Celebrate Day 19 of our Gratitude Challenge by embracing moments of feeling blessed. Discover simple ways to appreciate life’s gifts and boost positivity.
Welcome to Day 19 of the Gratitude Challenge: Feeling Blessed! In today’s video, we explore practical ways to recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives. Join us for quick tips and inspiring reflections to boost your gratitude practice and enjoy more positivity every day. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Have you ever paused during your busy day and realized just how much you have to be thankful for? Today, on Day 19 of our Gratitude Challenge, we’re focusing on feeling blessed, exploring what it truly means to recognize God’s goodness in our lives. Whether you’re counting blessings, seeking joy, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, join us as we celebrate the abundance God provides.
What Does “Feeling Blessed” Really Mean?
When Christians talk about feeling blessed, it’s more than just being lucky or having material possessions. It’s an awareness of God’s grace, mercy, and provision.
Being blessed isn’t just about what we receive—it’s about knowing Who provides. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
True blessing comes from trusting God and living in His love.
What Does “Feeling Blessed” Really Mean?
The phrase “feeling blessed” goes beyond material gain or fleeting happiness. For Christians, it’s rooted in recognizing God’s grace and presence in our everyday lives.
Gratitude: A thankful heart sees blessings even in challenges.
Contentment: Appreciating what we have, not just what we desire.
Faith: Trusting God’s plan, even when life feels uncertain.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” — James 1:17 (ESV)
How Can You Recognize Blessings in Daily Life?
Often, we overlook the simple gifts God provides. Here are ways to notice and appreciate them:
1. Count Your Blessings
Make a daily habit of listing your blessings. You may include:
Health and strength
Loving relationships
Opportunities to serve others
God’s guidance and comfort
2. Practice Mindful Gratitude
Pause throughout your day to thank God—whether for a warm meal or a word of encouragement from a friend.
3. Reflect on Scripture
God’s Word is full of reminders of His promises and care.
Bible Reference: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” — Matthew 5:6 (ESV)
FAQs: Feeling Blessed as a Christian
Q: Is feeling blessed only about positive circumstances? A: No. Even in trials, believers can feel blessed by God’s presence, hope, and strength (see Romans 8:28).
Q: How can I bless others as I recognize my own blessings? A: Share your time, resources, or encouragement. Blessing others flows naturally from a grateful heart.
Q: What if I don’t feel blessed right now? A: Pray for perspective. Ask God to open your eyes to everyday miracles. Sometimes blessings are hidden in challenges.
Practical Steps to Deepen Your Sense of Blessing
Start a Blessings Journal: Each morning or night, jot down three things you’re grateful for.
Pray With Thanksgiving: Thank God for specific ways He’s worked in your life.
Share Your Gratitude: Tell someone today how much you appreciate them.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Conclusion: Embrace Feeling Blessed Every Day
True gratitude transforms our hearts and draws us closer to God. By recognizing and celebrating our blessings, we honour Him and inspire others to do the same.
How are you feeling blessed today? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this encouraged you, don’t forget to share with a friend or subscribe for more daily inspiration.
Stay grateful—God is at work in every detail of your life!
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
What is included in the 70-Day Gratitude Journal?
It has daily prompts, space to write, a check in and milestone to see your progress. Why should you use it?
Using a gratitude journal can have several benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Here are some reasons to consider
Improves Mental Health: Regularly writing in a gratitude journal can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Study on Gratitude and Mental Health
Enhances Well-Being: Keeping a gratitude journal is associated with increased levels of overall well-being and life satisfaction. Study on Gratitude and Well-Being
Promotes Positive Thinking: Writing about what you are grateful for can shift your focus from negative to positive thoughts. Study on Gratitude and Positive Thinking
Improves Sleep: Practicing gratitude can lead to better sleep quality and duration by reducing negative thoughts before bedtime. Study on Gratitude and Sleep
Strengthens Relationships: Expressing gratitude can enhance relationships by fostering feelings of connectedness and appreciation between individuals. Study on Gratitude and Relationships
Increases Resilience: Maintaining a gratitude journal can help build resilience in the face of challenges and stressors. Study on Gratitude and Resilience
Boosts Self-Esteem: Gratitude practices can enhance self-esteem and reduce social comparisons that negatively impact confidence. Study on Gratitude and Self-Esteem
These studies highlight the various ways in which keeping a gratitude journal can positively impact your life!
