Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

This photo is of my son holding a tarpon. Fishing and being on the water brings him great joy. I imagine it to be peaceful until the moment he hooksk a fish. This particular fish weighed about 90 lbs. so you can imagine the strength it took to bring it in. We can compare that strength to following God, especially in the unknown. As most of you know, I have always loved the song, Oceans by Hillsong United. God takes us to places where our feet may not wander. He gives us peace by calling us to take His hand and take a step forward. 

This week I am sharing the summer season. With summer comes a time to slow down and find rest. Even in a season of rest, we should be ready to answer God’s call. In Ephesians, Paul tells us to have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the peace of God. I want us all to think about if we are ready to go where God calls us. Even in oceans deep? Even in our communities, we may be called to step out of our comfort zones. Many times we ask God to give us confirmation by giving us peace that transcends our understanding. 

Do we have the strength and peace to pray; “Here am I. Send me?” (Isaiah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Join us in meditating on this week’s verses.

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!””

Numbers‬ ‭15:40‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NIV‬ — Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

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Join us in worship!

Let My Life Be Worship by Jenn Johnson

Oceans by Hillsong United

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV — Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways.‬‬

Join us on our YouTube channel as we close out our week on gratitudes.

Did you know that Psams 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible? We encourage you to read in on Biblegateway.com.

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Take a moment to read this article by Carl Shmidt titled A Funny Reminder To Be Thankful.

As we finish our week together about gratitude, may we all be focused on the many blessings God sends our way each day, moment to moment. May each of us have an attitude of gratitude.

Let’s pray. Dear God, may my words, actions, and attitude reflect You through an attitude of gratitude. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Psalm 97:11-12 MSG — Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. So, God’s people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!

What a beautiful image! We have light-seeds and joy-seeds planted in us! For that we should be ever praising God! On this Thankful Thursday spend some time examining your thanksgiving and praise. Are you tending to and nurturing your light and joy seeds? Are you praising God?

Meet Abby. She is our 6 year old Yorkshire terrier who is full of energy and love. This picture was taken when I walked back in the house after being gone for only 15 minutes at most. Yet Abby was just as excited to see me as if I had been gone all day long. Abby is always thankful to see me just as God is always thankful to see you and me! I appreciate this reminder from Abby that we too are called to rejoice. Rejoice: feel or show great joy or delight. 

Let’s all take a lesson from Abby. Let’s rejoice! Let’s display our thanksgiving with joy and delight!

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for always being excited to commune with me. May I always greet You with joy and thanksgiving! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Luke 17:11-19 NIV — Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Let’s revisit the featured scripture from yesterday. God blesses us in so many ways every day. Not only do we have big things to be thankful for such as family, friends, jobs, health, etc. but we also have moment-to-moment blessings. We often overlook these blessings because we are so caught up in our busy schedules. However when we are not present and intentional about looking for blessings we zoom on through life without giving thanks to God just like the nine lepers.

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. The one leper showed his gratitude by coming back, throwing himself at Jesus’ feet and praising Jesus. Now ponder how you show gratitude to God? Are you readily showing appreciation and returning kindness in His name? Do you throw yourself at the feet of Jesus in gratitude for the healing you receive? Again I encourage you to take a few moments out of your busy schedule to write down five things you are thankful for each day. You could do this at the beginning of the day, during your lunch break, or in the evening to wrap up your day. Years ago I chose a small notebook to be my gratitude journal and wrote down my gratitudes at the end of the day as I would wind down. Over the years I have changed and now write my gratitudes each morning as I end my devotion time with God. The time of day you choose to write them down is not important. Write them down on a piece of paper or in the notes on your phone. However I must warn you! Creating the habit of this daily practice will change your perspective and your attitude. Before you know it people may accuse you of having an “attitude of gratitude.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, may my words, actions, and attitude reflect You through an attitude of gratitude. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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