2 Thanksgiving Devots.!

Hi Folks,

 

Well, here we at Thanksgiving Day!    Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

What are some of the things that you are thankful for?   For me, the everyday things that make up life are what I am thankful for-hot water, food in the fridge, clothes, a warm home, supportive, godly friends, my family.

But you know, our world has become so commercialized that we sale from Halloween right into Christmas.  Whatever happened to setting aside a day

to give thanks to God and acknowledging that we have been blessed by Him?

 

The sermon link below answers that question: "Whatever Happened to Thanksgiving?"   My mom and I watched it last Sunday morning and it was very good!  I would highly encourage you to watch it this weekend.

 

I've also included a 2nd link that also comes with a sermon, but I'm focusing on the sermon notes on the right side of the screen for our devot. this week.   I think it is powerful,thought provoking and could be a life changer for us, if we take it to heart.

 

I hope you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving and inspire those in your life to express a heart of thankfulness to God for all He has blessed them with.

 

Consider inviting someone to your table, even this weekend, for a post Thanksgiving meal who is without family/friends in the area or doesn't have someone at all, has lost a lost one, has less than you do.   Pray, think outside the box (could be your mail lady, neighbor, the person you bump into at the store every two weeks and have chatted with a bit) and ask God how you could bless someone this Thanksgiving weekend.

 

Keep the folks out in California in your prayers-those who have lost everything, those who are rescuing human and animal life (and doing an amazing job!) and the firefighters.  Pray for God's grace on them this Thanksgiving.

 

Lord richly bless you and yours!

Thanksgiving Every Day:  https://www.intouch.org/watch/thanksgiving-every-day 

(Use by permission.   Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

Whatever Happened to Thanksgiving?: 

https://www.intouch.org/watch/what-ever-happened-to-thanksgiving 

(Use by permission.   Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

Devot. Give Thanks in Everything

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you had a good week!   

 

Our devot for today is a throwback to our previous devot.-giving thanks in everything. 

 

I know it's super though to be thankful all the time, but this devot. gives Biblical reasons why we should do our best to be thankful, for the little things and in everything.  

It's an encouraging devot. and I pray it would bless you this weekend.

 

Lord bless you and yours!

 

Devot. https://www.intouch.org/read/always-give-thanks-in-everything (Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

Thanksgiving Devot./A Prayer for Those Who Serve

 

Reply        

 

Hi Folks,   

 

I hope you had a good week!  

 

Thanksgiving is next week so we are going to jump right into Thanksgiving themed devots.    The title for today is Thanksgiving Day and Beyond. 

 

I have some questions I want each of us to ponder in regards to this Thanksgiving season:

~Do we count our blessings and give thanks more than on Thanksgiving Day? 

 

~Does Thanksgiving Day mean more than a good meal and family time? 

 

~Do we teach our children and grandchildren, the young people in our lives that this is a day to be thankful to GOD? To be thankful, even for little things or do we let them take  blessings for granted?  

 

~Do we lead by example or do we too take for granted all that God has blessed us with?

Throughout Psalm 107 is the resounding cry, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"  (vs. 31).  Oh that we would give thanks, even for little things,and not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.   1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

 

I pray this devot, will help each of us to think of thanking the Lord more.

 

Below the devot. is an article from  https://www.dayspring.com/ entitled, "A prayer for Those Who Serve", since this week was Veteran's Day.   If you or a loved ones has or is serving our country, THANK YOU from a grateful citizen!   You had/have the bravery to stand for our country's freedom, defend it and keep it and my family safe.  Thank you!

 

Lord bless and keep you and yours this weekend!

 

 Devot.  https://www.intouch.org/read/blog/thanksgiving-day-and-beyond (Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

READ & SHARE THIS PRAYER WITH OTHERS View in a browser     FOR MORE PRAYER INSPIRATION VISIT OUR ARTICLE LIBRARY     A Prayer for Military Families   by Paige  |  Prayer   Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the men and women who serve our country now and in the past, and for the sacrifices their families make so that we can all enjoy the blessing of freedom.     READ MORE

Devot. Humility

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you had a good week and are staying healthy and well.