Get the 70 Day Gratitude Challenge Journal and start capturing your daily blessings! https://livelight.ca/b/yNoct
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Course, exclusively available when you choose the Course + Community + Clarity option. This unique course draws from timeless wisdom—revealing the 9 things the Bible tells us to do with our whole heart. You'll discover practical ways to live each of these out, not just in theory, but in the everyday moments that matter most. Through guided lessons, real-world exercises, and ongoing support, you'll learn how to bring your whole heart to your faith, relationships, work, and personal growth. If you're ready for lasting transformation—where gratitude becomes second nature and every day is lived fully—this is your next step. Visit https://revtrev.link/thanks to get started or just get the course at https://revtrev.link/heart
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Embrace gratitude today by focusing on your blessings. Shift your mindset and notice how choosing to feel blessed transforms your day.
Welcome to Day 17 of the Gratitude Challenge! Today’s focus is on choosing to feel blessed. Discover how shifting your perspective towards gratitude can uplift your mood and inspire positive change. Follow along for practical tips and motivation to make gratitude a daily habit. Share your experiences in the comments and join our growing community of grateful minds!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Choose Being Blessed: Embracing God's Favour Daily
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be blessed? In a world obsessed with material success, it's easy to overlook the deeper spiritual blessings God offers. Today, let’s explore the power of being blessed, how to recognize God’s favor in your life, and ways to live out blessings every day.
What Does "Being Blessed" Really Mean?
“Blessed” is a word Christians hear often, but it’s more than just having good fortune. Being blessed means experiencing God’s love, grace, and provision—no matter your circumstances.
Spiritual Fulfillment: True blessings come from a relationship with God (Ephesians 1:3).
Peace Beyond Understanding: Philippians 4:7 reminds us of the peace that surpasses all understanding.
God’s Protection: Psalm 91 speaks of God’s shelter for those who trust Him.
How Can You Recognize God's Blessings?
Many people ask, “How do I know if I'm blessed?” Sometimes blessings are obvious; other times, they appear as challenges that lead to growth.
Look for Signs of Blessing:
Answered Prayers When God responds—even in unexpected ways—it’s a sign of His favor.
Spiritual Growth Tough times can draw you closer to Christ (James 1:2-4).
Daily Provision Food, shelter, and relationships are everyday blessings (Matthew 6:31-33).
Common Questions:
Is being blessed only about material things? Not at all! Spiritual blessings matter most (Colossians 3:2).
Can hardships be blessings? Yes. God uses trials to shape your character and faith.
Ways to Choose Being Blessed Every Day
Choosing to see and accept God’s blessings is an active decision. Here’s how you can focus on being blessed:
1. Practice Gratitude
List three things you’re thankful for each morning.
Thank God in prayer for His daily mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23).
2. Stay Connected to God
Read Scripture regularly.
Join a Bible study or small group.
3. Serve Others
Bless people with your time and kindness (Galatians 6:9-10).
Volunteer in your church or community.
4. Trust God's Plan
Remember Romans 8:28—God works all things for good for those who love Him.
Living Out Your Blessings
Being blessed goes beyond receiving—it’s about sharing. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others.” When you walk in God’s favor, you inspire others to seek Him too.
Make Blessings Count:
Encourage someone today.
Share your testimony.
Support a ministry or cause.
Conclusion: Step Into God's Blessings
Every believer can choose being blessed by focusing on God’s presence, provision, and purpose. Remember, blessings aren’t just for special moments—they’re woven into everyday life for those who trust in Him.
What blessings have you noticed lately?
Share your thoughts below, comment with a favourite Bible verse about blessing, and subscribe for more faith-building content!
Mobile-friendly tip: Bookmark this post or share it with a friend so you can revisit these truths anytime you need encouragement.
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
How does gratitude help in strengthening neural pathways?
