Well, it’s November, the month of Thankfulness (which should be every day, right?). So as I reflect on November, I thank God for all that has happen this past year and for all that will come. What I struggle with the most is thanking Him for what is happening in the moment -right now, today! You too! I’m so glad you spoke up!
Crazy how we can reflect on past things or even dream of future things, but those things right there in front of us always seem to elude me. I am sure I am not alone in this, which is probably why Cinderella’s hit Don’t Know What You’ve Got (Til It’s Gone) was so wildly popular in the 80’s. (but I digress!)
I am so thankful for a God that sees me in the moment, and although it is against our nature, I strive to see Him the very same way. I want to catch Him working in my life every hour, even every 5 minutes! Good to know Jesus “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8 NLT). It gives me hope that I might actually catch up to Him someday. Ironic that to get up to speed with God, I actually need to slow down. Slow down from the busyness of the day, slow down and push out the distractions, slow down and listen for a small, still voice whispering words of mercy and grace to me.
Today, right now, I am grateful that He hears me and that He listens!
I love the Lord, because He hears [and continues to hear] my voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). Ps. 116:1 AMP
So how can we show that we are grateful? By serving the Lord with our time, talent, and treasures. The system God has put in place for us to be able to return His love is amazing! Christ brings us into alignment with Father God, and Father God has already imparted to us the time, talent, and treasures we can use to return His mercy and grace. The way we manage these three things determines how much and how often we can return them to God. If we hold back our time, talent, and treasures from the One who gave them to us in the first place, we are truly in a state of ungratefulness.
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 NLT
Lord I pray that today, right now, you would impress upon us the areas of ungratefulness that we need to clean up. That you would, as David requested, create in us a clean heart (Ps. 51:10). I am in awe of your faithfulness, that you never turn from us even when we turn from you. And for that I am truly grateful!
For the month of November, focus on your blessings. Make a list of what God has done for you yesterday and today, and get excited for what He may do tomorrow! Assess your time, talents, and treasures. Look for ways to return them to the One who is truly in love with you. Be grateful today!
Blessings,
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.