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Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2 November 29-30 Sing, sing a song; sing out loud, sing out strong.  Sing of good things, not bad.  Sing of happy, not sad. (What are those lyrics from?) Taking time out to lift my arms and sing praise, I've tweaked the words. Oh, for the lost, may today be the day,  where they all bow and say… Lord, you are mine, have your way. Total surrender now. Waiting for you to say how. I'll live this life with the purpose to… bring glory to You. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,  let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 

Wild turkeys! Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness , humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 November 28 We don't know what a day has held or what is on its way.  The kindness we show to another may turn out to be a life preserver, a ray of hope, or a thread to hold on to. Over and over again God supplies our needs. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 of how the enriching of our lives should spill out as generosity on every occasion , and thus be an act of thanksgiving to God. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of see and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 November 27 Happy Thanksgiving! Praise the Lord, for he makes all things new !  Now there's a reason to give thanks!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17  November 26 An "A" for our actions! Oh, no, here comes the song. It's from Gypsy and called Together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvZc_XHezL8 Yup, Wherever we go, whatever we do, we can go through it with Jesus! Can we go through it giving thanks though? As we approach our nation's day of Thanksgiving may we affirm  others, looking at each individual as God's design whom he dearly loves.  Our actions  are more lovely when we are affirming.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 November 25 Do with lift our voices daily to tell Christ we are so thankful for Him ? No matter how crummy the day may be going, no matter how much our hearts long for a different path, when there are no "happy" thoughts captivating our thought process, we can always revert our focus to Him.  Him , God in the flesh...our Example, Redeemer,  our Hope and Joy. Standing in a church service recently, I didn't feel like singing praise for my feelings had just been hurt by a person I admire greatly.  Joy had been sucked out of me.  I was also in physical pain from a back injury and after sitting through the sermon, I really just wanted to make an exit.  Toying with that idea, I felt the Lord say, "You did not come here today to worship that man, you came to worship me. Now worship!"  Yes, I had entered His church that day with thanksgiving for Him

Give THANKS to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34  November 24 Today let us thank God for T he Body of Believers.  First thank God for the people he has placed in your path to spur you on in the faith.  Then let's find a simple way to say thank you to some of those people who serve God faithfully.  Maybe it's your pastor, the church secretary, a friend who is always quick to actually pray for you.  Maybe it's a Christian TV or radio station or the author of a devotional you like to pick up and read. Recently, I heard a message on how much more welcoming and accepting gangs are, compared to church members on Sunday morning. Think back to yesterday, did we welcome someone into the body at church yesterday?  Today, as we are thankful for those in the faith who have loved us well, may we allow that to spur us on to love others. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growi

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High. Psalm 7:17 November 22-23  Isn't there an old song, whose key lyric rings out…"Get your groove on. Get your groove on?" Let's switch it up a bit this week and sing praise to the Lord: "Get our thanks on. Get our thanks on." Each day next week let's find a unique way to give thanks to the Lord for the things he has done. Despite our worldly circumstances, there is always a reason to be thankful in our soul. Give me a    T Give me a    H Give me an  A Give me a    N Give me a    K Give me a    S Here's an old picture, when we were obviously teaching our children to be thankful for the Native American Indians and all they taught the early pilgrims about survival in this great land. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Coloss

November 21  But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha,  you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary."   Luke 10:41-42 Tis' the season to be anxious and troubled about many things….the travel, the menus, the gifts, the dress, the money, maybe even the dreaded confrontations of seeing people you'd rather not.  When people come to your birthday party, you want it to be a time of celebration, not one of dread.  Jesus invites us to his birthday celebration each year.  He wants us to come to the festivities, even if they are a quiet visit to a friend in a nursing home, with a spirit of celebrating His life.  Sitting with one another and sharing the love of Christ.  Oh, and we must remember, the birthday boy is the focus…let's not leave a day of this party season without spending time alone with him.

November 20 The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see  if there are any who understand,  any who seek God. Psalm 14:2 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth  to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.   2 Chronicles 16:9 Today's verses speak of two kings, David and Asa, who knew the Lord.  Both had grand moments of success because of their trust in the Lord and both, being human, fell into sin and lived out the heart wrenching consequences of those sins.  God has given us such incredible life lessons in His Word, but we have to choose to go there and learn. God is still looking, his eyes spanning over the earth. What do those eyes see when He looks at our hearts?Are we fully committed?

