Phil 4:6

Phil 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Well I am sure that we are all familiar with this verse. The first part of the verse tells us not to worry about anything. But read the second part closely. There is a requirement isn't there? God already knows what we need, that is true, the word tells us so. But He wants us to ask for our needs also.

As a parent, friend, neighbor, wife, whatever, sometimes I see a need and meet it without being asked. I am sure you are the same way. But sometimes I won't help unless they ask. I think God is the same way. He wants to see if we are gonna ask for His help or try to go it alone. He has given us a free will and is a gracious God.

So today I ask that He help me get through the day today. That He would show me what He would have me do today, and give me the strength and energy to do it. And if He plans on me being on the phone, computer, couch, counseling / chatting with people then that I would accept that and obey. I also praise Him for bringing me through the things He has and that He allows me to use the things He taught me in each one of them to help others.

What about you? Will you take your day to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving?

Ps 116:17

PS 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Whose name are you calling on? I was recently told about a friend who was almost in an accident. Her first response? She yelled out one word.... God. How awesome is that? That should always be our first response to all things in our life. But is it? Or do you (like me) try to "fix" some things yourself first? Why don't I always remember that God can do such a better job then I can no matter how big or small the thing is? Well today I will make an effort to ask God first how to handle any situations that arise for me. Will you join me?

Ps 107:22

PS 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

This says to declare HIS works with rejoicing. Not our works. How do we declare His works?

One obvious way is by telling others about them. But what about the not so obvious ways? Like the way we live? Do you still do all the things you did before you were saved? I pray I don't. I did some things back then that He would not approve of and I desire His approval. The fact that He changed me is one of His works. Do others see the good works He has done in me? Am I hiding them or declaring them with my life and the way I live it?

What about you ? Are you declaring His works in your life with rejoicing?

Ps 100:4

Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

Be thankful unto Him. This is a good reminder to be thankful unto Him for what He did for me on the cross. Not just thankful for things. If He never did anything after the cross for me it would have been enough. How often do I thank Him for just that? How often do you?

Ps 95:2

Ps 95:2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Ever wonder how to approach the throne of God? Here it tells you. With thanksgiving.

How many times do I approach God and immediately start with my requests, desires? Hasn't He done so much for me already just by sending Jesus to die for my sins? I need to remember that I must come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Does that mean I shouldn't make my needs, desires known? Of course not, and sometimes I am so overwhelmed that I have to start with my needs. But do I remember after pouring my heart out to the Lord to give Him thanksgiving and praise? I know there are times I have failed in this. What about you?

Leviticus 22:29

Leviticus 22:29 And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will.

So this tells me that I must offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving willingly.

Hmm, have I ever done it unwillingly? Probably unfortunately. Sorta contradicts itself doesn't it? If it is thanksgiving you would think that it would be willingly. But has there been a time that I offered it because everyone else was doing it? When I didn't really feel like doing it? That would probably qualify it as a sacrifice, but I don't think that would make it willingly. What do you think? Are there situations you can think of that would make it unwillingly but you did it anyway? Share your thoughts on it with me.

Hope

Three times in the past few days I have heard about young people overdosing, or in one case a local 10 year old committed suicide at the school he attended. This is so very sad.

Why is the suicide rate, addictions rate up so high? People have lost hope. They think that there is nothing worth living for, no one who cares, ... fill in the blank. This should not be so. There are record number of people who claim to be christians. Where are they? Are they, am * I * reaching out to the hurting world? Am I telling them that Jesus loved them so much that He died for them? Can they not see the hope I have? Am I hiding it? If so why?

I am sitting here in tears for our young people. Why have they lost their hope at such a young age? What would cause a 10 year old to hang himself? Did no one see he needed help? What was so bad in his life that he would prefer to end it? How at 10 could he have lost all hope?

I realize that the devil is really fighting hard to get our young people.BUT WHAT ARE WE DOING (YOU AND I) TO STOP HIM????

Please reach out to all the young people in your life. Tell them there is hope. His name is JESUS.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a time that everyone is open to giving thanks to God for His blessings. Between now and Thanksgiving I will try to post at least a verse about thanksgiving every day.

Here is todays:

Ps 107:21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

Sacrifice of thanksgiving. That will be my goal today. To give the Lord a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Now a sacrifice means it cost you something. Not money necessarily, but something. So today I will spend the day with the mp3 headphones on as much as possible and focus on songs of thanksgiving.

What will you do today to show thanksgiving to God?

Leave me a comment telling me!