In A Nutshell

During my quiet time today I read from a devotional by Sarah Young. I got so excited with the message, with the connection to my mission, my blog, my passion... I simply must share it. The message is basically my blog in a nutshell. Oh, and just a reminder that Sarah Young writes in Jesus' voice... read this, meditate on the message as if Jesus is looking into your eyes and speaking only to you. :)

Enter My gates with thanksgiving and My courts with praise. A thankful heart is a joyful heart, and this is what I want for you. When you neglect the sacrifices of thanksgiving, your soul suffers.

Many of My children who live in impoverished nations are more joyful than Christians in "rich" countries with material abundance. Even the greatest blessings can fail to bring Joy unless they are received with gratitude.

I am training you to thank Me not only for obvious blessings but also for situations you would never have chosen - a wayward child or spouse; loss of health, home, or employment. This is counterintuitive thankfulness, and it is possible only to the extent that you trust Me at a deep level. It is also a matter of self-discipline: willing yourself to thank Me even when your circumstances are screaming at you to find a way out. Though it is wise to look for ways to improve your situation, you cannot force My hand - or My timing. Just keep coming into My Presence with thanksgiving. Your persistent thankfulness may actually provide the long-awaited key I will use to unlock major difficulties in your life. Giving thanks to Me can open doors in ways that transcend your understanding.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing." Psalm 107:21-22

"You now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." John 16:22

From Jesus Today by Sarah Young.

One more thing I want to share that I've been drawn to lately... a song from Mark Schultz called "I Gave Up". It puts life into the perspective of gratitude and being content with the blessings we have. Click on this link to listen to the YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRAG5NM6MXQ

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b