From my new devotional guide Attitude of Gratitude, the November 8 entry. To see others, go to blogs from November 1-7 at this site or on Facebook under Betty Jackson
November 8
I confess I am closer to God’s guidance sometimes rather than others. One of my sinful nature traits is to try to handle things on my own. I tell myself, mistakenly, that I can face life’s challenges on my own. After all, I learned it early. Isn’t every parent’s task to raise independent, self-sufficient children, capable and equipped to accomplish great things? From applause for first steps to brag centers at graduation parties, we rightly or wrongly preach that message to each succeeding generation.
Today’s Scripture: “The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the man who discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from Your law; You grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject His people, He will never forsake His inheritance.” (Psalm 94:11-15)
Prayer: Help me, Heavenly Father, to walk in Your footsteps, not to trust in my own strength or abilities. Make my first thought of the day Yours. Capture my calendar, guide my schedule, stop me from “doing my own thing!” The more I trust in Your guidance, the more I can say, “Thank You, Lord,” when things happen that can only be by Your direct intervention. Show me Godincidences when I least expect them, for I know they happen by Your command. In Your Loving Name, Amen.
November 8 Thanksliving Journal: Relying on God rather than myself.
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November 8 Thanksliving Album:
Items, pictures, sketches, photos showing time when I’ve made a mess of things because I ran ahead of God’s plan, a legacy of memories, a place I’ll return when I need reminders of evidence of His love for me in every situation.
Scripture showing me to rely on God rather than myself:
Psalm 27
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55: 6)
“’For my thoughts are not your thought, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.’ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts’.” (Isaiah 55: 8-9)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:17)
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