You Father… that Your Word, Your promises will be revealed and embedded in their hearts and lives. “teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (Lexham English Bible)

‪©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Thankful

There is such an outpouring from all of you of prayer and love... I just want to thank you for being here with me... I so appreciate and love you all.

Thankful Life - December 13, 2014

I trust You Father.

As we head out to our days... let us remember who we come from, who we honor with our actions and works. LORD, we thank You that we are wonderfully made (Psalm 139) and are loved so deeply (John 3:16-17) by You, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16)....

"For we are God’s masterpiece, created in the Messiah Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life." ~Ephesians 2:10 (International Standard Version)

I'm totally trusting that this is his orchestration, 32 years! Many tears, And everyone of them He counted. That's all I can look forward to.

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." ~2 Corinthians 4:16 (New American Standard Bible)

Regardless of what happens in this life - as children of God - we live through it because of what He did... because "it is finished", we live toward an eternity with a mighty and perfect God. The circumstances of this life that seem devastating... will not devastate us, but will form us. I had to hear this again today. God will sustain me. (Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 37:24)

I am grateful for reminders and God's mercies throughout my day today: I can do all things... I am grateful that I chose... and that He is my everything.

It's all on Him, once you choose. He will help you be obedient, once you are His. Have you asked Him into your life?

We must give our lives to Christ and accept His gift of salvation... His work on the cross DID IT ALL. Romans 10:9 says, " If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Such a giving Father in heaven who prepared the way... and all we have to do to be saved is ask God to come into our life. To be the master over us. And, in that instant, we are saved.

It's by the strength of the Holy Spirit AND BECAUSE HE LIVES IN US, that we can be obedient.

God loves you so much and desires you to be His.

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© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

Thankful Life - December 4, 2014

It may appear to the flesh that we have been forgotten, or abandoned in our storms, but we are never left to fend for ourselves as a child of God.

"Then he went aboard the boat, and his disciples followed him. Before long a terrific storm sprang up and the boat was awash with the waves. Jesus was sleeping soundly and the disciples went forward and woke him up. “Lord, save us!” they cried. “We are drowning!” ~Matthew 9:23-25

Awake… Thankful, first, I am grateful that I am awake and alert and ready to conquer another day… But never ready without "He who loved me first".

Awake… it appears that much more awake than just what you see. Lord I cannot do this today or any day without You, nor do I want to.

Awake… This body that appears whole - it's crashing on the inside, desperate for relief… crying and screaming on the inside… Praying to see the crashing of me restored.

It's days like these that I find my flesh screaming, "enough… Enough, enough is enough!"

And it's moments like these that I treasure that my God is enough, more than enough!

Most days I don't remember my dreams, sometimes I wake up and just know they were weird. Others it might be a calm. When I woke up yesterday, by the way after sleeping 14 1/2 hours after a first dose of an antibiotic for a kidney infection, it was not only weird… But I did remember it.

I spent the night experiencing crashes… Crashing cars, crashing waves, avalanching snow… Crashing into people. It depicted exactly what the inside of my body feels like - fine one minute and crushed the next. "Fine" defined is momentary lapses in pain. Again I say, I cannot do this alone, and today I am grateful I never have to.

I am grateful. Whatever you're going through today or in this life, you are not alone. We never have to be alone!

Jesus shows his mastery over the forces of nature in our lives daily... we just have to abide and be aware of His presence, through His Word and the consistence of the Holy Spirit.

“What are you so frightened about, you little-faiths?” he replied. Then he got to his feet and rebuked the wind and the waters and there was a great calm. The men were filled with astonishment and kept saying, “Whatever sort of man is this—why, even the wind and the waves do what he tells them!” Matthew 8:26-27

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

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© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

Guest Writer - Giving Thanks Daily, November 27, 2014

Practicing Deliberate Thanksgiving

By Rob Henslin

“… Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:19, 20 (New International Version)

It’s quite easy for me to agree with the sentiment of those verses but quite another to actually live it out. In 2012 I was in the midst of painful and gut-wrenching divorce proceedings. Much of my energy was spent slogging through procedural issues and various points of contention, wishing it could all be over and done. I became “Danny Downer,” detached and hope-less.

My friend Amy picked up on that vibe and took action. When we met, she greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a wrapped gift. “I saw this and thought it was perfect for you right now.”

“What? Perfect for me?” I inquired.

“I just want you to stay focused and remember that you will get through the divorce, and your life will move forward.” Inside the box was a beautiful, hand-painted glass plate, five inches square, with an image of a yellow bird perched on a small tree branch. In the upper left hand corner, the word “hope” was etched into the surface.

