Day 741 of Giving Thanks by Tina Wetor

A woman with no name taught us the most important lesson, anyone who truly touches Jesus is NEVER the same.  From all of the passages recorded of this woman, I wrote a story about her.  Although we don't know her name, we can learn so much from her.  Yes, it's a beautiful story, one of what the power of faith can do.  (This is paraphrased of one of the most precious miracles of Jesus.)

Daily a woman walks the streets amongst a busy town, everyone sees her but nobody knows her.  Why would they dare too?  She is a helpless beggar with nothing to offer.   A helpless beggar, does anyone care to know the circumstances of her life?  No one bothers to ask or to show compassion in their eyes instead they just pass her by.  Life is too busy to help a homeless beggar, so again she walks down the road alone.  Empty, broke, and sick of life’s difficulties but pain seems to be her only friend.  It comes daily to remind her, hope is lost.

As she walks down the street, the city is busy as usual except there seems to be excitement in the air.  All of the people are heading in one direction, what could be happening?  Why is there so much excitement today?  So, she dares to discover what the commotion is all about.  Silently she walks, so nobody will notice her.  She doesn’t want to scare anyone or risk being seen, she is an outcast.  An outcast for something beyond her control, she is sick.  So, sick the doctors have sent her away to die.  There is no hope, no cure.  All of her savings is gone.  She spent all her wealth with the hopes of being strong again.  Or is that some vague memory?

As she gets closer to the crowd, it’s hard to see what’s going on.  So, she keeps trying to see, she stands upon her toes to see above the crowd.  At that moment, she gets a glimpse of someone she has heard stories about.  Could it be?  Oh, it can’t be him!  Really, is it him?  So, she tries to get around the crowd but there are too many people.  Yet, her heart is fearful if the crowd notices her, she is unclean.  If she touches anyone, she could be stoned.  Death awaits her if she stays here or death comes if she goes.

Regardless of what others say, she refuses to listen to their words.  Yet, she knows all her wealth is gone, she is broke.  She spent all of her wealth to find hope but received empty promises.  Broken dreams and broken promises have left her a broken heart.  Her heart can’t reach anymore but at this moment, the crowd is getting heavier.  What’s all of the excitement?  As she lifts her eyes, she sees the man approaching, “It can’t be!”  Is it really him?  She is almost afraid to follow.  Inside her heart, she weighs all the options but she recalls the stories.  All of the marvelous stories of miracles everyone has been talking about.  Could the stories be true?  Would he help me?  As she sees the man approaching, she is so frightened.  What do I do?  Oh, here he comes, where shall I go for him to notice me?

Will he notice me?  As the crowd thickness, a moment of hope comes, she see his face.  It is Jesus!  How do I get closer?  The crowd is heavy, it’s beyond her reach.  Yet, she looks down to see his robe.  She can’t get his attention but she can touch him.  The crowd is focused on Jesus, so no one will notice me.  Inside her heart she says, “If I can only touch the hem of his garment, I will be whole.”  So, she presses towards the ground to touch the hem, she touched it.

Instantly she notices a difference, the sickness is gone.  Yet, she hears the terrifying words, “Who touched me?”  She hears one of the disciples, “Lord, why are you asking, “Who touched you?”  So, she comes trembling before the crowd and admits her wrong.

A midst a crowd of people who didn’t care about her or notice her, she awaits her destiny.  Death should be her sentence but Jesus comes to her.  “Daughter, go in peace.”  “Your faith as made you well.”

Wow!  Jesus called me, “Daughter!”  As she walks away from the crowd, tears roll down her cheeks.  “I am whole!”  “I can’t believe it!   As she starts walking home, she hears the words of Jesus, “I am a daughter!”

A woman without a name is remembered for a simple act of faith.  She only had one opportunity but she took it, she had to touch his hem.  What’s so amazing about this?  Jesus noticed instantly that someone touched him with faith, so His power touched her.  Sadly, so many people feel unworthy to touch Jesus.  Besides all of the rumors, some are true.  He wouldn’t want me, I am sure.  What can I give Him?    

What you need to realize in this Biblical story, she didn’t have nothing to offer but her faith.  She was willing to push through the crowd of people who wanted to see Jesus.  All of people wanted an opportunity, she took it.  What’s so precious, Jesus was on the way to help a family who lost a daughter.  It was a tragic day but instead it was a miraculous moment.  God isn’t a respecter of persons; He is willing to help anyone.  Yes, He wants to help you!  How can I be sure?  The nail scared hands, it says it all.  He is compassionate toward ALL He made.  He made you.  So, He wants to be near you even if you have nothing to offer but brokenness, debt, and pain.

Often, I think about this story:  A broken woman without hope, enormous debt and removed from society. Yet, she took one step of faith to touch His hem. She was an outcast who was left to die but Jesus felt her touch of faith, one touch is all it took. She was no longer an outcast, she was a daughter. She was healed in her heart, mind, and soul because Jesus touched her. Jesus changes everything. (Luke 8:43-47, Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 9:20-22)

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Tina Wetor
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notes/giving-thanks-daily/november-19th-day-740-of-giving-thanks/10150391349612809
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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Day 740 of Giving Thanks

Do you ever stare at a sink full of dishes and wish that they would clean themselves? As embarrassing as it is to say this, I think I have even prayed that God would make the dishes miraculously clean themselves. That’s a prayer that He has yet to answer.

Yet, as I think about it, life is that way sometimes. Life is full of mundane tasks, boring, dirty, “unfulfilling”. It is full of tasks and things that we wish would just do themselves. Yet, these little mundane things have to get done. What would happen if we never had clean dishes? What would we eat on? We need clean dishes in our lives. These are the small details that, if not completed, can affect a lot more than we realize.

“In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it.” ~1 Kings 6:38 New International Version

““All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the LORD’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”~ 1 Chronicles 28:19 New International Version

God is a God of details. EVERY little thing matters to God, every little small minute detail matters to Him, even the most mundane and dull tasks are important to Him. Even the dishes.

Next time you look upon a sink full of dirty dishes, look at it as an opportunity to praise God. Turn on your worship music and sing to Him as you wash. Be thankful that you have running water to use and dishes to eat off of. Thank Him for the blessings you have rather than concentrating on the task you hate doing the most.

