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

This week I am sharing the summer season. On a visit to the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson, I never knew that succulents could grow through the dirt in rock. This beautiful rock wall pictured here had many beautifully, thriving succulents. Not surprised that succulents are a very easy plant to take care of. They will grow and multiply as you are mindful to water them when the soil gets dry. 

How about our daily Christian walk? Are we mindful to nurture our faith so that we can grow and multiply? Are we mindful of following the commandments so that we can be consecrated to God? Do we listen to or ignore the nudges from the Holy Spirit? 

A quote from Oswald Chambers: “Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting in you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing that must go.”

Let’s give God our full attention so that we are conscious of every moment. I encourage you to listen and pray through the song, Let My Life Be Worship by Jenn Johnson.

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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