Just Say "Thank You"

 

Philippians 4:6

(New Living Translation)

 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

I have heard and do believe that the most powerful of prayers is to tell God "Thank You" and probably one of the hardest things to do. How in the world can we be thankful when we are faced with things so hard we can't even think straight? It is not the thing that is happening we are thankful for, it is realizing that there is a purpose and plan straight from God Himself! And in the middle of it we are being stretched and called upon to exercise our faith. Faith is of course believing and trusting in not what we see, but what we don't see. I am reminded so many times of Job and all that he went through. Not understanding but trusting, oh yes, he had his moments, we all do, but ultimately restored with his faith stronger than ever. What a testimony he still has, and what a testimony we will have when we stand firm and strong. I am certain in these times we live in, you are or will be faced with trials and heartaches that you think you cannot bear, just remember to say Thank You to the One that will truly not let you down. It is ok to tell your Father how you feel as Job did, but ask what it is that He wants to show you. Ask how He will use this not only for you but those you are around. It is also a command not a suggestion in scripture that we come to Him with thanksgiving in our heart. As I have said so many times in my blog, life is hard! We have to go beyond our comfort zone in order to trust God. I pray blessings on you as you have been so kind to stop by and I do apologize for being lax in my posts. So much is going on with my husband and this battle with cancer that just getting through the day is a bit overwhelming. Thank you for your prayers! I will be giving updates on his condition, as we will be here at the Cancer Center of America in Zion Illinois for at least five months!
Stand firm and be thankful! God is working and He has a plan for your life!

Please check out Spiritual Sunday, you will be blessed! link follows:
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/08/hello-everyone.html

October 19, 2009

Standing Firm in Jesus!

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)


11. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.



Plans for this Monday morning began with prayer and praise! My devotion didn't stop, but as the day began to pour in, my heart was experiencing unrest. If there was ever a time to seek the Lord and stand firm, it is now. The United States that we love so dearly is changing rapidly, and not for the good. The enemy of our soul is on a rampage, please listen to me carefully, if we can't stand firm in our faith now, we will not be able to stand as things begin to progress. We know what season we live in, and we are not to be afraid. This message is not one to cause fear, it is just a message to wake up. We must be on guard and clothed with the full armor of protection. I pray that as you read this and many other messaged out there, that you will be encouraged, but at the same time you must know what is happening. The events around us is just another sign, Jesus is coming soon. The world wants rid of us (the Christians) and they will get their wish, we are leaving by way of the "catching away" as described in the Bible. But as long as we are here, lets not be ignorant of the schemes of the devil, and remember he loses big time. We read the last of the greatest Book ever written, and he loses. We are victorious, mine and your life is hid in Christ, and we will reign with Him for ever and ever. Have a Blessed week, and remember who you are in Jesus Christ!

Stand Firm!

1 Corinthians 16:13 (New International Version)

13. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

If there ever was a time when we need to stand firm, it is now. As I listen to folks talking I am heartbroken at the distress they are experiencing. So many problems, so much sickness. Everything seems to have shifted into high gear! I don't ever remember a time when there was so much going on, all over the world not just here in the states. Of course we know what "season" we are living in, and we also know these things were told to us in Gods Word, would happen. We are not surprised! There has never been a time in history that God did not tell His people what was going to happen. So what are we to do? I visited with someone yesterday that was so concerned and upset about some events that were taking place that it was impossible to encourage him. It just seemed hopeless to him, and he is a Christian. So how do we encourage someone, what do we say that will give them hope? I believe we must be on our face before God praying for others, being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit that we would have a Word to give to them. You know if we don't believe it ourselves, then others will not believe it either. This scripture is just one of the many that we need to have tucked down in our heart, we do need to be on guard, our faith needs to be operating, and we need to be strong and courageous! Only then will be victorious, but it is not just about us. We need to be strong and stand in the gap for the ones that are hurting and desperate. God Bless you as you lift your voice and your heart in prayer!

Standing Firm!

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (The Message)

15-17 So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.

What would you have to do to stand firm for the Lord? Would it mean professing your faith maybe at work or with friends that didn't believe like you did? Could it be someone even in your family? Persecution is all around us and we will have to stand up for what we believe! Laws are being passed that will make it difficult to preach the truth, people will be persecuted. But now this really shouldn't be a surprise to us, we are told in the Word this would happen. I for one really didn't think I would see it in my lifetime. I love the way "the Message" states that God will give us unending help and confidence, give us a fresh heart, and we will have renewed strength and He will put the words in our mouth to tell everyone about Jesus. We must believe this will happen! We must have confidence and not be afraid in these difficult times. Remember what the Word says and stand firm. We do have victory and I know who wins, I read the last part of the Book. God Bless You, Dear Friend!