Lord, thank you for my dishes. Thank you for providing me one more opportunity to praise your name. Lord, thank you for showing me that every little detail matters to you and obeying you is what is important. Lord, help me get my sink full of dishes clean with a warm and loving heart!!! Thank you Lord, for your faithfulness and for your blessings! Amen!


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Darci Escandon
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notes/giving-thanks-daily/november-19th-day-740-of-giving-thanks/10150391349612809
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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Day 739 of Giving Thanks

PRAYER
How did I “get here”? During a conversation today, that is a question and the only answer I knew was “Prayer”. And through some heart-felt moments I discovered something amazing and I am always in awe of how God brings my life to light through the words of others.

Many of us are very much alike. We fight against flesh and push when we should submit. And today, was yet another opportunity to share how God taught me how to pray. Do you know that your Father in heaven will keep drawing you closer and closer to Him?

This journey began with discovering my need for a savior and has moved to knowing that hope is abundant for those who revere and love the LORD. And, hope has only come through more faith, and more faith is only the result of prayer. I had to discover that prayer was more than an outline, more than requests to be filled, more than acceptance or rejection. Prayer is my life line, my direct line to God. There is no intermediary or anyone more powerful in prayer than me. I used to think that “others could pray better, they understood how to pray for me better, they were more experienced.

But what I know now, is God wants me. He wants to hear from me, teach me, draw me in and direct my steps. What I know is that mine are the best ears to hear His voice for me and I am grateful for this knowledge. Today, my life is a prayer because my heart belongs to Him. As I think about this, I am greatly encouraged. I am encouraged because I know that when a life is lived for Christ, it is a life that will encourage others, and really that is what it’s all about for me.

From Day 731 of Giving Thanks -

‎I continue daily to pray for strength... 
"Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” ~Judges 16:28 (New Living Translation)


"As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength." ~Psalm 138:3 (New Living Translation)


"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit." ~Ephesians 3:16 (New Living Translation)


"The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)" ~Habakkuk 3:19 (New Living Translation)

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

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

Day 738 of Giving Thanks

“Quiet my mind”, I hear myself again… and in the noise of the day, I fight quiet. Earlier today, I found myself writing a list of all that I ‘wanted’ to do while I was on my trip. There is this “one item” that has been on this list for way too long. Every time I try to complete this task, I hit major “head blocks”. It appears there is no passage through – so, do I leave this one item on my list or remove it. And, I think, “Have I truly given this one item over to God? Have I really submitted to His will, or am I trying to handle it on my own?”

“[Let go, relax] Cease striving and (A)know that I am God; I will be (B)exalted among the [b]nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us;  The God of Jacob is our stronghold. 
                         Selah.” ~Psalm 46:10-11 (New American Standard Bible)

“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” ~ Psalm 46:10-11 (Amplified Bible)



These are questions that I will ponder tonight and give to the workings of the Holy Spirit as I sleep. It is truly my desire to be in God’s will, to live out this life in a manner that is pleasing to my Father.  Lord, I pray for surrendering on every level, from every fiber and deeply within my heart. Help me to dwell in ways I have not yet done.

sur•ren•der
verb (used with object)
1. to yield (something) to the possession or power of another; deliver up possession of on demand or under duress: to surrender the fort to the enemy; to surrender the stolen goods to the police.
2. to give (oneself) up, as to the police.
3. to give (oneself) up to some influence, course, emotion, etc.: He surrendered himself to a life of hardship.
4. to give up, abandon, or relinquish (comfort, hope, etc.).
5. to yield or resign (an office, privilege, etc.) in favor of another.
verb (used without object)
6. to give oneself up, as into the power of another; submit or yield.

“For the choir director: A psalm of David. 
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
“God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true;
each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” ~ Psalm 19 (New Living Translation)

So on my heart, surrender – be still – relax and let God! So, what do I do? I yield, renounce, waive, cede, abandon , forgo, capitulate and relinquish all my efforts, which are independent of God, and submit to His will and plan. I am grateful Lord, that in “getting quiet”, you will still be working it all out deeply in my heart and soul.

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

Day 737 of Giving Thanks

A lovely day Lord, thank You, however there are no beautiful words or amazing insights today, just a sincere feeling of gratitude for the day. Yet, as I reflect on the last couple days, I love to reflect on the words that pour from my heart.

Today, I hit the ground running, and ran all day. I did not get started with the deep and heart-filled moments with God until this evening. A lovely time Lord, thank You.

In 1 John 2, we are reminded that we are sinners in need of a savior - and that we are to live like Jesus did.

"Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." ~1 John 2:7-8 (New International Version)

Shine my friends, shine... and we can only do that with Jesus, He left with all the power and strength possible through the Holy Spirit. That is how we shine.


‎"Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us and his love is perfected in us." ~1 John 4:11-12 (Lexham English Bible)

I have opportunity after opportunity to share His love with others. As I start our day, or end my week, I can do a great honor to my God by sharing all the greatness of His love by loving others greatly...

I am excited about this, aren't you excited about this too?


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

... onward toward perfection. “Thank You Jesus” are often, my only words. Let my life be honoring to You and thank You for covering when it is not. Thank You for loving me enough to start this work in me, and see me through to eternity. I LOVE YOU LORD.

“[Let go, relax] Cease striving and (A)know that I am God; I will be exalted among the [b]nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. 
Selah.” ~Psalm 46:10-11 (New American Standard Bible)

“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” ~ Psalm 46:10-11 (Amplified Bible)

Let us Lord bring to You the heartache, sorrow, uncertainty and pain in exchange for hope, love and certainty. We pray for those who You are waiting for to call to You. We pray that a decision for You happens today Lord, that there are no more delays or excuses. We pray for that one heart or many who are ready for You in their life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

As I close out, I have some insights to share, that came the other day.

• Do not underestimate the wisdom God will provide you with. If it comes to you, He'll equip you to accomplish it...
• Do not underestimate the love God has for you. If love is all around you, or nowhere to be found, know that He will show you His love in many ways over and over. Know that His love is always found.
• Do not underestimate the strength and power of God in you. And, never forget where that strength and power comes from.

