Just like Job, who's first response to losing everything was, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21) One of the best ways to draw your heart to God is recognizing all that He's given you. I highly recommend keeping a daily thankful journal. It forces you to change your mindset (here's 10 more reasons). Like Betsie Ten Boom in The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, who was thankful for fleas in the barracks of a concentration camp during WWII, we need to be thankful in ALL circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 was her inspiration, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (Which would be another fantastic verse to display and memorize!) If we are to be imitators of Christ, who discipled men to imitate Him, who discipled others to imitate them (who were imitating Christ) we are to do the same. Paul told the church in Thessalonians that they, like Christ, were to rejoice pray and give thanks no matter what tribulations you face. When I read Betsie Ten Boom's thankfulfulness for fleas, I knew I had so much more to be thankful for...
UNLIKE Job who gave in to complaining, questioning, and justifying... we need to be constantly mindful of a joyful, prayerful, and thankful heart, mind, body and soul. Jesus told His disciples it was a daily task to follow him, otherwise we become conformed to the world.
We've talked about true JOY. Jesus first, others second, self last. We find true joy in serving others because that's what Jesus did for us. We've also talked about prayer: praising Him through Scripture and giving everything to Him in prayer even marital conflict, so our next topic?
Day 29
Write down 20 blessings. Spend today thanking God for these 20 things He has given you.
If you just joined us I encourage you to start with day 1, if you couldn't already tell, there's a reason for the order...
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