“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” - (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)
So many people today wonder what God’s will is for their lives. Oftentimes, they look for big things like signs and supernatural events. But really, God’s will for us unfolds each and every day as we obey Him and serve Him with a thankful heart. When you wake up every morning with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you just took a step toward your destiny — you are walking in the will of God. When you go throughout your day thanking God that His hand of blessing is upon you, thanking Him for ordering your steps, thanking Him for a new day, you are taking another step in His will.
Today, remember to keep the right perspective. We should have goals and dreams and look forward to a bright future, but the way you live your life today is what’s going to get you to where you need to be tomorrow. Keep praising, keep believing and keep thanking Him because that’s what will keep you moving forward. Submit every area of your heart to Him and walk forward in His will for your life!
THE WAY TO ENTER :
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” - (Psalm 100:4, NKJ)
What a wonderful privilege we have to enter boldly to His throne of grace. I’m so glad we serve a personal God who desires a relationship with you and me. I’m so glad we have access to Him 24 hours a day, seven days a week! But notice, today’s verse tells that we shouldn’t just come any old way to God. We shouldn’t come empty-handed to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. What do we have that’s worthy of Almighty God? Our praise. Our thanksgiving. Our worship. We are to enter His gates with an offering from our hearts of adoration because He is so worthy!
We have to understand, praise isn’t just about singing songs on Sunday mornings. Praise is the expression of gratefulness to Father God for Who He is and all that He has done. Praise gets God’s attention. Praise is a powerful tool in the life of the believer because God inhabits our praises! When we enter His presence the right way, He enters our circumstances; and when God shows up, the enemy must flee! Today, enter into His gates with thanksgiving and open the door for Him to move on your behalf!
WHEN GOD DOES IT, IT’S PERFECT!
…it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13
Once as a young child, I came across a shrub with gorgeous flowers. When I discovered a budding flower among the fully opened ones, I thought that it would be a great idea to help it blossom. So I tried to peel open the petals one by one…and bit by bit, the flower became undone as the petals were torn off in my little hands. I had begun with good intentions, but killed the poor flower in the end!
My friend, when it comes to our areas of concern, our human efforts to solve our problems, despite the best of intentions, cannot produce results that are as beautiful as if we were to allow God’s wisdom and timing to do it. It’s when we rest from our self-efforts and struggles to solve our problems, and allow God to work in us and through us, that we see divine results.
I’ve often said this: If God wants all the glory, then allow Him to do all the work. God loves it when you look to and lean on Him alone. In heaven, it’s, “Worthy is the Lamb,” and not, “Worthy is the Lamb…and me.”
Beloved, stop trying to make it all happen through your own strength and wisdom. Cease from trying and start trusting the Lord. Let Him work in and through you to overcome your challenges, accomplish your dreams and fulfill His plans and purposes for your life. When God does it with His incomparable wisdom, power and timing, it can only be perfect!
YOU ARE ALREADY BLESSED :
JOSHUA 24:13 - ‘I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’
God is more willing to bless you than you are willing to be blessed! In fact, He is so keen for you to enjoy His abundance that in His mind, giving you over and above what you need is a settled matter.
God has already promised: “I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.”
He did not say, “I may give,” which means that it may or may not happen, but He said, “I have given,” which means that it has already happened. It is only a matter of time before your revelation of what you have through the work of Christ brings forth the abundance that He has already blessed you with.
A brother in the United States wrote in to share how he needed to buy a car, but had only half the amount of money needed. He kept calculating and strategizing, but the sums just weren't adding up. He finally quit trying to make it happen and just rested in the Lord's love and ability to provide for him. Weeks later, he was able to buy a car that was two years newer than what he had wanted, at exactly the amount that he had!
My friend, expect divine provision in your life because you are already richly blessed in Christ. Jesus took your place of poverty at the cross—“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) In Him, you are poor no more.
So stop looking at the lack in your natural resources. Look to the cross and say, “Because of Jesus' finished work, I can expect to walk in all of His blessings!”
THE WORD FOR TODAY - A SPIRITUAL CHECK-UP (4)
'Jesus knew what they were thinking... [in their hearts].' Luke 11:17 GNT
For a spiritual check-up to be effective, you must examine the following three areas:
(1) Forgiveness. 'Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace...' (Colossians 3:13-15 NLT) Are you quick to forgive those who have hurt you? Do you try to resolve conflicts as soon as possible? Are you harbouring resentment?
(2) Soul winning. 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...' (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV) Do you have a concern for lost souls? Do you seize every opportunity to share your faith? Does your life show what your lips say?
(3) Prayer. 'Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!' (1 Chronicles 16:11 NKJV) Do you have a consistent prayer life? Do you pray faithfully for the needs of others? Have you learned to pray in faith, standing on God's Word and believing Him for great things? Do you see the results of your prayer life? Has your prayer life led you to a deeper intimacy with the Lord? If you're serious about in-depth change, growth in your spiritual walk, and developing a Christ-like character, spend time with the Lord today and say, 'Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my [thoughts]... lead me in the way everlasting.' (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV)
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