Gratitude can strengthen neural pathways through various mechanisms related to brain function and emotional processing. Here’s how it works, along with links to sources for further reading:
Positive Emotion Regulation: Practicing gratitude encourages the brain to engage with positive emotions, which can help form new neural connections associated with well-being. This process is linked to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Source: Greater Good Science Center - The Science of Gratitude
Neuroplasticity: Gratitude practices promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Regularly focusing on positive aspects of life can lead to lasting changes in brain structure. Source: Psychology Today - The Neuroscience of Gratitude
Cortical Changes: Studies have shown that gratitude can lead to changes in brain structure, particularly in areas related to emotional processing, decision-making, and social interactions, enhancing overall cognitive function. Source: Harvard Health Publishing - The Benefits of Gratitude
Formation of Positive Habits: Regularly practicing gratitude helps reinforce positive thinking patterns, strengthening the neural pathways associated with happiness and contentment. Source: Forbes - The Neuroscience Behind Gratitude
By fostering positive emotions and reducing negative ones, gratitude helps create a more supportive environment for mental health, leading to strengthened neural pathways that support overall well-being.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Looking to deepen your gratitude practice and see real changes in your daily outlook? The Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal - Printable is designed to guide you through 70 days of morning and evening prompts, helping you focus on thankfulness and positivity. Track your progress, reflect on milestones, and use the built-in mood tracker to monitor your growth. Whether you join the Course + Community + Clarity for full access or purchase the journal separately, this powerful tool makes it easy to build a lasting gratitude habit—anytime, anywhere. Get your copy today at https://revtrev.link/thanks and start experiencing the benefits of gratitude in your life!
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
AbideExplore what it means to Align to Abide in the presence of God. We discuss how this impacts our daily lives. Join us as we examine scripture and share personal stories of hope and renewal. Discover practical ways to embrace faith and let the resurrection guide your journey.
Maybe it’s better said “We become more like what we put our trust in.”
Look at where I get this from
*Psalm 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
It’s a spiritual principle that we become like who we worship, or become like those we trust in.
The more we spend time with God, the more we become like Him. Technically, God makes us more and more like the Son He loves—who is the exact representation of the Father.
If you want to grow any fruit of the spirit, you need to spend time with God, who will grow Holy Spirit’s fruit in you.
What does living in the light of His resurrection mean to you?
For me, it’s abiding with Him, so I become more and more like Him.
When do you spend time with Him?
How do you spend time with Him?
I’ve noticed for me, it changes over time.
In this current season of you’re in what does it look like?
Before we get into all that…
Can I pray for you?
Pick a Rhythm to Abide
Seek Him Always, Seek Him and find Him, Seek Him and Live
Over the better part of the last year I have felt Holy Spirit drawing me to seek Him always, to seek Him and find Him, to seek Him and live.
What did that look like in the day-to-day-of-my-everyday?
Options for Rhythms to help Abide
Was it remembering Him in the times-between-times? The monks in the Middle Ages called this Statio. They’d come early to events just to have time to be aware God was already there.
Maybe that was how I could seek the Lord?
Maybe it was to have to praise breaks? Moments of Selah. David wrote he will praise God seven times a day. Seven is the number of completeness so it’s a poetic way to say “I will always praise you”. But I did have a time in my life where I set 7 alarms up on my watch and whenever they sounded I’d praise the Lord…it led to awkward and interesting conversations.
Maybe that was how I should seek the Lord?
What about Exemen? Exemen is a Jesuit prayer rhythm where at the end of the day you think about how you’ve been with God. Be thankful for that, but figure out where you failed and confess and repent so you can do better tomorrow. There may have been some mental flagellation—or self-flagellation for that matter—involved, but I didn’t think I needed to go there.
What I decided to try to Abide
I set my Reminders for different times in the day to remember to do all of these rhythms…
But I knew He wanted me to set the best part on my day apart for Him.
So my main focus was on—what I started calling—the Align to Abide Prayer. I developed it over that time. I found a prayer wheel that had 12 sections of 5 minutes each to make up a complete hour and I worked my own out of that.
Pick a time to Abide
I found I needed to do the prayer wheel first thing in the morning—after I stretched and took my morning meds. So I started getting up earlier so I’d have time on days I have early morning meetings. I’ve had to set my clock to 5:45 AM—I’ve trained myself so most days I can be up by then.
While I have the structure of twelve five-minute sections for one hour, some have permanently lengthened and others rarely take that long. On mornings I don’t have meetings, I can go longer than an hour. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not set, it’s a fluid time. I need to have grace for my self and commitments.
I’ve taken to calling this the Align to Abide Prayer Rhythm because it helps times of Selah and Statio and Exemen to naturally happen. I find when I align in the morning, it’s easier to be aware of His presence throughout the day and I naturally use those tools when I’m do.
The difference between religion and relationship
You can do what you do out of religion or relationship - motives matter. Maturity determines where you naturally default to…but all of us can slip anytime. Don’t think when you start doing something out of relationship that you don’t start doing it religiously.
I’ve often found the people who pride themselves on not being religious are the ones to act the most religiously. They hate it when I point it out to them. So I’ve learned to ask questions and tell my own stories.