 

The devot. for today is on the Biblical definition of "Humility."  This devot.  does a great job of clearly giving the Biblical definition and what it means to display it in everyday life. 

Pray you learn much!  

 

I also found 2 news links that gives an update on Asia.  Please continue to pray for her and  her family.

 

Lord bless you and yours this weekend!

 

Devot. https://www.icr.org/article/20259 (Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.icr.org/)

 

Asia: 

https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/christian-mom-asia-bibi-freed

(Taken from https://aclj.org/)

Devot. The End of Humility

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you had a good week!   

 

I have several things for you below. Our devot. for today is on humility and how Christ set the example for us.

 

I think that it is far easier for someone to become prideful and braggadocios, rather than to become humble.   Our sinful, human nature longs to boast of accomplishments and make ourselves look good.  It's hard to take the back seat and let someone else share what they have succeeded at or stay silent  if we are the type that  likes to talk about ourselves.  

 

Now, is it wrong to share when we have accomplished something?  No, not at all!   But do we do

it in a boastful "look at me" sort of way or a "I'm thankful that this happened and I'm so excited for this blessing!"  Do we give credit or thanks(even on the inside) to the One who helped get us to this point?   Jesus said in John 15:5, "for without me ye can do nothing."  (That includes anything!)

 

Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

(The Lord has a way of knocking us down to size when we need it.)

 

In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Lord states that there are 6 things that He hates and 7 that are an abomination to Him.  [Abomination "repugnance" or "disgust"]. Look at the first one on the list in verse 17,"  These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look,..." 

 

1 Peter 5:5-6, says in regards to authority or authority within the structure of a church, "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:(spiritually wear it!)  for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"

 

The Lord takes seriously a prideful spirit or even a prideful look.   I know pride it isn't easy to conquer, but if we are to model Christ,  humility needs to be apart of our nature.  

 

Pray the devot. is a blessing to your weekend.

 

 

Devot. https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/faith-works/the-end-of-humility

(Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

 

Devot. Godly Servanthood/Final Verdict for Asia Bibi

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you had a good week and are staying well!  

 

Do you know someone who is a very giving person, who has a "servant's spirit?"
They are willing to do anything for anybody?  Our devot. for today is entitled "Godly Servanthood"

and it encourages us to look for someone who has a servant's spirit, and learn from them.

 

Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember them which have the rule over you, (those who are leaders in the church) who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (think about the Christian testimony and example that they have)."

 

You know the expression that some things are better "caught than taught."  Someone we can be a good servant by learning selflessness through someone who is already actively serving the Lord. 

The spirit of being a servant is contagious when you are around someone who loves to be a blessing, I can attest to that.

 

Pray that this devot. encourages you this weekend!

 

I also have an amazing update below on Asia!  It's truly an answer to prayer, so keep them coming! 

 

Lord bless you and yours this weekend.

 

Devot. https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/godly-servanthood

(Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.intouch.org)
 

Breaking: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has just overturned Asia Bibi's death sentence . . .

Take Action  |   Contribute   Share     f   Share this on Facebook     Breaking: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has just overturned Christian mom Asia Bibi's death sentence. The court just issued its decision in her appeal, overturning her blasphemy conviction and sentence of execution by hanging. This is a massive victory for this Christian mother of 5, who since 2009 has been imprisoned because of her faith. She was arrested on false accusations of blasphemy, because she (who as a Christian is considered unclean) offered a Muslim co-worker a cup of water. For years, we have been aggressively advocating across the globe for her freedom - through our office on the ground in Pakistan (where we have successfully defended numerous Christians in court), at the U.N., and on Capitol Hill. Read Our Urgent Update: Asia Bibi Death Sentence Overturned. However, there is still cause for concern. Islamic radicals in Pakistan have been threatening to kill Asia Bibi upon her release. And there are reports that mobs are blocking traffic and burning tires, angered over her acquittal. We must urgently demand that the Pakistani government ensure Asia Bibi's safety. Please continue to pray and be heard. Sign Our Urgent Petition: Protect Christian Mom Asia Bibi. Jay Sekulow ACLJ Chief Counsel Contribute Now Share     f   Share this on Facebook   To ensure that you continue to receive e-mails from the ACLJ, please add jay.sekulow@email.aclj.org to your address book.

