Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. — 2 Peter 1:2 The Hebrew word for gratitude means to "recognize the good." I love that, because who is good all the time? God is. Every time we're reading the word gratitude in the Bible, we are literally being reminded to recognize God and His goodness. But we cannot learn to recognize God if we do not have an intimate relationship with Him. When we choose to know God, our relationship with Him grows, and our eyes become opened to who He is and what He's doing in our lives. By making the time to read His Word and to pray, we start to become transformed and have our minds renewed. The blindfold we once wore falls off, and we learn to recognize God and His goodness in both good and bad circumstances. My hope for you today is that you take the first step toward getting to know God more intimately. May you experience His calming presence and unfailing love as you spend time reading His Word. * |
What Is Blinding You? If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. — 2 Timothy 2:13 I have called myself a Christian most of my life but have struggled with feeling thankful during difficult seasons. I have felt lost in the exhausting chaos of motherhood, the helplessness of watching loved ones struggling, and the overwhelming feeling of walking through everything alone. In those times, my focus was usually on how bad I felt and how unfair things seemed. I would ask myself why I should even keep trying. What was the point? Where was God, and why did He hate me? Looking back now, I can see God's hand in so many things. He has never left me. I was blinded by my anger, hurt, and selfishness and pushed myself further and further away from my relationship with Him. But even in my darkest days, God heard my cries for help and pulled me back to Him. That is what God does. That is who God is. I am so thankful for His grace! I encourage you today to think about what may be blinding you from seeing God's goodness in your life. Name it. Confess it. Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing faithfulness and grace! * |
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We're not told to thank God for our hurt but to thank Him for His faithfulness through it. |
We're not told to thank God for our hurt but to thank Him for His faithfulness through it. |
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Give Thanks in All Circumstances Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 We've all thought it. How can we possibly be expected to say "thank you" for the loss, grief, fear, and pain we experience in life? When my oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I struggled with seeing any good in the situation. No mama likes seeing her baby in the hospital, hooked up to an IV, giving himself shots, and relearning how to live. When my son was released from the hospital, though, I was overflowing with gratitude. We had gotten help in time. He was doing well, and his doctors and nurses were wonderful. Thank God! Are things always perfect? No. But my son is still here with us, and for that, I will forever say, "Thank You, Lord!" Today's verse doesn't tell us to give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances. We're not told to thank God for our hurt but to thank Him for His faithfulness through it. If you're struggling with thankfulness amid a difficult season, I encourage you to simply thank God for being with you. Ask Him to show you His goodness in your situation, and let Him speak to your heart. |
Excerpted with permission from I Will Give Thanks by Becky Shannon, copyright Becky Shannon. * |
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It's challenging to be grateful in the middle of really challenging situations or in pain and suffering. But, while we don't have to be thankful for what's hurtful to us, we do get to be grateful in our circumstances because God is with us and He is always good. His plans are good. The end of the story is good! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Discover how a spirit of gratitude brings peace and hope to your days |
I Will Give Thanks: 90 Days to a More Grateful Heart |
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+ FREE shipping on all orders over $35 |
God's goodness and grace abounds whether your heart is full or your needs are many. Discover how a spirit of gratitude brings peace and hope to your days in I Will Give Thanks, a 90-day devotional by author and illustrator Becky Shannon full of thoughtful reflections and beautiful original artwork. No matter the kind of day, messy or mundane, spending time reflecting on God's provision and care will feed your mind and spirit by cultivating a habit of gratitude. In this uplifting book, you will find that thankfulness is not an obligation but an invitation. When you have eyes to see God's goodness around you—whether in an unexpected note from a friend, a stunning sunrise, or even in difficult seasons of illness or anxiety—you can know Him more. |
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This journey toward embracing a deeper contentment is ideal for: - Anyone trying to form a natural habit of thankfulness
- Loved ones going through challenging times
- Those who appreciate beautiful, artistic design
- Prayer partners and small groups looking for ways to share how God is working in their lives
Gratitude for God's gifts is possible, worthwhile, and life-giving, whatever your circumstances. I Will Give Thanks helps you adopt a posture of receiving from God the joy, peace, and hope that only He can provide. |
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"Would recommend to all." — Kathleen K. |
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The Weekly Gratitude Project |
| 1-Minute Gratitude Journal |
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What Happens Next Online Bible Study by Max Lucado |
What Happens Next Online Bible Study by Max Lucado |
Are we living in the end times? Join Max in the highly anticipated What Happens Next Online Bible Study and discover that for followers of Christ, the best is yet to come. Sign up now for FREE and get access to all 6 study videos with Max, an online community of people going through the study with you, and bonus end times resources. |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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