BRING ME THE SACRIFICE of thanksgiving. Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. Before Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, thankfulness was as natural as breathing. Satan’s temptation involved pointing Eve to the one thing that was forbidden her. The Garden was filled with luscious, desirable fruits, but Eve focused on the one fruit she couldn’t have rather than being thankful for the many good things freely available. This negative focus darkened her mind, and she succumbed to temptation.
When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.”
When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through. Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.
PSALM 116:17; GENESIS 3:2-6; 1 JOHN 1:7
~Jesus Calling, Sarah Young
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Hi, Laura!!
Hope you’re having a joyful Sunday!!
I just LOVE “Jesus Calling” – it’s always right on the mark, isn’t it?? AND – full of “gems” re: matters that should be always uppermost in one’s mind, but, at times – tend to be easily forgotten and shoved aside in favor of matters one’s mortal mind and body deem more important. Life tends to get “in the way” – for us humans.
I think it takes great spiritual maturity, and continual practice, to ALWAYS be mindful of the most important things in one’s life – so one of the things for which I’m thankful is devotionals, such as “Jesus Calling”, and OTHER reminders, such as YOU – dear Laura!!
I’ve become more aware in my later years, and especially since I’ve retired and have less to occupy my mind, that some of the most important things in life ARE the things we take for granted. And – some of the smallest things are the most rewarding!! Salvation, sunshine, flowers, family, a kind word, good deed, or a smile, an unexpected small pleasure, a baby’s laugh, music, wonderful Christian books, a discount on an item at the grocery, friends, health, a roof over our heads, a dependable car (no matter how old), nourishing foods – all are things, whether large or small, that one sometimes tends to take for granted in God’s wonderfully beautiful world!! Another reason for one’s trials – a lesson and reminder!!
Love you, Laura!!
Oh Bonnie, Love, love, love your list of what we take for granted. So true! “A baby’s laugh” and all the other things you mention are especially meaningful to me, too.
I always post what rings true for me on a given day and this one was what I woke up to this weekend. It might have been written for me and the circumstances I’m in so I went ahead and posted it, knowing others would benefit. Even though I read it last year as I’m going through Jesus Calling twice now, it’s amazing how fresh it stays. Truly a life-changing devotional! I understand the author has been through some deep valleys of her own. I don’t think such a book could be borne out of anything less. So glad JC speaks to you, too.
And it’s so very true what you said about our minds/hearts being unable to stay focused and thankful. Without His help, impossible, even on a fluctuating basis! I do know a couple of people who seem to have joy irregardless and sometimes I chalk that up to their sunny natures. We serious, sensitive souls seem to struggle with joy oftentimes! And don’t always bounce back from life’s bumps like others. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. They mean so much.
I pray special blessings on your week, Bonnie. And some KY sunshine and blossoms like this dogwood here!
Lovely words and oh so true! Thank you for sharing, Laura! I hope you have a blessed week! I get to watch my niece for the whole week. I am so excited! With the horrid winter we have had in Michigan, I haven’t gotten to see nearly enough!
Emma, OH JOY! I can feel your excitement :). What a wonderful week it will be for the 2 of you. I am sure she’s missed you every bit as much as you’ve missed her! I didn’t think of the separation from relatives that this loooooonnnng winter has brought about. THANK HEAVENS for spring! And neices :)!! Praying your time together is extra blessed…
Ahhh, this is one part of the Christian walk that I’m actually good at.
I have lived in squalor, literally. Housing projects and dilapidated row houses. Roaches and other nasty things. Oh mercy, in hindsight, it was AWFUL. I was little and didn’t quite get how hard it must have been on my mom.
I have been in Quechua villages in the Bolivian Andes, and I have seen people go through our team’s trash, looking for food. HEART BREAKING. So, of course, we loaded the trash with edible stuff. We think North American poverty is bad? No. It is not.
I’ve been so broken inside that I truly thought I had nothing left.
God has redeemed what the locusts stole away. I live in a nice little house with a husband who is beyond devoted to me. My kids are healthy.
I am thankful for my Lord, my family, my friends and a job that lets me create a world that could have been, and is.
I can hear, see and walk. I have choices as a woman. I am thankful that my husband thinks I’m as smart as him, and he can describe the genes of a tree.
I am thankful for everything, and I’m sure I drive people nuts telling them how I’m thankful for them. I won’t stop.
Ever.
That being said, Laura? You, my dear friend, have made me believe I CAN do this, and I will shake all kids of feathers. And I promise, I’d not be where I am without your encouragement. You are a jewel, a gift, a treasure.
Thank YOU, Laura.
Oh so appreciate your rich comments, Jennifer!! So many of the things you mention are on my list, too. And you said it so beautifully about the writing ~ “and a job that lets me create a world that could have been, and is.” YES.
I just sent you a pin on Pinterest. As soon as I saw it I thought of you. And likewise, you are a true gift and treasure! Finding someone with such heart and spirit is a tremendous blessing and I know I’m not alone – you touch many lives now and will with your words in print. All that past history and angst of where you’ve been and what you’ve seen will really shine through in your work. That is the miracle of beauty from ashes.
You are so right. We know nothing of real poverty and desperation being the richest nation in the world. My brother was in South America for 20 years and saw much of what you describe. I dedicated CML to him and it has a lot to do with what you mention here.
Thanks for the blessing of YOU. I know I’m not alone in saying that, my friend!!
I got the pin. Thank you.
Sniff.
Thank you, so very much.
Thank YOU:) So glad you like!