Tag: gratitude

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Divine Obsession

1 Corinthians 2:9 (AMPC) …as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].

Beloved, you cannot begin to imagine what I have prepared for you. You couldn’t begin to dream up the things I’m making ready and in fact have already made. But rather than being focused on what is coming, keep your eyes and heart on Me.

Seek to obey My word. Strive to be intentional in gratitude. Overflow Me with your reverential worship and ardent affection. Make Me your divine obsession. And even as your heart and mind stay fixed on Me, wait in faithful, hope-filled expectation for Me to move on your behalf in every area of your life, for you know that you know I AM good.

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Stones of Remembrance

Joshua 4:7 (GW) You should answer, ‘The water of the Jordan River was cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s promise. When the ark crossed the Jordan, the river stopped flowing. These stones are a permanent reminder for the people of Israel.’”

Beloved, there are moments worth capturing in a way that fosters remembrance. Moments that bolster your faith and remind you who I AM and that I AM faithful and true. Don’t lose sight of those moments or allow them to simply pass by with the emotions of that instant quickly fading and moving on. Take the time to establish a method of remembering that you might be able to stand strong in the days of hopelessness and opposition because you know that you know I AM good.

Be intentional about acknowledging My good works, and thankful about each blessing. I love to lavish My children, but refuse to do so at the cost of their character. So keep your heart humble, refuse to operate in entitlement but rather in childlike trust. Take the time to place “stones of remembrance” that you will always remember who I AM and how I move. I AM a good Father and I love My children. Continue reading “Stones of Remembrance”

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A Generous Heart

1 Timothy 5:18 (AMP) For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].”

Beloved, refuse the temptation to operate in a poverty mindset – constantly trying to get something for nothing. Surely you remember that the silver and gold are Mine? When you’re living a lifestyle submitted to Me, you can rest in the knowledge that that which I desire you to have, I will provide for.

So rather than trying to cheapen the value I have placed on someone’s work or by trying to rob them of their wages, be excited about the opportunity to sow into their lives, trusting that fertile soil will bear fruit and rejoicing that you get to have some small part in it.

Be wise with whatever I’ve entrusted you with – be it great or small. This means being obedient to use it in the ways I direct you, not working so hard to stretch it that you’re actively cheating others (whether intentionally or not). Remember I love a cheerful giver, I love a generous heart. Refuse to have that stolen by a fear of lack, or be tempted into greed or envy – constantly desiring that which I have not provided for.

Trust Me. Trust that I have reasons for what I’ve provided for and what I have not, and that those reasons have nothing to do with whether I love you or not – for that is never in question. Be thankful for what you have and find contentment there.

Rest in Me and look to Me. Trust Me to provide for your needs. Refusing to accuse Me of shortchanging you, regardless of circumstance. I AM faithful, and I love you – always. Stand fast in your belief that I AM good.

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The Glory Yet to Come

Haggai 2:9 (GW) This new house will be more glorious than the former, declares the Lord of Armies. And in this place I will give them peace, declares the Lord of Armies.”

Beloved, don’t be disheartened by things that have gone wrong and resist being discouraged by circumstances not to your liking, instead maintain a sense of expectancy for what I have in store as well as gratitude for all I’ve done.

I have saved the best for last, so make ready for that which is to come. I AM the Lord of Hosts and nothing is beyond My reach nor will you slip through My grasp. You are My delight and My joy. Prepare for the glory yet to come.

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Being a Grateful Child of Mine

Psalm 107:8 (VOICE) May they erupt with praise and give thanks to the Eternal in honor of His loyal love And all the wonders He has performed for humankind!

Beloved, what I have done is more than enough. That’s not to say I won’t do more, but it is a reminder to choose gratitude over greed, thanksgiving over longing. Choose to be content with what you have already been given.

Refuse to operate from a place of spoiled entitlement. There is difference between standing in faithful expectation and pouting like a child because your prayers haven’t yet been answered.

Choose well. Who would you bless: someone you’d already gifted who quickly cast aside their blessing to extend their hand for more? Or the one grateful for your gift and appreciative of its blessing in their life?

You woke up this morning, that is a gift. You are breathing, that is a gift. Look around you, see and acknowledge all I’ve done, for I love My children. Bless Me by seeing and acknowledging the outpouring of that love, by being a grateful child of Mine. Continue reading “Being a Grateful Child of Mine”

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Replace Worry with Prayer and Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Beloved, I AM in control. You don’t need to fret or worry. Release any fear and rest in your trust of Me. Allow My love to draw you back, deeper into Me, and My peace to quiet your soul, while you press in for more of Me.

Keep turning your heart and mind back to Me as the cares of the world seek to distract your gaze. Only My love satisfies. Only My peace brings true rest. So with your mouth declare My goodness, and with your words share the things on your heart, and trust Me – the lover of your soul – to see to each need and concern. Cast your cares on Me and let your heart overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving fall from your lips without end.

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Choose Joy

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Beloved, choose joy for it is not based on circumstance. It is found in My presence. It is always there for you and it strengthens you. Literally. It builds you up and heals your heart – and it is even healing to your body.

Refuse to be tempted to bitterness, resentment, anger, or hopelessness. Rather shift your heart to focus on that which is good – clinging to the truth of My promises in the face of opposition and being steadfast in joy when confronted with trials.

Joy is a choice. Cling to gratitude regardless of circumstance, and shift the atmosphere with your laughter for I AM good. That truth always remains. So beloved, be intentional to always choose joy. It is contagious. A blessing that spreads. Be a catalyst. Choose joy. Continue reading “Choose Joy”

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Enjoy the Sunset and Await the Dawn

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) To everything [there is] a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

Beloved, resist the urge to cling to a moment if I AM drawing it to a close. Trust that – though yet unknown to you – the next season will be as beautiful and needful as the last, and each in their own unique way.

Celebrate the end. Give honor to the One who ordained it. But refuse to cling to that which is complete, instead embracing the hope of what is to come. Beloved, enjoy the sunset and await the dawn. I AM the beginning and the end. I AM the bringer of life. Hope in Me. Continue reading “Enjoy the Sunset and Await the Dawn”

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Position Your Heart

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) Love…refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else…

Beloved, resist the temptation to resent when someone else receives the blessing you desire, or to question Me as to My decision on when and whom to grant it. Trusting Me to know best and rejoicing with all in their seasons of blessing positions your heart to receive.

Resist the urge to feel overlooked or undervalued, beloved, for you are precious to Me. Walk in joy and gratitude. See and know that love all around you and reflect it back out to others even as you yourself have received. Continue reading “Position Your Heart”

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An Attitude of Thanksgiving and Praise

Psalm 118:28 (VOICE) You are my God, and I give You thanks; You are my God, and I praise You.

Beloved, regardless of circumstance, keep your heart toward Me in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. There are always reasons to rejoice. Thank Me for the breath in your lungs. Thank Me for My love. Even thank Me for the blessings to come and for being constantly mindful of you. I AM worthy of your praise and I AM worthy of your thanks.

Keeping your heart in that joyously worshipful posture positions you for more blessings while intentionally cultivating peace in your heart. Refuse to allow the enemy to steal your peace, joy, praise, or gratitude. Refuse to allow circumstances and situations to inject worry. Trust Me. Trust My love for you. Steadfastly know My plans for you are good.