November 19 Restoration Power …what does that mean Lord? In the days ahead He showed me… The friend, who is separated from her husband, knows only God's restoration power will bring them back together. The friend with the Stage 4 cancer diagnosis is praying for God to restore her health. The widow neighbor, whose septic pipes burst and backed up into the lower level of her home, where she graciously houses 4 others and 8 dogs, needs her home restored. The friend's young daughter in law, back in the hospital fighting fever and side effects from chemo, wants her life restored. The four friends awaiting a response from job interviews have called for prayer that God would restore them to a place of employment. The families dreading Christmas, because right now they see no way to have a present under the tree for their children, need their financial situation restored or a miracle of generosity. God is in the restoration business.  Believe in His Word! Now may the

November 18 I've been called away for a pray day.  Be back in touch tomorrow. But when you pray,  go away by yourself and shut the door behind you  and pray to your Father in private.   Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Our grand dogs all covered up . November 17 It was 23 degrees outside Saturday and I was not wanting to come out from under the covers!  Our grand dogs were feeling the same way with the drop in the temperatures.  The other day I read this quote by Boyd Bailey, "Christ uncovers cover-ups." He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. 1 Corinthians 4:5b  A mighty group of prayer warriors were sitting in my living room last Monday and one woman, filled with wisdom, emphasized the importance of us confessing our sins and "coming clean" with the Lord, before our prayer time.  She chuckled, "He knows about them already."  I replied, "When you ask Jesus to "uncover our sins…expose them to us" he is quick to reply! Dumping sin is freeing and refreshing!  It's in there, we just may have allowed it to be covered up.

November 16 Brandon Heath is a delightful young man, who lives in Nashville and has made his mark in the Christian Music Industry.  Our daughter is blessed to call him a friend.  This music video is one we all need to use as a tool to teach our children and grandchildren that we have choices to make.  It has a powerful message. Everyone who watches it is going to relate, no matter which side of the "rock" you stand upon. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FFB901NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08/23/2011 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

November 14-15 Accepting an assignment to spend time daily in the Psalms for a week, I've found my spiritual challenge.  Memorize Psalm 15 and keep it as a personal checklist. A psalm of David Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander. who does no wrong to a neighbor. and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person, but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.   

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8  November 13 "GOT YA!" That is what it felt like this lady said, as she apprehended me in the Christmas section of Marshall's department store last Sunday.  "You should not be shopping on the Sabbath, " eighty-six year old Eva exclaimed to me, a total stranger, using a boisterous voice.  Heads turned all around me and my girlfriend who was with me. was no where to be found. I stared at this woman with questioning eyes. Before I spoke, she continued, "I'm only here because I do not drive and this is the only day I could get a ride." My turn.  "Well, I'm here because I just received a phone call from my son, whose wife has been very ill.  He asked if I would come to visit and do some decorating for Christmas. Neither he, nor I,  live near a Marshall's and I was passing this one on my way.  Our daughter-in-law loves snowflakes, aren't these lovely?  Would you pray for

 I snuck off to NC right after prayer time for some sweet baby love! I took Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the angels with me! November 12 Lavishing in the feeling of my own bed, I overslept on Monday morning.  Jumping out, I got going in my morning routine; but it was 9:15 AM by the time I stepped in the shower and prayer warriors were scheduled to show up at 9:30.  Stepping out of the shower at 9:25 I hollered…"Is anyone here?" No sound, so I slipped out onto the screened porch off our bedroom, thinking some people might be at the side door and locked out.  The question rang out again, probably clear across the water to our neighbors…."Is anyone here?" In my mind the angels said, "We are here."  Next the Holy Spirit echoed in, "I'm here."  Finally, Jesus spoke up and said, "I'm right here in your heart."  A smile crossed my face and I laughed out loud, as I thanked those three entities for the wonderful reminders that

November 11 Cruising along the interstate, returning home from Nashville, I said to my girlfriend in the car "Look there's Jesus."  Attempting to edged up beside this truck, so she could take a photo with her phone, I panicked thinking the driver was taking an exit and hollered "Don't' leave us Jesus!" On the back of the truck was Psalm 31:24   Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.  My girlfriend exclaimed, "It a moving bill board for Jesus!"  Ah that we might all be seen as moving bill boards!