For example:
It’s easy for me to tell when I’m doing something religiously or when I’m doing it to build my relationship with God.
When it doesn’t fit into my schedule to do something—that I’m doing religiously—I feel like I’ve failed, that I’ll never get it right, that I’ll never measure up.
However, when I use that same form to enhance my relationship with God—and I can’t do it for a day or even a season—I simply make space to do it or look forward to next time I can do it. It doesn’t matter if I do everything on the list or focus on a particular piece on any random day.
It’s like this—I need to stretch everyday. When I don’t have time to stretch or forget a particular stretch, I will feel it in my body at some point in the day. When I feel it in my body, I make sure to stretch as soon as I can. Like this morning I forgot to stretch my shoulders and arms, so I did it in the office before the service. I don’t beat myself up about not stretching.
In the spiritual, I need to spend my best and first time of my day with God. When I miss it, or rush through part of it—like I forget to exchange my problems for his peace—I will notice it. I will feel it in my spirit and make sure I do that as soon as I can. I don’t beat myself up about it. His grace is sufficient. I apologize—sometimes confess and repent—and move on.
Working out of religion brings shame. Working out of relationship brings life.
Don’t get overwhelmed with Align to Abide
What I’m going to share today please realize I’m not saying, “This is what you need to do”.
I’m offering you tools to help you Seek Him Always. Seek Him and find Him. Seek Him and live!
Please don’t get overwhelmed by everything I’m going to tell you today. What I’m sharing with you has grown over the better part of a year.
I started with a this form and realized I’ve been in this dance with God for several years and was so excited to see how this piece fit that piece and how that tool supported this discipline and how this element really was that rhythm.
And my prayer lists have turned into praise and thanksgiving organically over time—if I showed you my petition and intercession lists you might think it’s ridiculous. But again, they’ve grown organically, over time as I’ve spent time with God he’s turned my heart towards people and situations. They get on the list.
My walk is not your walk, your walk is not my walk. We walk together the same path, but He directs our steps different.
And so in your notes you’ll find a lot of links. Please don’t get overwhelmed with them. These are available for you to fit into any part of your own rhythm.
So how do you walk in the light of His resurrection?
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.
Let’s get into Align to Abide
Prepare to Abide
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Prepare your space
I start with music. I use an app…options…option coming
Why? See 2 Kings 3:15 Elisha said: "But now bring me a harpist." And while the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon him.
Prepare your mind
Never forget
Every Kingdom movement starts with prayer. —John Smed “Prayer Revolution”
————————
1. Centring prayer
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1–2
My prayer
Lord give me the capacity to do the things that need to get done, the awareness of your presence to know I’m doing what you have for me to do, the assurance to know you empower me to accomplish every good work prompted by faith.
And the grace for myself if I can’t see everything I’d like to get accomplished in the time I’d like it to be done. I know and trust Your purpose for me will be fulfilled, so help me act and pray like I trust that you will finish your good work in me.
And help me have the grace for others—knowing that since you’ll finish the good work in me, you will finish the good work you started in them—so I can think of them ahead of myself. Thank you that You do all things well.
This ending piece is what I’d recommend:
My eyes are open and expectant for every treasure you have for me to find today. Thank you for being God with Us. Help me be with you today.
2. Daily Reflection
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4
Thank you that you are worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you I can always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for me because I belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
4. Be Still and know He is God
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23-24
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you that you understand so I can say: But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? Psalm 56:3-4
5. Confession and Repentance
* Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,O God of Israel. Psalm 69:6
Two questions
Is there anything I’ve done or not done that would make those closest to me ashamed or humiliated—more than them just rolling their eyes?
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you for your promise that you will give me a new heart and put a new spirit in me; that you will remove from me my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh Ezekiel 36:26
6. Pray Scripture
All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10b
Thank you that the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
7. Ask Petitions
Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 4:2b
Pray from Identity Matthew 7:9-11
Your identity is that you have a good Father who knows what you need, so you don’t have to keep babbling like the pagans because He enjoys giving good gifts to his children, but he wants you ask for what you eat and drink and wear because He wants you to know He takes care of you like the flowers and birds.
A. Remember to ask for…
If I have to work for it, I need to pray for it.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5
The possible stuff done His way is path the feeling his presence and pleasure.
B. Family’s Future
God’s will - have not because you ask not.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
Example:
Health and strength for myself and all my family members—may we all have strength for all of our days.
Give us hearts to know you and your hope and our inheritance in Christ and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, which is available to us. May we always learn to know you better and better.