When I returned home, I mounted my hope plate on the wall above my desk. With Amy’s encouragement fresh in my mind, I decided to take deliberate action to find the hope I had lost.
One day in August of 2012 was a turning point in my life. I sat down at my laptop computer and created a new document simply titled “Miracles and Blessings.” As quickly as the neurons could fire between my brain and fingertips, I filled page after page with short entries detailing in very specific terms the many blessings I had forgotten and perhaps failed to even acknowledge in the past.

I pondered the previous two decades of my life—as far back as my wedding day and my battle with blood cancer. I skipped over stuff like the “blessing” of a parking place close to the entrance to Macy’s. I never prayed that kind of prayer.

I was more interested in the “meat,” the authentic blessings and miracles that God had showered upon me: getting into remission in five weeks following my original diagnosis of leukemia; my two miracle daughters who defied the medical establishment and graced this earth with their presence in 1992 and 1994; surviving a cancer relapse in 2008, receiving a bone marrow transplant in 2009, and on and on. Within a month or two the list had swelled to several thousand words.

What an exercise!

Often my initial response given difficult situations is to focus on the negative rather than the positive. I hate to admit that but it’s the truth. Taking deliberate action was something I had to do.

In those times when I struggle with hopelessness, the hope plate on my wall and my growing account of all that God has done helps refocus and reaffirm my faith in Him, that he knows me, loves me, and even in the darkest hours has never lost His grip on me. My miracles and blessings document provides numerous reminders and reasons for me to give “thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In this season of hope, will you join me in an exercise of practicing deliberate thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done and is doing in our lives? Perhaps this Thanksgiving Day will be the day you begin keeping your own list of miracles and blessings.

Oh, and if you want to, it’s probably perfectly okay to pray for a good parking space! Happy Thanksgiving.

About Rob

Rob Henslin is a father, graphic designer, rocketry enthusiast, and author. He is passionate about finding ways to make the most of the hardships he has endured so he can help others through difficult times. Much of this article was adapted from his new book, “When You See the Cows, Make a Left!” (Amazon.com). Rob has volunteered his time to assist the Be The Match bone marrow registry (www.marrow.org) and has shared his story through speaking engagements, radio interviews, and magazine articles. Rob lives in Northern California, where the deer and his German shepherd play. Visit his website at www.post-traumaticpress.com.

            

© 2014 Post-Traumatic Press, Robert Henslin


Rob is a friend and brother in Christ.  He has been part of of our prayer team with Ps139 group since the beginning and has been part of the family ever since. Even in the midst of his own trials, he prayed for others in need. I am honored to serve our Heavenly Father with this man God. Be sure to check out Rob's new book, When You See the Cows, Make A Left!



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Day 612 of Giving Thanks

Tonight, as I sit in “my spot” with the cool evening air filtering through the window, music playing in the background and thoughts of my God, my life and the ramblings of those thoughts across the keyboard, I am grateful for the outlet of writing, the gift of music and the many favors of a wonderful God. 

Today, it seems that all I can do is allow the steady stream of words, and “come what may” was the thought as I started to type. In the lack of organization, there is order and compassion – a word for my soul tonight, a word from my heart to “take to heart”.

How many times have I sat in this exact spot, and done the exact same thing? How many times have I thought of my amazing God and all the blessings that He has granted me? How many times have I placed my cares, concerns and dreams before His throne without hesitation? How many times have I known, from the depths of my soul, that there is nothing greater than what I hold deep in my heart?

I enter. 

You are already there and waiting. 

I leave. 

You are already there and waiting. 

I ponder. 

You are already revealing what will be. 

I pray. 

You are already revealing what will be. 

I am here Lord, grateful that You are all things to me.

No matter where I go, there You are. And, Lord where You are is where I want to be. The thought of a never-ending presence, and a time of worship through all moments of my day lies on my heart. I have a job - it is to serve, to grow, to learn, to hear, to abide and to be His wholly. I am with Him and He is in me. How much strength is there with this truth? More, than I can ever realize! 

“That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.” ~ Ephesians 2:19-22 (The Message)

Yes, it is all about You Lord. Help me to see YOU in all I see... YOU in all I hear... YOU where ever I go. It is Your goodness I hold on to. Help me to see the goodness all around us. Help me to see how You are working things out so perfectly for me... give me eyes to see.

Draw me near Lord... 
For I understand I will face giants, go through mighty waters and be mocked and scorned. For I know I will not face any giant alone, and You are the mighty waters, so will be with me through them all, and You were mocked and scorned for me, so in all these situations, circumstances and challenges, draw me near.