A lovely day Lord. Thank You.
An amazing time with You all day... as I go to sleep, I know that you will be at work in the recesses of my mind and all the strength, all the healing, all the restoration and rest will be received. Thank You Father for a lovely day. For I know that my riches are not earthly treasures but Your teachings.

Tonight, I hit Your presence running into Your arms, for comfort, quiet and peace.

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

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

Day 735 of Giving Thanks

"For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.”~Romans 11:29 (Amplified Bible)

I am grateful to those who question what I write for this is how I get to learn, grow, correct and/or confirm. I am grateful for His Word, and I do realize how fortunate I am that it is readily available for me to read.

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am [b]self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].’ Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)


I do not claim to be a “bible scholar” and I wholly love His word. My writing has been a definite adventure. I have an amazing God, who takes me, someone who never passed the college entrance exam, because I could not write, and now, I WRITE... you have no idea how that opens up God's word for me. The Lord confirms word after word, thought after thought through His Word for me. I absolutely love God with every part of me and I TRUST HIM WITH MY HEART – I am so grateful I know the difference between trusting in words (my words) and TRUSTING IN HEART (my heart).

It has taken me so long to recognize that God longs to hear from me. He is listening as I pour my heart out. He also loves to know that I know Him. He is waiting for all of us to tell Him what we love about Him, what we are grateful for and that you love Him too.

It's easy to begin. Start with, "Hello God, I love you..."


I know Lord that I am a sinner. I am grateful for the sacrifice and work of Jesus, which I accept. I pray daily to be Your light to the world Lord and that I will never deny You. I know You are coming again, and I want others to stand before You and not be ashamed, I pray for those who have yet to know You Lord. Thank You for living in me and giving me strength and power beyond comprehension with the Holy Spirit. I need You. I acknowledge You. I accept You. I love and adore You. I am grateful. (Inspired by 1 John 2)

“Let Your love, GOD, shape my life with salvation, exactly as You promised; Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted Your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever—Your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I'll guard with my life what You've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for Your truth and Your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish Your commandments—oh, how I love them!—relishing every fragment of Your counsel.” ~Psalm 119:41-48 (The Message)

The enemy works through our thoughts not in the physical realm. It is when our thoughts are skewed that we physically manifest pain - don't allow the enemy to capture any part of your thoughts today. Hold all thoughts with God's presence today. Our warfare comes when we allow our thoughts to be swayed. Today my friends, hold every thought captive toward and in God.

“Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).
”And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” ~Ephesians 4:31-32 (Amplified Bible)

I believe it is our thoughts that start our down spirals. I am not saying that illness cannot be an attack of the enemy, I am saying that our thoughts will dictate how we view healing.

The physical is manifested through the actions of people. Most Christians today are not thinking and manifesting God's will for themselves because they are stuck in the past, in their hurts or whatever, and we really do ourselves a disservice by thinking that all that hits us is the enemy. Many times the enemy is long gone from our thoughts, but our habits are what keep us feeling stuck.

I will rejoice no matter what possessions are taken away because all I need is what He has already given and no enemy can take away. I will rejoice through any affliction for it is not here that is the reward, but eternity with my Father God.

Keeping my thoughts right, so I can rightly live.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” ~Philippians 2:5-8 (King James Version)

Friends, we must know who we belong to and that He promises that He will never leave or forsake us. No matter what the storm or attack, He is right here with us. Do not let this day complete without thanking Him for his protection… His presence. (Hebrews 13:5)

Just some of my thoughts to share.

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

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

Day 734 of Giving Thanks by Darci Escandon

When I started to write this today, I really struggled. How can I write about giving thanks when my soul and heart feel like they have been crushed? But that’s exactly why I need to give thanks. Because even though I am feeling these things, God has shown me that I don’t have to “BE” these emotions. He has shown me that I can take these feelings, give them to Him and He will show me not only how to work through them, but will reveal the truth of the matter to me.

In a nutshell, I received a phone call from one of my closest friends last night. We haven’t really talked much because her schedule and mine just haven’t been clicking. She was worried that she had upset or offended me and she wanted the “old me” back. The “old me” that hadn’t found her path in God yet. The “Old ME” who was still searching for God’s plan for my life. Recently, God has revealed His plan for me and a few of our conversations have been about my excitement and my nervousness for embarking on this plan. Essentially, the conversation ended with my apologizing, asking her forgiveness and her telling me she doesn’t want to talk with me about this path I am on. We can talk about anything else but she is tired of hearing about it.

When I hung up, I felt broken, heated and deflated. I felt full of doubt and all the other emotions that come from a phone call like that. This was one of  my closest friends, my accountability partner, a woman with a Godly heart. As I am growing forward, she’s still where she is… and she wants the “old me” back.

I realized as I slept and talked to God, that because of the opinion of one person who wants to keep me back where I was, I had caused myself to disregard all the other opinions and confirmations I had been getting from all sorts of people and things, that I am on the right path to move forward.

Then it hit me. The enemy doesn’t want me to move forward, he wants to keep me stagnant and stuck. But God is greater than the enemy. I am an heir to God’s covenant promise mentioned in Genesis. God’s promises are for me. I need to stand up to the enemy and just get in his face and tell him to just SHUT UP!!

I am not going to waste my life trying to figure out what I am going to do every time someone says something to me about my choice of path. God is in control of my life. The enemy uses other people to get to me and cause those doubts and self conscious thoughts. But God’s word instructs me to:

“11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.” ~1 Timothy 6:11–16 (New Living Translation)

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT FOR THE TRUE FAITH! The enemy will use scripture and Christian people to keep us from achieving God’s plan. The enemy is cunning and crafty.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” ~Ephesians 6:12

This is a battle, God warns us of this. However, I can’t battle an enemy if I give in to thoughts of self doubt. That’s not a spirit of God. God gives us thoughts that encourage, motivate, confirm and also convict. However, conviction is not the same of condemnation. The thoughts I was feeding were condemning and meant to keep me from moving forward and were causing me to want to just give up all together. God is bigger than these thoughts. He showed me that I do have a purpose and as I peruse that purpose, people will try and hold me back. I must stay in His word. I HAVE to purposely search Him Out.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Lord, thank you for helping me figure this out. Thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins. Thank you for your grace and your mercy and thank you for your guidance. Thank you for your strength. You are the great “I AM”. You are powerful and you are amazing. You are here, right now, and you are taking care of my situation. Lord, please take this worry and self doubt from me. I lift these emotions into your hands. Help me to stay on your path you have set for me and help me to Boldly step out and battle for you! Amen.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Darci Escandon                       
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/notes/giving-thanks-daily/november-12-day-734-of-giving-thanks/10150379366077809

Day 733 of Giving Thanks

I was telling someone today that my writing has become an obsession, and really a need in my life. Not because of the actual writing, but because of what is revealed as I explore what God has for me today. I am compelled daily to know God more deeply, not the words, but His presence. It is not a command or an activity, it is His pleasure and I am rewarded through comfort and peace.

