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Post by Woody Williams on Jun 26, 2017 4:20:00 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Colossians 2:6-7 ---------- As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Devotional ---------- The Colossians were taught about Christ and were rooted and grounded in God's love and grace so that they would be grounded in faith as well. Paul urges these Christians, and us as well, to continue in this mode and to abound in gratitude. Faith and gratitude are at the center of Christian life and worship. The remembrances of God's victory in Christ draws forth gratitude and faith to move forward in Christ. Without the discipline of being with God's people we tend to forget, and both faith and gratitude wane.
Prayer ---------------- May your Spirit continue to nurture my faith journey as I look to you, O Lord. Amen
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Post by Jamie Brooks 1John5:13 on Jun 26, 2017 12:16:48 GMT -5
This is really good. God does love a thankful heart.
Have you ever given something to someone who didn't appreciate it. I'm not even talking about them thanking you, but appreciating the gift itself?
The Bible tells us that ALL good gifts are from Him ...and they are.
God has taught me these things by molding me according to his will. He changed me; he had to. He prepares us for a reason. I want NOTHING that he doesn't want to give me, and I am VERY thankful for it all. I know from whom it came.
It was a daily occurrence for me to sincerely thank him for donkey when I drove it daily. It's what he gave me and wanted me to have. There is total contentment when we put all things in a spiritual perspective. This does not mean that I don't enjoy looking at pretty flowers that aren't mine ...meaning that I like to see nice fancy trucks drive by me. I appreciate seeing them, but I want donkey, because it's what he gave me.
Put no trust in the things of this world; they will all burn away sooner than we may think. Gold and silver will be thrown in the streets. Do not trust in your 401K, your bank roll or anything of this world. Use it all for God's glory while you still can.
I'm not telling you to give it all away. I'm telling you to think of it as nothing more than what it is, AND do whatever he wants you to do with it. If he wants 10% or 50%, do what he wants. Are you afraid to ask him what he wants? Do you think you made, earn or deserve any of it?
Even if I had more than I could spend, it would mean nothing to me. I might like to look at it, but it is nothing but a gift. It's not the gift my friends; it's the giver. It's not the created; it's the Creator.
In all things and ALL situations be thankful, and God will be glorified. Should we be thankful for a flat tire? Yes indeed. That flat tire could delay us from something that he did not want us included in. That flat tire may lead you to someone he wants you to witness to. It may provide income to someone he wants to bless.
In ALL situations think of them as God sees them, and always give him the glory.
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Post by Pinoc on Jun 26, 2017 20:57:04 GMT -5
Don't thank Him for the "flat tire" but thank Him for taking the situation the devil meant for bad and turning it around for good and for His glory. Sometimes it is hard for us to see the good He is doing in a situation but it is always there.
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Post by Jamie Brooks 1John5:13 on Jun 27, 2017 12:38:40 GMT -5
Yep, he certainly does turn a bad situation into good ...somehow someway. You're right that it can be very difficult to see it sometimes, and it can take maturity ...years of seeing it over and over again, but it is true.
For me, I'll thank him for the flat too. LOL As Paul says in Ephesians 5:20 ...all things.
Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
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