“The Living Stone and a Chosen People 

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:   “See, I lay a stone in Zion,    a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him    will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,   “The stone the builders rejected    has become the cornerstone,”  and,“A stone that causes people to stumble    and a rock that makes them fall.”    They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” ~1 Peter 2:4-8 (New International Version)

I do not want to wonder what stone I am… How about you?

There is a better way. We can sit by and "wonder" about this mighty and awesome creator, or we can start to talk to Him, get to know Him through His word, and listen for His response. He is eager to answer your call to Him, but you have to call first. Be open for the possibility that you have never been alone, that He has been "here" all along - be open that He is listening, and will answer when your heart is ready.

Day 576 of Giving Thanks

We have an amazing God, one who orchestrates through the things that seem so messy to us. There are things in my life that are immaculate, tidy and perfectly in order. Although I can at times, feel very scattered, chaotic and quite messy lately.

I am in information overload. I need His discerning word with all the information I am collecting from various articles. I have asked Him to help me know what is real & trustworthy. To help me rely on him more and more and to know that this is nothing; nothing that He hasn’t already thought of; nothing He will not handle; nothing more than another opportunity to come to Him; nothing more than a way to know that He is right here with me in this fight.

There was a time in my life when I “needed” to know everything; and today, even with all the information I am consuming, my hope is to glean what I need to accomplish the physical restoration I want and desire. Shaking out what I do not need, and hanging onto all the good and great pieces and nuggets of the information. That is what I want from this harvest.

For the last week, all this stuff has been filling my mind, taking up space and not allowing me to eliminate anything. Getting quiet has been the command.

I truly need more quiet, more silence that only my God can fill. A silence that is comforting and perfect for the moments that seem too full of thoughts. Father, remove the noise. Again too many moments not in quiet and I am craving the silence that brings Your voice deep into my heart.

"The Lord is fighting for you! So be still!” ~Exodus 14:13-15 (God’s Word Translation)

My life in Christ has meaning BEYOND measure, and I pray that you too can know our mighty God. I pray that you will see that He has plans for you and is here for every step of the way. Step into Him and get out of His way.

”When I tried to obey the law’s standards, those laws killed me. As a result, I live in a relationship with God. I have been crucified with Christ. 20I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God’s Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins.” ~Galatians 2:19-20 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

Finally, early this afternoon, there was quiet in my heart.

Thank You Jesus, for filling me with Your comforts.

And, now I come to You Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit, and once again ask for Your discerning answers for ‘what path’, ‘what changes’ and ‘what next’…

Today I am thankful that He can make all my messes into something usable and worthwhile, look at what He has done with me. Today I am thankful that all the areas to be ‘fixed’ and ‘adapted’ are exposed and He lovingly orchestrates all things into perfect order. 

“You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever.” ~ Psalm 16:11 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

Day 571 of Giving Thanks Daily

I have become accustomed to my walks and my extra time with God. Tonight I was unable to walk, and felt a bit like I had missed out today, especially with my alone and precious time with my heavenly Father.  Yesterday, as I was on my walk, I saw this on a bumper sticker... "Honor the past. Live in the present. Prepare for the future." That is truly how I intend to live my life.

I will honor my past by taking allowing God to use it all, good and bad for the good of His kingdom and my growth into who He designed me to be. I will live in the present… truly live with Joy and hope. I will allow God to do everything to prepare me for His purposes.

I am here to tell you that you will make it through if you trust God to take the lead. Step out of His way, so you can step into the life He has for you.

I prayed for years that God would bring a dream I had to fruition; and in, what seemed like an instant, the possibility of that dream was gone - poof... But, He did answer the prayer for "MY OWN GOOD". My desire, turns out, was not the best for me, but His answer is - hands down, every time, in every way.

I am learning that I have to be open to hear, see and sense what He has for me, and not be short sighted. I have to be consistent with my prayers.  I have to continue to realize that I can go to Him with everything.  I have to continue to realize that He answers my prayers every time. I have to continue to realize that living for Him will bring to life, the life He has for me.

“Though I walk through the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch your hands against the anger of my foes with your right hand, you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever…” ~ Psalm 138:7-8

As I was finishing my walk last night, and bring many prayers and thoughts to the Lord, I was comforted in knowing how great my life is, not that it is “a wonderful life”, it is a great life full of anticipation and expectation, because He pours so much in me. Pour into me Lord. Fill me with hope, joy and the sweetness of Your grace, until I overflow with Your mercy and favor. Help me see that this is what you do, whether I ask or not. Help me recognize this is what You do for me. Help me stay on the right path; help me to remember that it is Your love Lord that will bring me through everything.

“Go in through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction is broad and the road wide, so many people enter through it. But the gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it.” ~Matthew 7:13-14 (Common English Bible)