“May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, give us grace, mercy and peace; may they be ours in truth and love.” ~2 John 1:3 (Good News Translation)

Does the Lord God know you deeply, completely and wholly? Often times I find myself trying to hide a hurt and sometimes even a victory – I ask myself, “Is this life real or is real waiting for me”?

Thank You Lord -You are breathtaking... and all I desire is to overflow with your goodness.

I am forever (eternally) grateful for the many God moments, God revelations and God lessons. He loves me, and has since before the beginning of time as I know it. He knows every part of me. I desire to be lost in moments with God, overwhelmed with His revelations for me and consumed with the lessons He has for me. I am devoted to see through His eyes all things.

It is when I see the brokenness of someone else that I can see myself in a new light. Seeing how far my God has brought the healing journey is almost like looking at someone else's life. At times, I can hardly remember what my heart held and felt. And, I revel, rejoice and repeat His praise for where I am going. The journey is long, painstaking at times, yet I am His and favored. It is when I see the brokenness of someone else that I can see their life in a new light as well, so I pray that they too will know the grace, tenderness and love of God also.

It is easy to lose focus and do the minimum sometimes... I am reminded of this as I take an extra minute here and there while at work... I have learned that we should always give more than what I am compensated for and more than what is expected... I am to stand out. Father thank you for reminding me that my time belongs to You, that I am to have integrity with all that I do, for I am representing You. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve." ~Colossians 3:23-24 (Good News Translation)

My life is not mine, and every day I pray for even less of me for this life as I look forward to the day when all of me will be with Him in eternity. (John 3:30)

There is change through commitment and loyalty to His will and plan. Our very first commitment is to love God before loving anything else. We are to love Him with all of our heart, soul and mind. Love and honor God… (Matthew 22:37-38).

Knowing that many will follow then leave because they don’t know who He truly is and that there is nowhere else to go, “Lord, to whom would we go?” We recognize and know that Jesus is God, the “Holy One of God”. Our first priority is to love and honor God is all we do (John 6:66-69).

Loving one another just as He loves us. WOW… my favorite command, and second to loving and honoring God. “Your love for one another will prove that we are His disciples” (John 13:34-35).

Our third commitment is to serve the Lord by doing Christ’s work in the world. He is the vine, we are the branches, and when we are with Him we will produce fruit. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Through all my trials, in the midst of every challenge and storm, I am upheld mightily in strength for I know that victory is already accomplished.

Be strong in the Lord, walk in His light... show His strength through every part of this journey.


"A psalm of David.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?" ~Psalm 27:1 (New Living Translation)
I am in His light where I go, I will not be afraid. I will not allow the world to take me away from You presence Lord. 


"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." ~Isaiah 41:10 (New Living Translation)

“Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive[a] so that you will have the right response for everyone.” ~Colossians 4:4-7 (New Living Translation)

I am learning that speaking also includes how we "speak to ourselves". What we say under our breath, what marinades deep in our hearts, what is repeated... so learn to be edified through the Word... through His promises... through His work in you.

I have learned many great lessons - one is to speak truth trough love, encouragement, compassion and tenderness. Love people toward God. He desires us to love one another… let me always remember this.

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

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

Day 732 of Giving Thanks

This morning as I looked out the window I could see the redwood trees lightly moving in the wind and behind the trees, I could see a glimpse of the morning sun. And, from the inside, I could sense the warmth, however, I knew that as soon as I stepped outside, the crisp Fall air would penetrate every part of me. I do not like the cold, so reprogramming my reaction to cold is necessary and prayed for. This morning as I stepped into the day, and the cold reached my core, I imagined that every tingle is a greater connection to my King.

That is what I want when I go to Him. I want every part of me to sense His presence. To know it and to dwell in Him.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
“Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
“What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.” ~Psalm 84:1-4 

I go to Him, He shares with me His word and I am home. Embedding His word on my heart, and sharing what He gives me. Every day, I write. Every day I absorb. Every day I grow more toward Him. Every day I fall deeper and deeper in love with my creator. The closer I get to Him, the more joy I experience and the more hopeful I become.

“What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
“When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
“They will continue to grow stronger and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.
“O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob.” ~Psalm 84:5-8 

Lord, thank You for continuing to keep me sharp, while softening all my edges and bringing me toward You, let me know Your anointing. “O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed.” ~Psalm 84:9

I expect because He already did everything I need... I have the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. I expect greatness according to His plan, AND really it is His plans that are perfect. I couldn't ask for anything better. EXPECTATION of good things through His will for me, is His promise to me...

God is personal and loves me.

My life is a series of lessons, designed and executed specifically for me by the greatest instructor ever. And when I can look at every experience as God's way to increase my knowledge, better my responses and do His work through my "life" there is the greatest hope ever. Every day is a better day than the one before.

“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

It's time Lord to say goodnight, yet my mind reels in You, how can it be that so much of my time is spent pondering, dwelling in and contemplating all of You? How can it be that I am so fortunate to have gone from enemy of God, where darkness prevailed to child of God, where I am heaven bound? How is it that I can know Your presence, embrace Your promises and be so amazingly sure that I am Yours?

All this Lord, because You are trustworthy. All this because You are revealed daily. All this because I am Yours.

