Be Watchful and Grateful

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Hallelujah! The white bird if back!!! (I owe you a photo when I have time to get the shot!) Last Wednesday morning, to my delight, he came cruising down the cove for his winter return.  Familiarity brings warmth to our hearts. It's a symbol of God's steadfastness.

The sight of that bird, like spring time flowers bursting forth from the ground, gave me pause to give thanks to God for the signs that He is in control.  I think back to 2020 and how "the germ" reeked havoc on our daily routines, but friends it did nothing to the rising and setting of the sun, or the soaring of the birds and scampering of the squirrels!

I can't remember where I found the message below, but it spoke to my heart and I copied it.

"Gratitude the Essential Guardian of the Soul 

Thankfulness is an essential guardian of the soul, and therefore we should guard ourselves with gratitude. Evidently we are fair game for the devil when we don't abound with thanksgiving. Unless the song of thanksgiving is being sung in our hearts the enemy outside will deceive his way into the city of our soul, and the enemy sympathizers within will make his job easy. So for the sake of your own safety, strive to fill your heart with thanksgiving! Guard yourselves with gratitude!

In other words if your heart does not respond to God with gratitude, your mind with be darkened. You surrender yourself to the blinding work of Satan. Gratitude is the guardian of the lamp of the soul. If the guardian dies, the lamp goes out. Guard yourselves with gratitude!"

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.  Colossians 2:6-7  

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will GUARD your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6–7

The Song

"Gratitude" by Brandon Lake  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1em6MJp0zUc


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