Bless the work of our hands. Empower every good work prompted by our faith. May all our plans succeed for your glory. Lead us in your ways.
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. Draw them to Yourself. Cover them in the shelter of Your wing. May our children and their children return to their own borders. Settle them back in their own lands. May they find their boundaries lines are in pleasant places. Turn what the enemy meant for evil for good. Redeem them—they are yours. They have been bought with a price. They belong to you. The promise of the Holy Spirit is for us and our children and all who are far off. Don’t let them ignore your promise.
May our children and their children and their children—and all who believe because of them—receive the inheritance of our father and mother. You are with them in their coming and going and in their sitting and rising. Thank you that Your kindness to them will lead them to You.
May they seek Your face always. May they seek You and find You. May they seek You and live!
C. Commit my Plans
Dream with God, Stay on track with what He’s prompted me to do and for what I’m responsible for.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalms 57:2
This verse realigned my perspective. I knew God would fulfill his purpose for me…He’s God. But that means I need to cry out to Him
My books, courses, resources, websites, social media strategies, book marketing strategies… He directs my steps - for example. I know I need to get the courses done first and then the books will help market them.
D. Commit my Commitments
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
Kingdom Way
5 Prayers to Praying For....
Believers would have a passion for the lost Luke 19:10
Believers would have a desire to return to Church Hebrews 10:24-25 and corporate times of worship ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
Believers would experience the release of God’s glory in their personal, and corporate times of worship ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18, Psalm 22:3
Pre-believers would be drawn into the church because they feel God’s presence 1 Corinthians 14:24-25
Believers would passionately desire to serve Matt 9:37-38
MCare
1 million souls by 2030
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you that you gave us parables so that we’d always pray and never give up Luke 18:1
8. Cast Cares
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you that You promise that You will rescue those who love You and that You will protect those who trust in Your name. Psalm 91:14
9. Intercession
May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
Pray from authority Matthew 28:18-19
Our Authority comes from Christ having all authority and teaching us to pray His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven
A. Our Family
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1
Our family, extended family, all the kids and significant others and future spouse, by name and by need.
Helps me remember names and conversations. Absolutely a benefit I didn’t expect.
B. Who God puts on my heart…
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. Colossians 1:9
For friends, work, and church by name and by need
C. For our Country
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I will pray God helps them. I will intercede for them. And give thanks for them.
Nations - Nation - Province - City
And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you that the prayer of someone—you’ve made righteous—is powerful and effective. James 5:16
10. Meditation
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:15
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you that the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart can be pleasing in your sight. Psalm 19:14
11. Bible Reading
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank you that your promises are my my armour and protection Psalm 94:1
12. Journal with God
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Habakkuk 2:1
Abide with thanksgiving: Thank You that You make known to me the path of life and you fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16:11
Final Abiding with Thanksgiving
Thank you I can be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. For you have enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to Your people, who live in the light. Colossians 9:11b-12
Conclusion of Align to Abide
I know this works. I feel His presence and want to be in His presence and have His peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation.
They were getting me ready to leave the ward after my Cardiac Ablation Surgery and two nurses—I had gotten to know—were changing the dressing on each side. The one on the right was done and left. The one on the left was holding pressure on a possible hematoma when he noticed I had sprung a leak. He asked Karen the leave, put pressure on the right side and called the other nurse back. She took over and pressed harder and I started to feel like I’d be sick or pass out. They put me back on a drip and gave me some orange juice, so I started feeling better.
And I felt appreciation for this nurse. She was working overtime to make sure I could make it home as soon as I could. So I thanked her—she had been holding pressure the whole time. She replied “You’re far too positive for the situation you’re in right now.” I was lying in a pool of my own blood. I laughed and said, “I’m just glad it happened here and that you could help me rather than at home.”
It wasn’t a delusional laugh. I was at peace. I had His joy. I knew He was going to use this for His good.
It’s not my natural state...but is my supernatural state
I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily. I do that because I’m learning to abide in Him. Every day I’m making space to be with Him and hear from him.
It was the Wednesday before the procedure and in my quite time with God I had to confess I was concerned about “complications” from it all. I was asking AI about what to expect and asking God why I so concerned about such low numbers.
It turns out I had to confess I was trusting in a whole lot of other things instead of trusting in him. He reminded me of other times I have been through the fire and not been burned and through the flood and not been swept away and through deep waters and not been drowned because HE was with me. I felt him ask me if I would trust him regardless of complications? I decided I would—with his help. I think prayed “When I am I afraid, I’ll trust in you.”