(New Living Translation used for this article)

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

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

Day 731 of Giving Thanks

There is no doubt that He assures us often of His protection of us, His strength for us, His guidance that is UNENDING! And I have an unending desire to pray continually – I want my life to be a prayer. Let my life be a prayer that is reflected everywhere I go. Pray, pray, pray is the motto, without ceasing, continually and expectantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

‎I continue daily to pray for strength... 
"Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” ~Judges 16:28 (New Living Translation)


"As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength." ~Psalm 138:3 (New Living Translation)


"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit." ~Ephesians 3:16 (New Living Translation)


"The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)" ~Habakkuk 3:19 (New Living Translation)

And every day I will rejoice, praise and live in hope. Today the sun was shining across the landscape, and the Son is shining across the heavens. But really, no matter what the weather, Jesus’ light will shine greatly and intensely.

"You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 
“I say to the LORD, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 
“God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. You can go to him for protection. 
“He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 
“You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day." ~Psalm 91:1-6 (Easy-to-Read Version)

‎And every day, no matter what I experience, physically, emotionally and with God, there is healing manifesting.

I realize, that in the progression from pain to healing, we focus so much on the pain, that healing does not seem possible, but (big but here), WHEN I focus on who the healer is, the manifestation becomes real and HEALING IS POSSIBLE. And I am to realize more that in the progression from here to heaven, if I focus on my circumstances, I will suffer pain and heartache. When I focus on my creator, the here part is hopeful.

So, Lord I continue to pray, continue to praise and rejoice and hope like I have never hoped before.

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

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

Day 730 of Giving Thanks

There are times in my life when I just know that change is required, and I pray today for the urging that is so deep in my heart will manifest into a desire to go after that change with unyielding passion and persistent zeal. It has truly been a long detour and I am ready for the right road. With my thoughts in order and God in charge of my life, I am on the road rightly traveled and I am excited.

As the thoughts run through my mind, I think this thought first, "Do I want this to stay or leave" with every thought? This one stays, this one goes, it is the only true way to hold the right thoughts captive and growing. Right thoughts are a habit, the habit of good thoughts - thoughts worth holding on to...

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

‎"Yes Lord"... how is it that those two words seem so difficult, and yet, He not only said "yes" to the cross for us, but He followed through. Integrity comes when we not only say what He desires to hear from us, but when we do what we say yes to.

‎Many times throughout my life, I have seen things from my broken, alienated, deceived and separated past. So, here is the question that I have learned to ask when my thoughts go the wrong way, “Do I believe God?” If I really do then it's time to believe Him for me. He is the repair, He desires relationship with me (with you). In Him the enemy's lies are exposed and demolished – I AM HIS CHILD - He tells me, “I will never desert you, and I will never abandon you.”  ~Hebrews 13:5 (Lexham English Bible)

As the thoughts run through your mind, I will choose what thoughts stay. Today and every day, I hold every thought captive, and keep every thought toward Him.



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

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

Not Replacing The Carpet (testimony series) by Tom Jasinski

Not Replacing The Carpet
by Tom Jasinski

Nehemiah 8:10-“And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

I had the last phrase of this verse first spoken over me by a prophet when I was in my teens. The real meaning of it eluded me well into adulthood.  I sort of felt like my life could be summed up in the term “carpet jerked out from under me”.  My childhood had been violently interrupted by my parents’ divorce when I was 9.  I mean, from my young perspective, my parents went from “Leave it the Beaver” perfect to yelling and throwing plates at each other in a single day. Then I was bounced around from one dysfunctional stepparent to the next until I finally moved out on my own at 16.  It seemed like every time I would get settled into a situation, the carpet would get jerked and I would be thrown into the next tumultuous life circumstance.

I started attending church regularly at 13, but I cycled in and out of confusion about sin and repentance, and I even quit attending church altogether for a short time in my late teens because I just didn’t feel worthy of God’s love.  How could He love someone who was always messing up?

That phrase, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” became a recurring enigma, popping up in the oddest places and at the strangest times. I had some great experiences in my life, no doubt, and my relationship with God and my church kept me out of most of the trouble my friends got in.  I ended up pastoring the youth group in my early twenties. I met and married a beautiful girl who was an absolute blast to date.  Within six months of marriage, she had completely shut down emotionally.  I was devastated. The carpet had been jerked out from under me again.  A close friend of ours from church who was well aware of the breakdown in our intimacy called one fateful day and offered herself to me.  The affair that ensued just about broke that church completely in half.

I ended up divorcing my first wife and marrying that woman.  What followed was a long, hard 17 year journey.  I was determined not to mess this marriage up like I had the first. Over time, my desire to please my wife, my business success, and a thousand other distractions eroded away any vestiges of “the joy of the Lord” that I had before all this mess. Toward the end, I spent about six years drunk, trying to numb out from the intense pain of failed expectations and failed relationships.  When I would get “good and buzzed”, it seemed like I would always end up preaching to someone about God and His goodness. The truth was, I didn’t even know if He would have me back, but when the alcohol would no longer numb the pain, I had nowhere else to go.  It was the final straw for my wife, and she ran off with someone else.

This left me in quite the predicament.  The carpet had been jerked once again, but this time I was determined to put God first in my life.  I had done it wrong for so many years, and I knew it had to be different now.  As it turned out, this was an elaborate setup by the Creator of the Universe to show His unfailing love for me.  The man who ran off with my wife left a wife of his own behind.  The four of us had all been friends, so she and I knew each other socially.  We spent a week talking about our plans for the future and sharing our spiritual beliefs.  I led her to the Lord, and that same evening, we made a decision to spend the rest of our lives together.
The past seven years have shed a lot clearer light on that old familiar phrase, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” This time has not been without challenges, for sure.  But each challenge proves to be a foundation upon which God builds my faith and understanding of Him.  The carpet still gets jerked out from under me from time to time (though never by my wife, praise God).  I have been kicked out of religion…twice!  (Best and worst thing that ever happened to me.)  I have started a ministry called The Cross Culture that is a strange, undefinable relational community of broken people who are learning how to love God and love people, inextricably. I am currently in the process of adopting my four stepchildren. We just survived an EF5 tornado in May and have been living in a storefront on Main Street in the transient area of town ever since.  God just blessed us with a beautiful new home, and our drywall business has loads of work for years to come.

