Monday, November 24, 2014

Give Thanks Always: a devotion by Ann Broughton





“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV).

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of all of our blessings.
It is a time to remember what God has provided for us and thank Him for His steadfast love for us. But thankfulness should not be saved for just this holiday. We should be in a mood of thankfulness every day.
Do you honestly give thanks in all circumstances? It is very difficult to do if you are in pain, lonely, sorrowful, or poor, but if you can honestly look at your life and see the good that also has happened your outlook can change remarkably.
I just read an article of a lady who had crippling arthritis. She was feeling sorry for herself and then decided that she would look at it in a more positive light. She thought that she was lucky to have two legs to walk on because some do not. She was determined to get better and her philosophy wrapped around the idea that there is a bright side to everything. She said her thinking more positive thoughts about it was more powerful than any steroid. You see it is all about perspective. Thankfulness is a thought changing and life changing act.
You must remember that no matter your circumstances God will never fail you or leave you. Jesus promised that, and He never breaks a promise. Start every prayer with thanking God for His steadfast love for you. Concentrate on the blessings and it will be difficult for you to stay in the miry pit of  “Woe is me”. 
I highly recommend that you keep a journal and write down a blessing in it every day, or start a blessing jar and write a blessing each day on a strip of paper and put it in it. Then when you are feeling down, just sit down and read those blessings. It will lift your spirit and help you to see that God has not abandoned you.
So remember that every day holds a blessing for you to be thankful about. Look for it and you will surely find it, and then be a blessing to someone else.
Dear Lord,
Some days it is very difficult to be thankful. Help us to see the blessing in every circumstance and be joyful always even when we don’t feel like it. There are so many ways you bless us. Help us to look for those instead of the negative things.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen


Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“ And not only this, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven cha...