Connect to ACLJ on: Facebook   Twitter   YouTube   Instagram Connect to Jay Sekulow on: Facebook   Twitter   Periscope   Instagram

Devot. The Pattern for Servanthood

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you had a peaceful week.

 

The devot. for today is showing us Who set a pattern of servanthood for us, Who blazed the trail of thinking of others ahead of ourselves, who gave His very life  because of the servant He was.  

 

Mark 10:45 states, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. "  [Ransom: "a means of deliverance or rescue from punishment for sin, especially the payment of a redemptive fine.]   Matthew 20:28 echoes these same exact words.

 

 We see all through the New Testament Gospel the Lord Jesus' selfless acts of love and kindness toward the outcast, the downtrodden, the sinner.  The pinnacle of this was His death for us, dying in our place when each of us deserves to pay our own sin debt and taking our hell for us when we really deserve to go there instead.   

 

Christ set the example of servanthood, and He asks us to do the same.  Practical ways would be opening the door for someone when you want to get into the store quickly, giving up a parking spot, letting someone change from the shoulder into your lane ( I know that's a tough one:), being patient with a slow checkout line.   I know these are simple areas, but an easy place to begin:)  I pray the devot. below gives you food for thought this weekend.

 

I have also included below an email I received from Marty Goetz (I have shared his music in the past).  He is a Messiah Jew who offers some words of comfort and reality as he mourns with God's Chosen People their recent loss 2 weekends ago (shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh PA). 

(Scripture says that the Jewish people are God's "chosen" special people and our Saviour was born into/came from the Jewish race.)  Pray it offers you some comfort as well.

 

Also as a closing note, this past Sunday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

The link gives some info. in how to get your church involved  (for the future) and also shows a video clip of a Christian brother who is serving overseas in Pakistan in spite of persecution.  

Pray it inspires you this weekend!

 

Lord bless and keep you and yours this weekend.

Devot. https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/pattern-for-servanthood   (Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

IDOP: https://www.persecution.com/idop/?_source_code=EM1809IDP5

Article below written by http://www.martygoetz.com/

 

It's a Terrible Day in the Neighborhood A longtime friend, whom I met while a student at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, wrote in an e-mail

It's a Terrible Day in the Neighborhood A longtime friend, whom I met while a student at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, wrote in an e-mail that the horrible shooting at the ‘Tree of Life’ Synagogue occurred in—literally—Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood! The Squirrel Hill community, home to the late Fred Rogers, is in mourning— and we share in their sorrow; sadness for lives so tragically lost and concern for the condition of our national life. Anti-semitism is an ancient and historic hatred. Still, we are shocked to see it erupt in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood on a Saturday like so many others; a day of rest shattered by gunfire, hatred and death. This ‘terrible day in the neighborhood’ is another reminder that we do not live in a land of make-believe ruled by a beneficent and kindly king; a sweet and childlike world springing from the imagination of Mister Rogers. But—one day—we will live in an even better world; a ‘world to come,’ ruled by ‘Sar Shalom,’ our ‘Prince of Peace!’ We who believe in Yeshua-Jesus- look for His return to this place of violence, tears and fears; we long to live in HIS Kingdom of love; an eternal ‘shabbat’—an eternal sabbath rest. However, we are aware those eternal promises may provide little solace for the dear people at ‘Tree of Life.’ For them, Shabbat has been forever altered, and their lives will never be the same. And so, we join with all those who pray that the God of Israel will surround the people of Pittsburgh—particularly the Jewish community—with His help and His comfort; may He speak hope to their hurting hearts and whisper a promise for a better, a more beautiful day in their neighborhood, their country, their world. In His Shalom, His Peace, Marty Goetz and family ©2018 Goetz | 1136 Holly Tree Farms | Brentwood, TN | 37027 Web Version   Preferences   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®

Devot. Disciples and Servants

Hi Folks,

I hope you had a blessed week! 