In all the crazy, unexpected twists and turns of life, I can honestly say that my current approach to life is accurately summed up in Nehemiah’s words: “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, All rights remain with author 

Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Day 729 of Giving Thanks

Every day I am humbled by the humility around me in those God has chosen to surround me with. I not only have the honor of serving an amazing God, but I receive continual blessings from so many things – gestures, comments, prayers and the greatest of all friendship. I am honored to work with the most wonderful and loyal group of people from around the world. I am greatly encouraged.

“I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders. I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I'm singing your song, High God.” ~Psalm 9:1-2 (The Message)

I am grateful that I no longer replay my past and all the images that held me back, kept me stuck or stranded and had me handcuffed and frozen in the enemy’s purpose – which is no purpose. I am grateful for all the moments when believing was impossible, but with the Holy Spirit moving my every fiber closer toward God, it was possible to move belief to trust, and trust to transformation.

“I WILL praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! 
I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High!” ~Psalm 9:1-2 (Amplified Bible)

In this moment and all those to come, I place all of me in His wonderful care because this is what I have learned.

”Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
“Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
“And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday.” ~Psalm 37:3-6 (Amplified Bible)

Believing in my heart, relaying through my mouth (or keyboard), replaying in my thoughts, that is what I am grateful for every day.

This is joy greater than any joy. Knowing, loving, adoring, cherishing and honoring God!

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

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

Day 728 of Giving Thanks

“For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind!” ~2 Timothy 1:7  'New King James Version"

I have lived so much of my life in fear. Fear of failure, fear of success. Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing, fear of not being good enough…My life had become one big vicious cycle of fear. I would have anxiety attacks or panic attacks that would just come out of nowhere. It seems, as if I was living a life ruled and controlled by fear. Until, one day, I heard a speaker on TV mention the verse above. It was almost as if God was yelling at me to STOP! Stop feeding the fears.

In hearing  this one verse spoken out loud, I realized the following :

THIS FEAR WAS NOT A SPIRIT OF GOD!!!

God did not want me to live my life this way. He wanted me to have a rich, fulfilling life, full of His blessings and His discipline and His strength.

God gives us the spirit of Power. Power over those fears, power over the enemy, power over our overwhelming circumstances.

God gives us the spirit of love. Love for those that hurt us, Love for ourselves, Love for our enemies, Love for our neighbor.

God gives us the spirit of a Sound Mind. A Sound Mind to overcome the fearful thoughts. A Sound Mind to overcome the angry thoughts, A Sound Mind to overcome the depression and the hopelessness.

Those are the things God has given us. How can we be His arms and legs if we are living in fear, afraid of our own shadow? How can we tell people His good news if we are afraid of what others may think? How can we live a God filled life if we are afraid to step out in faith?

God can do amazing things when we allow Him to help us get over our fears. Everyone is afraid of something, but God gives us the power to face those fears head one and conquer them.

Lord, thank you so much for showing me how to face my fears. Lord, thank you for being faithful and inspiring. Thank you for your Word, Lord, that shows us your ways. Lord, Thank you for helping me to live a fear free life! ~Amen
                                                                           
 

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Darci Escandon
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150369915802809

Day 727 of Giving Thanks

Here I am Lord, thank You for taking me as I am and changing me into who You want me to be.

And, as I begin to write, a day late I might add, my heart is finally settled from a day of war. And in the midst of it all, I knew that my Lord was right here with me. And, from places I thought had healed and from deep in my heart, I never dreamed could surface or could even imagine resided there. I prayed to have those embedded feelings removed, those memory responses annihilated and banished from existence – yet, it is as I walk through the rubble and ashes that I see the war was purposeful. In the clearing (the repair and restoration in my heart), hope is visible and hope is alive.

Trusting that “God's got it” every time, all the time... that's what we all need. Living according to His will and seeing that it only happens when the resource is His word and execution is through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit.

For me, the beginning was in learning His promises... that's when I started to believe and trust. And I only got there by complete brokenness and losses.

My thoughts before Christ were just that... thoughts that would marinade, grow at times, and but hope always faded. It was a steady diet of “what’s next, more exciting or enticing, or could numb the pain?”

Today, my thoughts are my conversations with the LORD, they are the manifestation of His work in my life - I love sitting and pondering all that He has done and dwelling in the promises, He has shared so deliberately to draw me closer. Thank You Jesus for the holder of the Word in me, through the power of the Holy Spirit...

“For Christ is our living peace. He has made a unity of the conflicting elements of Jew and Gentile by breaking down the barrier which lay between us. By his sacrifice He removed the hostility of the Law, with all its commandments and rules, and made in Himself out of the two, Jew and Gentile, one new man, thus producing peace. For He reconciled both to God by the sacrifice of one body on the cross, and by this act made utterly irrelevant the antagonism between them. Then He came and told both you who were far from God and us who were near that the war was over. And it is through Him that both of us now can approach the Father in the one Spirit.” ~Ephesians 2:14-18 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

We cannot avoid the things of this world, but we can avoid the reaction the world expects, like regret, loneliness, broken hearts or shame. I believe we avoid, by filling the void that we are born with through a love that is like nothing else. We do this by going to God and asking for His help.

If you haven't come to Jesus yet, know that He is waiting for You to do so. If you are already a child of God and feel everything but joy, know that the joy is already available and in the strength of the Holy Spirit He will bring you through whatever your circumstances are.

Let us Lord bring to You the heartache, sorrow, uncertainty and pain in exchange for hope, love and certainty. We pray for those who You are waiting for to call to You. We pray that a decision for You happens today Lord, that there are no more delays or excuses. We pray for that one heart or many who are ready for You in their life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

So, how do we prepare ourselves? We are to be still, stay in prayer, believe that “He's got this” already, believe that He desires joy, hope and fulfillment toward His purpose for you.

It's time, isn't it?

Our God is deliberate, intentional and available to all who call His name and believe in His redemption plan. Have you called on Him yet? Do you know what He did so you could be with Him for eternity?

He calls on us to also live deliberate, intentional and be available to His will and purpose and plan for our life. There is nothing more gratifying than that. Living my life in love, humility and united daily, and moment to moment with my heavenly Father, my amazing savior Jesus and my helper the Holy Spirit.