I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily.
I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily. I need his presence always, so I seek His presence intentionally. I do it in the morning and it’s easier to feel His presence all day.
Since we live by the Spirit we need to keep in step with the Spirit. How do you let love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and gentleness and self-control grow in you? We cannot keep this as an idea in our head or a sentiment in our heart, we need to work out its implications into every area of our lives.
We can’t spout truism if it’s not true in our lives. Bumperstickers telling people the hope we have can be real pretentious if people don’tsee the hope we have. Bible verses on walls are great, but if those promises aren’t lived out it becomes religion. Religion brings rules. Relationship brings life.
Our relationship with the resurrected Jesus means we need to abide in him.
People need to see the hope that we have. In His presence is fullness of joy. The God of all hope fills us with peace and joy as we trust in Him so that we can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily.
The time I spend with Him—every morning I can with Him helps me to seek Him in the time between times. And praise Him in the moments of awe I see every day. It helps me to put all my plans into His hands. And keeps me on the path he has for me.
What will you do to be more aware of His presence in your life?
Has your heart said “Seek His Face”?
Have you replied, “Your face, oh Lord I will seek”?
Do you now how you’ll seek him in this season?
He’s is seeking for hearts that are totally devoted to him.
Application to Abide
Maybe there’s something you can add to your prayer time that will revive it for a season?
Maybe you’ve already thought “I used to do that, why did I stop?”
Maybe you heard something exciting you’d like to try.
All the tools are at all the links I gave you in the notes. If you go to the church webpage—after I have this message posted—all those links will be live. If you book mark it on your phone, you can work through whatever tool you’d to use.
Challenge to Abide
You really need to hear what God is saying to you. Don’t do what I’m doing because I told you about it.
Maybe God wants you to spend an hour each day?
Maybe you should set a time?
Maybe it’s a season to go deep in one aspect we’ve talked about.
If you ask Him, He will tell you. You will feel His pull. He’s seeking for you.
Seek Him always. Seek Him and find. Seek him and live.
Can I pray for you so you can Abide?
Lord give us ears to hear, hearts to know and hands to obey what you’re telling us to do. In the next few moments speak clearly and speak live.
Thank you you’re always with us. Help us be with you.
Read Appreciating creation reminds me that He cares for me
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. As I walk outside each day, marvel at the mystery. I look around and am amazed at the life surrounding me. Inhaling the air, I notice the sensation of the breeze across my face. I am struck by the beauty of creation. Day after day, creation speaks. Night after night, it makes Him known. They speak without a voice and shout loudly when they are noticed.
The beauty of creation wraps its arms around me. Today can be a good day or a trying day. No matter which, my Creator and His world are right here. He’s waiting to guide me through the day-to-day of my every day. I choose to think of His good thoughts towards me. His good thoughts are for me and not against me. They are more than all the grains of sand on every beach on every ocean and every dune in every desert. He rejoices over me with singing. He quiets me with His love. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me!
I feel grateful every time I think about creation and am amazed and in awe of what the Creator has created for me to enjoy. I gasp in sheer joy when I see deep purple blooms on the bushes or snowflakes falling from the sky. The rich, green grass of summer tickles my nose with its aroma. The laughter of children playing in the sun makes me smile and laugh inside. A rainbow reminds me of His promise. What am I that You are mindful of me? Who am I that You care for me? I am so grateful that You do. I am so grateful I can trust You.
If a troubling thought nags at my mind, I choose to do something about it. I take a walk in the open air and I breathe in; I breathe out. The aromas of nature and the caress of the breeze rise to meet me. Since my Father cares about the little sparrows, so they have food even if they don’t store up and the grass of the field, so it looks so good, even though it can be thrown in the flame tomorrow - I trust Him to take care of me. I remember I can cast my care upon Him because He cares for me. I worry about nothing, pray about everything, and thank God in all situations. Creation helps me remember Him and His care for me.
Today, I promise to be in the moment and take intimate notice of creation shouting the story of the Father’s love for it. The colour of the sky, the faint fragrance in the air, and the sound of the trees rustling in the breeze all remind me of His care for me.
Reflection Questions to Ask Holy Spirit:
When was the last time I made time for all that creation reminds me of Your care for me?
How do I make an opportunity to relax in the beauty of creation today?
Regardless of my mood each day, how can I remind myself to turn to creation for solace and sustenance for my soul?
Next Steps
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Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days …
Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action
Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