 

Have you ever read the words "servant" and "disciple" in the New Testament and thought the were synonymous for the same word?  They are not, and this devot. will enlighten us a bit more on how we can be a servant of Jesus and what that means.    Pray you learn something spiritually valuable!

 

Lord bless you and yours this weekend!

 

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/21011 (Used by permission.   Taken from http://www.icr.org/homepage/)

Devot. Sermon, Petition

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you  are having a good week!   

 

Our devot. is from our Series Today is Your Best Day"  and focuses on being the Lord's servant.

 

Many of the New Testament  Men of Faith that the Lord inspired to write His book started their letters with their name and  "A servant of the Lord Jesus Christ."    These men saw themselves as humble servants who were given the very great privilege  by the Lord to write His words, share them with others and have their lives used for His glory and praise no matter the cost.

 

Have you ever had someone say that they felt "called" to be a missionary, pastor etc...?   All through the New Testament, men and women of faith were "called" (had God lay on their heart) and commissioned by the Lord Himself to serve Him with their lives.  We are called to do the same.

 

I have included another sermon link below entitled "Die Right."   The sermon from last week I included was entitled "Live Right."  The pastor who gave the message stated that in order to Die Right, we have to Live Right and also have a right perspective of death.   I can promise you that this sermon is not depressing,but rather practical, encouraging and has moments of humor.  It's only about 20 minutes long, so please check it out.

 

Lastly, remember the young lady (Leah) I mentioned last week that is still being held by Boko Haram because of her faith in Jesus.   I just had a petition and update sent to me by the American Center of Law and Justice.   Please sign, pass on and pray for Leah!   If only we had the same spiritual strength and fortitude to stand fast in our faith in Christ as this 15 year old has!   Lord help us all!

 

Lord bless you and yours this week!

Devot. https://www.dayspring.com/ daily-devotion/date/2018-08- 17?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign= DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion% 202018-08-17&utm_term= DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion  (Read and Share.   Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

 

Die Right Sermon:  https://touchinglives.org/ resources/sermons/  (Taken from https://touchinglives.org)

 

Leah: https://aclj.org/persecuted-church/aclj-sends-letter-to-nigerian-ambassador-demanding-action-to-free-christian-teen-leah-sharibu-and-protection-for-nigerias-endangered-christians

Devot. Reasonable Service

Hi Folks,

 

I hope you had a good week! 

 

The devot. for today is on our current topic of serving the Lord.

 

This devot.'s passage is from Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech (beg)you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,  that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove  what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

 

When we have received Jesus as Savior, are lives are not longer our own to do with us we please or live however we feel like.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "What? know ye not (Don't you know?) that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,  which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: (Christ's death) therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."  

 

Wen we have trusted Jesus, we become God's dwelling place.   He bought our lives from the penalty of sin and hell with His own.  Jesus died for us so ,the very least we can do is live for and please Him with our lives. 

 

The sermon link below is the one I included on Tuesday, in case you haven't watched it yet.  It's only about 20 minutes, but it's practical and goes into more explanation of what living for the Lord looks like.  I hope you will watch it through your weekend.

 

Lord bless you and yours this weekend!

 

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/20053  (Used by permission.   Taken from http://www.icr.org/)

 

Sermon: https://touchinglives.org/resources/sermons/ (Taken from https://touchinglives.org/)