Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Taking time to thank God for His daily blessings (heavenly hugs) not only nourishes the soul, but also gives Him glory.
What blessings do we receive daily?
The ability to wake up one more time.
Hugs from ones we love.
A call or unexpected visit from a friend.
Spending time with family.
The ability to read His Word each day.
Enjoying His beautiful creation around us.
Answered prayers.
Don’t forget to take time to “smell the roses” and see what great and mighty things (Jeremiah 33:3) the Lord does for us on a daily basis. The Lord truly is good to those that trust in Him.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Ungrateful people tend to complain and are nitpicky about
everything. They complain about
everything, never seem to enjoy life, and always want more. God’s word repeatedly implores us to “give
thanks” in all things. Colossians 3:15;
1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 100:4
Developing a grateful heart is an important part in the
growth of a Christian. God’s grace
enables all believers to give thanks in all things (2 Corinthians 4:15).
Regardless of the pain or problems we face in this life,
each of us has something for which to be thankful. i.e.: roof over our head, clothes to wear,
food to eat, family, life itself. God is
good all the time whether we are willing to admit it or not.
Even in and through our darkest trial, God is working things
out for our good and His eternal glory.
By faith, we can have a grateful heart in all circumstances.
Take time to think of all the ways God has been good to
you!
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Thankful that I have unlimited access to my Heavenly Father on a daily basis – most days multiple times.
Christ is our ultimate example as He made the ultimate sacrifice as He was wounded, bruised, chastised, oppressed, and afflicted yet He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:5-7). He sinned not.
Most times the best way is the hardest to endure. Because of Christ’s sacrifice for us, we have the ability to boldly approach the throne of grace in times of need. His throne is where we can find the mercy and grace that we do not deserve in times when we especially need it.
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Jude 1:22 – “And of
some have compassion, making a difference:”
While reading the book of Jude this week during one of my morning devotions times, it was an encouragement to me. It made me think of all the evil reports in the news media, of how disrespectful lots of people are to Pastor’s, the President, or those in authority, and how people are lovers of self more than God. It made me think of how God would not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness because of ONE righteous person.
America still can have hope of old-fashioned revival as long
as the righteous are willing to allow the presence of His glory shine in their
lives in the darkness around them. God
alone has the glory, majesty, power, and dominion now and forever! Amen!
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13
The armour that God gives His children: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the battle plan of prayer. We need to purposefully put these on daily in order to be successful in our Christian walk. Without these, we are unarmed and will surely fall.
Psalm 37:3-5 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Interesting enough is that in this psalm David gives
us the solution to achieving peace admist the turmoils of life:
fret not (vs1), trust (vs3), delight (vs4),
commit (vs5),
rest (vs7), cease from anger, forsake wrath, & fret not (vs8).
I am thankful that we can trust the Lord with all of life’s challenges.
“For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:24-26
Living in this world tends to taint the believer’s heart, mind, and
soul. Whether we realize it or not
taking in the enticing worldly views day in and day out overwhelms the heart
and begins to seep into our lives.
Little by little we become more and more like the world causing the lines
of separation and purity to blur. This
is why it is so important to guard our hearts with diligence (Proverbs 4:23).
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:34
When we seek the Lord first in all we do (Matthew 6:33), God will begin
to work on our lives and weed out the sin that has taken root in your heart
unawares. He will cleanse our heart
white as snow (Isaiah 1:18) and make up like new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The “new heart” and “new spirit” are renewed by the Holy Spirit which instills
a new look on life, a new yearning to serve and worship Christ, and a new
hunger to please Him in all that we do.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