“Above all things be loving, humble, united -
Now if your experience of Christ’s encouragement and love means anything to you, if you have known something of the fellowship of his Spirit, and all that it means in kindness and deep sympathy, do make my best hope for you come true! Live together in harmony, live together in love, as though you had only one mind and one spirit between you. Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, but in humility think more of each other than you do of yourselves. None of you should think only of his own affairs, but should learn to see things from other people’s point of view.” ~Philippians 2:1-4 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)


Thank you Father for removing the defenses of my heart!

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

How I Became A Christian (testimony series) by Gerry Brinkman

How I Became A Christian 

by Gerry Brinkman

I have been a Christian now for 26 years, and I have seen a bit of growth in my time as a follower of Jesus Christ.  Given that I am 44, anyone that can do math can tell you that I haven't always been a Christian.  So what happened? 

As it turns out, that's the million-dollar question.  For those of you who have wondered what happened to me in the summer of 1985 to make me so different, and to those of you who only know me from my online activities, and for everyone in between, this is my story.  It's 100 percent true to the best of my abilities, and in hindsight, I wouldn't change a second of it.

I began life in a little town in North-Western Ontario, Canada, where I was born into a family of little means, but of great history.  For the first 5 years of my life, I lived in my dad's uncle's house with he and my parents.  When I was 5, my dad and his uncle bought a Motel, and I spent the next 14 years between that place and my dad's parent's farm.  So I grew up in the sticks, in the service industry, and on the farm.  In hindsight, none of those places are bad to be from.  It sure didn't seem like it at the time.

My dad was an alcoholic.  He was also abusive.  My average weekend while he was around - well, let's just say it wasn't fun.  He was also a truck driver, so he wasn't home a lot.  It's hard to say in hindsight whether I suffered more from the abuse or the lack of a father-figure, but by the time I hit high school, I was one of the most shy, nervous, bullied, lonely guys around.  And because of my lack of self-confidence, I had real trouble making friends, or talking to girls (not that I didn't like girls, they just didn't like me).  I can distinctly remember a day where I was only to glad to get to school to get out of the house and away from my family situation for a few hours.  By the end of the day I was only too glad to go home to get away from all the stupidity that was my life at school.  I remember thinking, "where can I go?" 

This all culminated when I was 18.  My hometown had an open foot bridge over the train yard, where the trains would go speeding through.  I was in a particularly deep depression that day, from all the bullying, all the rejection, all the abuse, all the junk.  I paused to take a deep breath while I walked over that bridge between my high school and the shopping mall.  I looked down, about 60 feet, and it occurred to me that I had a way to make my pain stop right in front of me.  I looked up to see if the train was coming, because I wanted to make sure it was over.  Fortunately, it wasn't.  I have no doubt I would have jumped to my death.  That stuck with me, that event - not that I would repeat it, but that I had so narrowly escaped just because I had missed the train.

About a month or so later, I think, I had a job as a security guard on our paper mill modernization project, where if was my job to make sure all the property of the construction company stayed on the construction site.  I came across a guy on his lunch break reading a leather bound book.  I found out later that his name was Greg, he was an electrician, and he was from Thunder Bay, a nearby city (if you can call 5 hours nearby).  I knew somehow it was a Bible.  I approached him and asked, "Hey, is that a Bible you're reading?"  He answered that is sure was.  I asked the fatal question - "What are you reading that for?"  We talked for about 30 minutes, and he explained to me that he was a Christian, and that he really enjoyed reading God's Word.  I told him that I was a Christian too.  He asked me how I knew that, so I gave him the answer I had learned from my parents:  I was born to Christian parents and that we lived in a predominantly Christian nation.  Fortunately, he explained that there was something else involved - that he had a relationship with Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity.

 

I walked away from that conversation intrigued.  Here was a guy that claimed to have become a Christian, who wasn't born that way, and who said he had an actual friendship with Jesus Christ.  How was that possible?  I began to seek Greg out on other days to run some really hard questions past him.  You know, stuff like, if there's a God, why doesn't He put a stop to all the bad stuff that happens?  Somehow Greg knew that I was talking about myself, that I had experienced those things myself.  He never asked me what happened, but his answers spoke of a real friendship with God.  At that point, I could count the number of real friends I had on one hand (hold up two fingers!).  Neither of those friends knew what my home life was like, but they were picked on as much as I was.  These conversations went on for a week or so.  I was becoming attracted to what Greg was describing.

Finally one night, I found Greg at the electrician's tool crib and he was in charge of giving out supplies that the other electricians needed.  He asked me if I had thought about what we had been talking about, and I answered that I had been thinking about little else.  He gave me a little booklet that explained in detail why and how to become a Christian, and then told me he wanted it back, because it was the only copy he had.  I told him I had to spell off the guy at the security shack and that I would read it and return it to him later that evening.  I returned to the guard house and read it.  It shared four very simple things based on John 3:16, a verse from the Bible which reads " "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  Those four things are as follows:

First, God really does love us.  "For God so loved the world..."  If you're reading this, that includes you.  It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done, or what you think you may have done - God loves you individually regardless.  In fact, He loves you so much that he gave the best that He had, His Son, so that you wouldn't perish, but have eternal life.  Huh?  What?  Perish?  What does that mean, I thought to myself.

Second, there is a real possibility that we can miss out on that wonderful gift God has for us because something stands in the way.  That something is what the Bible calls sin, but it's really anything that you do that violates God's holy standard.  Ever tell a lie?  Even a white one?  That's a violation.  Ever steal anything?  Even just a buddy's pen when he wasn't looking?  That's a violation.  That kind of thing means that we are separated from God's love.  Wow, I thought - That's me.  I lie, I cheat, I steal, I lust in my heart, I murder in my heart, all of those things are violations.  However, the booklet pointed out that there is hope!  Remember that God loved us so much that he gave His Son?

Third, God gave His Son to pay the penalty for those violations!  We don't have to pay for that stuff, as if we could anyway.  And all we have to do is believe?  In Him, the Son of God?  Sounds too easy, right?  Well, it wasn't for Him.  Read the story for yourself.  He was arrested like a criminal, beaten and mocked, found innocent by two separate rulers, and still beaten again and then put to death in the most painful way imaginable.  All to set us free from the penalty and power of those violations in our lives.  The Bible calls the "The Gospel," or good news.

