BRING ME THE SACRIFICE of thanksgiving. Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. Before Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, thankfulness was as natural as breathing. Satan's temptation involved pointing Eve to the one thing that was forbidden to her. The garden was filled with luscious, desirable fruits, but Eve focused on the one fruit she could not have rather than being thankful for the many good things freely available. This negative focus darkened her mind and she succumbed to temptation.
When you focus on what you do not have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is "fixed."
When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through. Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.
- Jesus
Scripture Insight: Psalm 116:17; Genesis 3:2-6 and 1 John 1:7
(Jesus Calling / Sarah Young)
1 John 1:5-8 - Peter said, " ... make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (New International Version)
ReplyDeletePeter lists several of faiths actions: learning to know God better, developing perseverance, doing God's will, and loving others. These actions do not come automatically, they require hard work. They are not optional, all of them must be a continual part of our lives.