From my new devotional book:
November 5
It is with awe and an attitude of gratitude that He is not merely “out there” but is a very personal presence because He reaches us through sending Jesus Christ as a visible presence, and His Holy Spirit to guide us and point us to Him, Holy yet approachable.
When I look at life through His perspective, my life is inexplicably entwined with His purposes for me and for those with whom I come in contact. Mankind, believers and non-believers alike, forces of nature, and events of historic proportions are used for His purposes and have eternal consequences. The obvious struggle between good and evil is universal, epic, and infinitely remarkable.It is also intensely personal.
Today’s Scripture: “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16)
Prayer: Lord, for the times you have caused me to speak in Your Name, acknowledging Your presence in events that seemed random at the time, and for the times You have challenged me in circumstances I found intimidating, I thank You for guiding me. I am an imperfect servant, to be sure, but You are faithful to me. I pray You will show me when to witness to Your power in my life, for in doing so, I will be filled with thanksgiving when You show me that You are in charge the more often I turn over my will to Your direction. In Jesus’ Powerful Name. Amen.
November 5 Thanksliving Journal: Witnessing for God
“And He (Jesus) said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
(Acts 1:7-8)
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November 5 Thanksliving Album:
Items, pictures, sketches, photos showing sharing God’s love with others, a legacy of memories, a place I’ll return when I need reminders of evidence of His love for me in every situation.
Scripture passages about speaking out for God, even when we could face persecution. Also, activities to help the saints know Christ’s love.
“Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11)
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6)
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16)
“Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the pubic reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”
(I Timothy 4:11-13)
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