Lord, there is always something to be thankful for. I am thankful for the things I have and choose not to focus on what I lack.

You word declares that You shall supply all my needs according to your riches in glory. You Word states it so I’m going to patiently wait on your provision for all things.

I am thankful for the experiences I've had in the past few weeks. I am learning to see that your grace is sufficient to get me through each moment. In your word, it says that Joseph was mistreated, wrongly imprisoned and abandoned, and yet he was able to declare in Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day to save much people alive.

 I believe my pain and my struggles have been to make me even more sensitive to others and so that I can see that no one else but you were truly able to bring change and help at the right time.

I am thankful for people that pray for me and with me. You know them by name. Thank you that I've been able to come before you and see my friend who was dead come back to life, literally. Thank you that you are restoring long lost relationships. You have said in your word, Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.      John 16:22

Lord, I am also thankful that you have given me a heart to love others. No matter who they are, the choices they've made in life or are going to make, regardless if we agree on issues or not, even if they say they don’t really care to hear about Your love, thank you that I can be there for them when they need me. Thank you that you are teaching my heart to see through your eyes. I make mistakes many times, but thank you for your guidance. I know many that have very different beliefs and political viewpoints, but you are not interested in their argument. You want them to know that you love them. And, once they truly understand that, their lives will be in your hands, and that’s the right place to be.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO, "I HAVE A THANKFUL HEART" by PETRA

Lastly, Lord, thank you for the people that have forgiven me, as well. I know that I've had a bad attitude at times, especially with family, thanks for making things right. Continue to work in my life, for you are the potter and I am the clay. Make me an instrument you can use for your glory, every day. Amen. 

WILL YOU STAY DOWN FOR THE COUNTDOWN?

Have you ever felt like giving up? Have you thought of quitting?

 Perhaps you have been in a place in your life where you felt like you were cornered and there was no way out but down, as the knockout blow came and you felt yourself plummeting downward, waiting for the final count down. 3, 2, 1……..You know the words that come next, don’t you? You said them in your mind as you were looking at the numbers. I refuse to finish the countdown. I just can’t do it.

You see, I know what it feels like to be in a desperate situation where your world has crumbled at your feet, nothing is going right, and as the world goes on without you, all your heart knows is defeat.

Defeat over what didn't happen or over how things played out in your life.

Defeat and despair over the situations that have appeared before you and there is nothing you can do quickly enough to change any of it.

Defeat that reminds you how everyone expects more from you and these words should never be uttered from your lips, but you have held them in your heart.

Defeat that knocks you so hard, that you head hurts, your body aches, and you feel without the strength to get up again.

So are you and I going to stay down for the final countdown?  Are we going to hear the bell that declares our situation is greater, stay down, knock out, don't get up and fight?

There’s a referee calling out your name and giving you his hand, saying, “Get up!”

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

There is a lawyer, an advocate, standing before you, saying, “Let’s walk through this together.”

Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Can you trust in God and believe that what you are going through will not be forever? Have you felt like throwing in the towel, like they say, and not trying anymore? Please don’t. Can we believe for restoration together?

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

I can speak boldly for I have been in that dark place of doubt and wondering if anything would change for me. At times, I just wondered if my prayers would even pass my bedroom ceiling. Today I need to remind you that there is a reason to go on, to believe and keep holding on. God is not done with you or with me. The answer is coming. You help is on the way. The solution is around the corner. Assistance has been sent your way. Angels have been dispatched to your side to watch over you so you don’t lose heart. God’s Spirit is not gone. He is there. God is not done with any of us. Believe the best is yet to come. We have to keep our faith in His Word. It's the only way.

Your comments are always welcomed. Be blessed.