Thanks, and Praise: Psalm 34:1-7

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 34:1

2 I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34: 2-3 (NIV)

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

Psalm 34: 4-7 (NIV)

Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving this week. I am thankful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm34:3)

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Be Content: Hebrews 13:5


Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.”

Hebrews 13:5 (GWT)

Love of money, an unhealthy desire for wealth, or covetousness; are worldly behaviors that lead to dissatisfaction and envy. Christians need to be thankful for what they have and not be anxious about worldly things. Our lives should not revolve around earthly treasures, which are easily lost or destroyed. Instead, we should store our treasures in heaven; by living the way God asks us to live.
We should be happy and thankful for all God has given us; be content. For God says, I will never abandon you or leave you. An attitude of contentment brings heartfelt peace and leads to a positive outlook exemplifying Christian life.

5-6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?

Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG)

Are you worried about your status and keeping up with the neighbors; or content in the knowledge that God will never abandon or leave you?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness and love. Teach us to be content with what we have, and realize what is important in life. Help us to store our treasures in heaven; rather than in material things. Like the zinnia flower reflects sunlight, let us reflect Your light and spread Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Everything I Need: Psalm 16:5

Beach Rose – Rosa Rugosa

Your pleasant path leads me  pleasant places.
I’m overwhelmed by the privileges
that come with following you,
for you have given me the best!
The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more,
for your whispers in the night give me wisdom,
showing me what to do next.
Because you are close to me and always available,
my confidence will never be shaken,
for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.
My heart and soul explode with joy—full of glory!
Even my body will rest confident and secure.
Psalm 16:6-9 The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Passion Translation has a beautiful description of the Lord and lists examples of how He is everything we need. The Lord is always available to us, He gives us wisdom, He counsels us, and in Him, we can rest confident and secure. If you need hope, security, or wisdom, call on the Lord and listen for guidance. God forgives us and surrounds us with His unconditional Love.

What do you need to give to Jesus, to let the Lord be your everything?

Another way of saying the Lord is everything I need is “Christ is Enough.” Click here for the song – by Hillsong Live.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are our everything! We are thankful for your compassion, care, and guidance. Help us to grow in faith and give our lives to You. The lovely beach rose is a simple rose that doesn’t need pampering, it thrives in the sand at the beach. Lord, teach us to realize You are what we need to thrive You are our hope and our salvation. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Give Thanks: Psalm 107:8

A Festive Street Display

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,

Psalm 107:8 (NIV)

Autumn is a wonderful time to be thankful. The fruits and flowers of summer are on bright display. The trees put on a colorful symphony, highlighting the beauty of God’s abundant nature. We are truly blessed! Take time today and every day to praise and thank the Lord for his unfailing love and wonderful deeds.

Where do you see God’s beauty?

Maple – Crabapple – Dogwood

Prayer: Our Father, how great is your bounty to us. Thank you for your compassion, grace, and unconditional love. Our Lord, how great You are! When we call your name you listen, when we ask You forgive us, and when we believe, You save us. Abba Father, we praise and love You. We thank you for all the amazing things you have done. Amen

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

*A special thank you to Dawn at Drawing Closer to Christ for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger award. Her blog is great, and her posts are thoughtful, loving, and encouraging.