Archive for the ‘Thankfulness’ Category

July 31, 2010 Call Out To God

Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 63; Isaiah 64; Psalm 107; John 2 (The Message)

Scripture Focus:

Isaiah 64:3–4
Since before time began
   no one has ever imagined,
No ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you
   who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who happily do what is right,
   who keep a good memory of the way you work.

Psalm 107:6
Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.
      He got you out in the nick of time;
vs 43
 If you are really wise, you’ll think this over—
      it’s time you appreciated God’s deep love.

Observation:

God is in the business of helping those who trust in him and wait for him, and do what is right. Even if I blow it and find myself in a desperate situation, I can call out to God, and he will help me. God loves it when I appreciate his deep love for me.

Application:

What is to prevent me from calling out to God when I need help? Why sit and stew, or even sit and just wait? God really likes to be asked! And when God provides, helps, heals, and comes through for me, I must not forget to tell him thanks and appreciate his deep love for me!

Prayer:

I’m calling out to you today, God. I place my need in your capable hands! Thank you that you see and hear and answer my prayer!

July 29, 2010 Bless God

Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3 (The Message)

Scripture Focus:

Psalm 103:1–5
O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don’t forget a single blessing!

He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.

Psalm 103:19–22
God has set his throne in heaven;
he rules over us all. He’s the King!
So bless God, you angels,
ready and able to fly at his bidding,
quick to hear and do what he says.
Bless God, all you armies of angels,
alert to respond to whatever he wills.
Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
everything and everyone made by God.

And you, O my soul, bless God!

Observation:

In Psalm 103 David gives me many reasons to bless God, including the fact that God forgives me, heals me, redeems me from hell and lavishes me with love, mercy, and goodness. Oh, and he renews my youthfulness!

At the end of Psalm 103 David tells the angels and all creatures to bless God, and ends with telling his own soul to bless God.

Application:

I usually think of asking God to bless me! When I pray I seldom bless God. Perhaps I’m just too caught up in what I need and want and forget that God deserves and appreciates being blessed.

What does it mean to bless God? I don’t think it means to add anything to God like he does to us, where he blesses us with forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and mercy as well as physical abundance.

What could I possible add to God?

I think blessing God means that I acknowledge what he has done for me. That I’m aware of who provides me with my daily life and am thankful and grateful for his blessings to me.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you. Thank you for the many blessings you’ve given me.

July 31, 2009 Give Thanks

Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 63, 64; Psalm 107; John 2

Scripture Focus:

Psalm 107:8–9
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Observation:

Psalm 107 speaks of troubled times, and yet four times in Psalm 107 these words are repeated:
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Why? Because in troubled times we see God’s deliverance and faithfulness—even when the trouble comes becomes of our own stupidity or rebellion.

Application:

May my attitude today be one of thankfulness for what God has done and WILL do, even today, on my behalf.

Prayer:

Thank you, Father God, for always seeing me through difficult times.

June 17, 2009 Thanksgiving Day

Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Kings 20–21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Scripture Focus:

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Observation:

Paul told the Colossians to be thankful. Two verses later he repeated the “be thankful” theme. Hmmmm. Sounds like we need to be reminded of this simple rule of Christian living: Be Thankful!

Application:

What would happen if I cultivated an attitude of thanksgiving today? What if, no matter what happened, my spirit looked upward and said, “Thank you, God!” How would I act if I was being thankful all day long? It could be revolutionary!

Prayer:

Father God, I declare today to be Thanksgiving Day! May your Spirit remind me what day it is when I’m tempted to be less than thankful.