From my new book, Thanksliving: A November Devotional Guide–
November 4
The world calls unexplainable situations by various names: circumstance or chance, coincidence or accident, serendipity or freak of nature, luck or magic. Culture has its explanations. How many times have we heard:
- “It is what it is,”
- “That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” or
- “That’s life.?”
I, on the other hand, live in the sure knowledge that God is in charge of my every experience; therefore, I know by those experiences that He designs them for my good and His glory. In retrospect, I see His guiding hand, His lessons, and through prayer, wise counsel, and immersion in the Word of God, discover His leading and protection.
Today’s Scripture: “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:2-5)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to grow in wisdom and understanding through each time of discovery, to see Your purpose, to persevere, to grow in character, and to always see hope in the process, knowing that You strengthen and sustain. I thank You for these times so I can better know Your Presence. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
November 4: Thanksliving Journal: God’s guiding my life:
“Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God do not delay.” (Psalm 41:1)
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Thanksliving Album:
Items, pictures, sketches, photos showing how you personally guide my walk, a legacy of memories, a place I’ll return when I need reminders of evidence of His love for me in every situation.
Scripture: God’s personal guidance for my life:
“For you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thought. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Psalm 138:23-24)
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor. but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)
“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)
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20)
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