November 10    "Beware, as evil tries to estrange you from the eternal truths of God’s word." Boyd Bailey What lies are being tossed your way by the devil that you are believing?  Without God's Word and his truths we set ourselves up for a tumbling down fall, which can devastate our lives and keep us from living within the boundaries of blessings God intends for us.  Daily dying to self and choosing to put on the helmet of salvation, so the lies the enemy has been tossing at people since the Garden of Eden don't permeate our brains takes discipline. Today, I believe we are cherished children of God, never tossed from his presence and created for  divine purposes.  I remember God knows every hair on our head and every weakness in our minds and has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, as well as He has stationed angels to watch over us. I choose to accept the discipline of God and hardships which come our way, as training tools designed by God to st

November 8-9 One day last week I was seeking the Lord's guidance on what to write, He spoke to my mind…."Check your heart?" God loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship. Proverbs 22:11 Somehow Paul's advice in 1 Timothy crossed my path and it was worth typing the passage up to put deep in  my heart.  I thank God for Paul! I, Paul, am an apostle on special assignment for Christ, our living hope.   (That alone is filled with great wisdom for us to recall, when we reflect on our worth.)   Under God our Savior's command, I'm writing this to you, Timothy, my son in the faith.   (Another challenge, are we mentoring anyone in the faith.) All the best from our God and Christ be yours! Self-Appointed Experts on Life On my way to the province of Macedonia, I advised you to stay in Ephesus Well, I haven't changed my mind. Stay right there on top of things so that the teaching stays on track.  Apparently

I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. Psalm 119:162 November 7 I'm snuggled in bed with a three year old, who rolled over at 5:47AM and said, "Mama Boo, tell me all the things God made."  An hour later, I'm just getting to writing to you.  We played a new game…man made or God made! I do pray that even with our busy schedules today we we find great treasure in God's Word.  I pray also that no matter what the day brings, it will bring prayer! I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 

November 6 I must have been in the car when I heard this quote, because I found this note scribbled on a piece of paper stuffed down in my purse.  Forgive me, as I have no clue whose radio show I was listening to when I wrote this quote: "A faith that can't be tested is a faith that can't be trusted." Read that again. " A faith that can't be tested is a faith that can't be trusted." Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind… Psalm 26:2 Search me, God, and know my heat; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!  I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Can't you just hear Jesus saying, "Hang with me.  There will be some rough roads, you are going to encounter storms, but I will make a way." … in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8  November 5 One of the best messages I've ever read on Love,  related to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, came in an email devotional by James MacDonald. His radio program is called Walk in the Word .   God has been doing a big work in me lately related to loving others well and this particular writing really spurred me on. Here are some tasty tie-bits I pulled from this message.  Thanks James MacDonald! "Love waits for people to change." "Love accepts people as they are, not as we want them to be." "Love actively accepts people.  It doesn’t just stand on the other side of the room thinking, She drives me nuts-I’m going to steer clear of her, but it actually goes across the room and finds ways to engage or embrace that person.  Love looks for ways to express acceptance to people whom we might otherwise target with our harsh criticism ." "L

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,  for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 November 4 How blessed we are to live in America, the land of the free and home of the brave. What a privilege we have to be educated and to vote. Our pastor shared Sunday that 60% of Americans do not vote.  Now that's apathy, but that is also just ignorant. We may not be able to choose our parents, but we have the opportunity to choose to whom we will be subject as the authority figures in our government. Yes, God can do whatever he wants when it comes to placing our leaders over us, but as children of God we have a responsibility to cast our vote for godly leaders, who are pleasing in the sight of the Lord.  If we are doing this, than the outcome should reflect the morality of our nation and in turn if God will still bless America.

 Not the queen of Sheba, but for sure a royal princess! November 3 Seeing God's daily provision, related to writing this devotional, is enough to keep me keeping on.  I never have a clue where He is leading with these messages.  This morning I asked, "What do you have for me, God?"  The words alert and wisdom  came quickly to mind.  Opening up Biblegateway I saw what would be a good verse for tomorrow,  but I typed in  wisdom for now and up popped 216 verse! Scrolling partially down I stopped at 1 Kings 10:1-9 and was blown away by how appropriate the message is for our nation.  The Queen of Sheba was exercising alertness  in checking out what she had heard about King Solomon for herself!  Of that we would be a nation of voters filled with wisdom and that we would elect wise leaders who are respected for their leadership throughout the world! The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the

November 1-2 One of my girlfriends, challenges me to think deep and back up my thoughts with scripture. When she asks me what I think, I know she really wants to hear what God thinks and I hope if I ever give my personal opinion, she will set me back on the right track to digging in the Word. A couple weeks ago, we had one of our going deep  conversations related to moral issues and sin. We had already agreed, sin is sin, not on a point scale in God's eyes.  God hates all sin. Pertaining to one specific situation, where several people she loves deeply are struggling, the thought came to me…"Would you say they are living a life pleasing to God?" Last Sunday our pastor preached a powerful sermon on Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. The sermon outline, listed three areas whe