Finally, this gift, like any other, needs to be received - think about it.  If I were to give something to you as a gift physically, what would you have to do?  You'd have to reach out your hand and take it!  We're talking here about the most valuable gift ever given - just for you!  Then it shared another Bible verse, this time from the Book of Revelation, chapter 3, verse 20:  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."  This was the message I had waited my whole life to hear - That God Himself was looking for me, and he wanted to be my friend!  And I didn't have to go to some great place, or do some great deed to be worthy - He wanted me just the way I was.  All I had to do was open the door.  And believe me, I wanted to open that door.  But how?

That booklet shared a final verse:  Romans 10:8-10 says "But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"-that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."  Then it shared a very simple prayer that went something like this.  "Lord, I come before you and admit that I have wronged you.  I see that Jesus Your Son died to pay the penalty that I cannot.  I accept that payment, and invite you into my life to be my Saviour, and My Lord.  Thank you God, for saving me."  I don't remember the exact words, but I remember that I read it out loud, and that I meant every word.

It's very hard to explain what happened next.  It was June 18, 1985, and it was 8:02 p.m.  I remember to the square foot where I was sitting.  But how do you explain all the weight of the world, all the bullying, all the loneliness falling away from my shoulders?  (I actually walked differently, standing up straight probably for the first time ever.)?  I was filled with a joy that I had never known before, and that I still couldn’t explain.  I was free of it all, and I had found my best friend.  He had always been there, He was waiting for me!

I have had all kinds of adventures since then, and some have not been good.  I have never been the person I am supposed to be.  But he has always been the friend he promised he'd be, and has helped me pick up the pieces several times in my life since that day.

Now how about you?  I'm sure you have questions.  I'm here to tell you that they all have answers.  And if I can help you show you His answer for any of it, please contact me.  I would be only too glad to make that introduction.

 ---

"You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

-John 8:32 (NASB)

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily,  all rights remain with the author


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Day 726 of Giving Thanks

How do we move in the right direction? We grab onto to God and allow Him to lead! So Lord, I need You now more than ever. I have done what you asked – As You pour into me, I have poured my heart into Your work for me.

When I allow fear to stop me from doing God's will, I enable the enemy to gain ground. Today and every day, I say "no" to fear, and yes to what is already present in my life... Wow, say "yes" to what is already there. How easy is that? 

God's power is already in me through the Holy Spirit and allows me to STAND FIRM. “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act courageously, be strong.” ~1 Corinthians 16:13 (Lexham English Bible)

So, yes Lord… to all You ask - and I trust that all the strength, courage and stamina I need is right here for the asking. Your will mighty God, Your direction I will follow.

“With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” ~Isaiah 35:3-4 (New Living Translation)

OK God, I hear You.

“Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." ~Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)

Saying “yes” to God, all on my own, was not how things always went. In fact, there were many times, when I believed my way to be better, or I lacked the faith that God truly was with me. A million mistakes later, and much repair and restoration stemming from my own way, has given me amazing hope in the plans God has for me – it is amazing how that works.

"The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace." ~Psalm 29:11 (New Living Translation)

There is nothing greater than the progression of YESes through faith - the yes to His gift and the yes to eternity with Him. I am truly grateful for all the YESes between and even the lessons from the NOs, as well.


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
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Day 725 of Giving Thanks

For years I have prayed and hoped that I would wake up one day and be pain free, exhaustion free… I cried as I heard a song tonight about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and she was healed. I guess I have to really ask if I believe it for me.

Do I believe that all the miracles of healing are available to me?

My heart pleads for it, my brain strains to understand. So, here I go again, I am learning, that at times I really need to listen to the pleas of my heart, and allow the thoughts to dwell only in the impossibilities of me, so I can realize the possibilities of my mighty God and know that I am His wholly and completely.

‎"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the elders of the church and they should pray over him, anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins he will be forgiven." James 5:14-15 (Lexham Bible)

The prayer of faith by the faithful.... and the Lord will raise him... he will be forgiven... Eternity with God, isn't that the greatest healing of all?

“I ask that your minds may be opened to see His light, so that you will know what is the hope to which He has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings He promises His people,” Ephesians 1:18 (Good News Translation)

I am His masterpiece.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ~Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation)

I am unique and I am wonderfully made.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”~Psalm 139:13-14 (New Living Transalation)

I am loved greater than I will ever comprehend.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” ~John 3:16-18 (the Message)

I am priceless to Him and HE IS EVERYTHING FOR ME, TO ME, ABOUT ME, IN ME.

I have prayer, relationship and power through Him… Bottom Line: Dear God, In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. There is no middle man, just our savior as our advocate and it's straight to the Father. Isn’t it wonderful, that all I have to do is ask and it will be done?  “]Keep on asking and it will be given you;  keep on seeking and you will find;  keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.” ~Matthew 7:7 (Amplified Bible)

“So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you.”  ~Luke 11:9-10 (Easy-To-Read-Version)

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
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Day 724 of Giving Thanks

Let’s just say that the day, and actually the week has not produced the fruit I expected – however, I have learned a couple of really valuable lessons. I must never, ever react without doing the first thing first when a situation arises – and that is STOP, BREATH and PRAY! Wow, how this sounds so familiar. Just because I responded a particular way in my past, does not mean that the same response is what I should do. This is a true revelation for me.

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version)

And as God makes me new, more attractive – one of the neighbors that everyone likes and wants to spend time with –  I am more content with who I am – I am more secure in my responses – I am excited as I become who He made me to be – I am confident as the King’s daughter.

“I heard a voice thunder from the throne: "look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone." the enthroned continued, "look! I'm making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate." ~Revelation 21:5 (GOD'S WORD TRANSLATION)

And, today as I saw another friend’s comment, these words flowed through me – I am grateful for a new me and my reflection is his. "Loving myself for who He made... Is a compassionate plea of our LORD. Why is it so hard? It is hard when we depend on ourselves and only count on the mirror as the reflection. It is the reflection beyond the mirror, deep in our hearts and souls, the one that god formed i will look upon and believe".

‎"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." If you live like this, the rewards are tremendous." ~1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 (New International Translation)

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
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This was originally posted in August 2010.