Ecclesiastes 3:11a NIV — He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

Godwink #1

Julie and I recorded for the week and I told the story about Preston saying everything can’t be easy or we wouldn’t work hard for things. The next morning my devotion started with this quote from Shauna Niequiest — I believe that suffering is part of the narrative, and that nothing really good gets built when everything is easy. I believe that loss and emptiness and confusion often give way to new fullness and wisdom.

Godsink #2

A mutual friend shared a meme from Facebook — You don’t “have to” do anything. You “get to.” A lot of people woke up today and won’t get the opportunity. Gratitude. Change your perspective.

Later the same day the Daily Positive email from Jon Gordon was a Godwink — Today is a great day to focus on what we GET TO do instead of what we HAVE TO do. Life is a gift, not an obligation.

These two Godwinks occurred a couple days apart. I may have missed them if I was simply hurrying through my day and not open to God’s winks in my direction. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to notice and receive the winks You show me today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Isaiah 41-10 NIV — So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Squire Rushnell, author, inspirational speaker, and former television executive, defines a Godwink in the following ways:

1. An event seemingly coincidental, but coming from divine origin. Always a sign of hope.
2. Another word for answered prayer.

Are you familiar with Godwinks? Is this a word in your vocabulary? I have never been one to believe in coincidence so when our Sunday School class read When God Winks by Rushnell I immediately added Godwinks into my vocabulary. Over the years I have realized for me to recognize happenings as Godwinks, I must walk closely with the Holy Spirit and be in tune to what goes on around me. We often get caught up in our busy schedules and are not looking and listening to our surroundings. I will share some Godwink examples from my life and I encourage you to reflect on ways God has winked at you.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for winking at me. May my eyes and ears be open to recognize Your winks. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway 

@godwinkguy

Let’s start our week together by reading and meditating on the scriptures that will be featured in this week’s blog posts. 

Isaiah 41-10 NIV — So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Ecclesiastes 3:11a NIV — He has made everything beautiful in its time.

John 4:48 NIV — Unless you people see signs and wonders, Jesus told him, you will never believe.

Mark 5:25-34 NIV

@biblegateway 

@godwinkguy 

Spend some time today listening to Never Lost by Elevation Worship and reflect on times God has sent a Godwink your way. 

For the last few days I have asked you to spend some time on self-examination. I pray you have reflected, refocused, and reset so you may finish the last 90 days of 2024 strong. 

Take some time to read this blog post titled How To Better Yourself: 15 Tips To Better Yourself Everyday by Elizabeth Perry.

Have you set a goal? Have you started some new routines? What will you do to keep growing closer to and more like Christ?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your presence today. Help me to begin the process of reflecting, refocusing, and resetting as I approach the last 90 days of 2024. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Philippians 2:3 NIV — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Julie and I usually refer to Thursdays as Thankful Thursday. Years ago, when my children were younger, we would take time on Thursdays to somehow thank someone for their presence in our lives. Sometimes we would simply write a thank you note. Other times we would take time to bake cookies or buy a small token of appreciation and deliver it on Thursday. This habit was a small gesture of thinking of others and practicing gratitude. Including today, there are 13 Thursdays left in 2024. What habit could you incorporate to show appreciation of others on Thankful Thursdays?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your presence today. Help me to begin the process of reflecting, refocusing, and resetting as I approach the last 90 days of 2024. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG — You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

We have started the last 90 days of 2024. Are you on the path to finish the year strong? How are you improving your mental, emotional, and spiritual life? Are you stepping out of your boat of comfort and taking steps to move closer to Christ? 

Take a few moments to read this article titled Self-Improvement, 1% At a Time by Duke Corporate Education. This article explains the “aggregate of marginal gains” theory. 

Spend some time examining yourself. What are you doing for the final push of the year to improve yourself and become 1% better each day?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your presence today. Help me to begin the process of reflecting, refocusing, and resetting as I approach the last 90 days of 2024. May reflecting Your light be my primary goal. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.