Devotional Time with God

Everything comes from the Lord. All things were made because of him and will return to him. Praise the Lord forever! Amen.

Romans 11:36

It’s as simple as that: God gets all the credit!  Just as He should be, because He created everything in this universe. From the tiny molecules to the biggest star.  What more can I say?

I praise Him in the morning when I wake up, for the breath that I take, for the strength that I have, for the life that I’ve lived. I thank God for my family and good friends.

Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

Philippians 4:6-7

There are challenges in my life.  Difficult people to deal with. Tough tasks to complete. Financial issues to deal with. Family to take care of. Relationships to maintain.  Nothing is ever easy. Not everything ever goes according to plan.

But I learn, over the years walking with God, is to trust everything in Him.  Bring my concerns to His feet. I look at God and wonder, why am I fretting over little things? God is the master of the universe, the creator of everything.  Why am I worried?  All I need to do is bring up my issues in prayer. According to His design, it will be done.  I just have to know what He wants me to do – and be obedient.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for being here for me.  I don’t know much about everything, but I know this: You know everything! This is why I depend on you. I can’t do this alone.  I can’t handle everything on my own. Please Lord, give me the strength and wisdom to handle the problems of my life, with dignity and grace that only you can provide.  Don’t let me worry. Guide me all the way!  Thanks you, Jesus.  In your name. Amen.

I had a sorry past.  Actually, I had several sorry moments in the past.  Things I regretted doing. Things I regretted saying. Things I regretted not doing.  It wasn’t my proudest moments and I always cringe every time I remember.

Now, with all of those behind me, I can look back and just smile. The past can’t hurt me. I’m smarter and experienced now. I understand what I’ve been through. I’m glad I can use my history to guide my future.

But, I think His story is much better to use to guide my future. Jesus had died to save me from sin. Jesus went through all of those suffering to show how much He loves me. His teachings, recorded in the bible, gave me knowledge and faith.  Knowledge that illuminate my path while walking in this world.  Faith knowing God is truly in control.  I can leave everything to Him. Face the future without fear of rejection or failure.

I can truly thank God in all circumstance (1 Thes 5:18), just because His will always be done.

Many times, I see celebrities declare what they want is simply “world peace”. Of course, that’s a nice sentiment, but hardly ever attainable because the world is inherently broken. People are born selfish. We always want our needs fulfilled first before thinking of others.

So how can we ever get any peace?

There is only one kind.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

In Christ alone, I can attain the peace that is badly needed. His grace and mercy lift up my hearts, being called upon to serve others – not to be selfish. Not to be like this world. But only to heavenly purpose.

I am forever thankful for Christ’s love, and the peace that follows Him.

I often wonder what is it mean to celebrate Thanksgiving day?  A day when family and friends get together for dinner, carve a turkey, and have some laughs. It’s fun and heart warming for everyone.

But I know who I should I thank for. It’s Jesus Christ, who died for me and gave me a second (third, fourth, etc.) chance in life.  I am thankful that God cares for me.  I’m thankful God provided for me.  I’m thankful I have a future in heaven.  I’m thankful I have the safety under His wings.

So for me, it’s not just for a day.  It’s EVERY DAY.  I’m thankful, daily.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say “I am strong.”
Let the poor say “I am rich.”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks.

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Hebrews 12:28

It’s amazing how much things I have to deal with on this temporary place called earth.  The people, the conflicts, the heartaches, the disappointments, the hardship, etc.  I don’t think I can ever do this without God’s help – every day, every hour, every minute.

What benefits the attitude of gratitude bring for me?

1. Keeps me in God’s will.
2. Makes me better, not bitter.
3. Defeats the devil!
4. Causes miracles.

Having faith in God, it means I have to thank Him in advance.  I have to thank Him all the time, even when it seems like it’s hopeless.  Even when I don’t feel like it.  Faith keeps me going.  Faith gives me hope.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

a)xa/ristov (acharistos)

1. ungracious
2. unpleasing
3. unthankful

I take a lot of things for granted these days:  running water, working electricity, smooth road, affordable gas prices.  Then there’s God natural gifts like the air I breathe, my heart that keeps on beating, a mind that keeps on thinking, and the sun that rises every morning.  I take all of those for granted because I still have them, and never short on them.

So what if one day they’re gone?  Will I miss them?  Of course I do.  I’m hardly thankful when things work.  But when they don’t work, I look for God to fix it.  I under appreciate God’s gifts of the everyday life.

I don’t want to be unthankful.  I don’t want to be ungracious.  I want to appreciate everything you give me, Lord.  I thank you for everything.  I thank you for your grace.  Amen.

For people will be … ungrateful.

2 Timothy 3:2