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Hello,
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Today I woke up with an old song on my mind, “Give Thanks,” and I have not been able to shake it from my mind and spirit. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I think we are all perhaps thinking of things we are thankful and grateful for like our health, our families, our homes, jobs, friends and food; however, the usual things that come to mind are not the things that have gripped me this day. One of my favorite worship artists, Steffany Gretzinger, along with Melissa Hesler, just released this song two weeks ago, and as I’ve sung along and focussed on the Object of my gratefulness, my perspective has changed and has been challenged. I’ll share a link to the song after I am done sharing my heart with you.
I woke up singing this song because I went to bed last night right after listening and praising God to these words penned by Don Moen. “Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the weak say, “I am strong.” Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us.” Give Thanks!” Psalm 105:1-3 tells us what to thank Him for and how to share it with others. “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His miracles. Exult in His holy name; O worshipers of the Lord, rejoice!” Think about His goodness and His love for you. If you have been rescued and saved by Jesus, give thanks to the Holy One for giving His Son to be your Savior. He is worthy of our praise.
If you are honestly, thinking you don’t how to proclaim the Lord’s greatness, you might read Psalm 104 out loud and tell yourself to praise Him. I promise, if you are struggling with anxiety, fear, dread, hopelessness or even complacency (and yes those who are In Christ are affected too)…this new perspective of praising God and telling Him how thankful and grateful you are for Him and His greatness and goodness, despite your circumstances, will shift your situation and allow peace to flow to your heart.
In my book, Good Grief I’m Healed, in chapter 13, I share “6 Scripture Based Daily Action Steps to achieve stability, security and peace of mind.” These are daily focuses backed by the Word of God that allow us to remain calm, confident in Christ and walk in our healing we receive from Him. Step 2 is “Start and end each day with a thankful heart and a voice of praise!” I’ve created a pdf handout you can download free that covers these steps. It’s a gift for you here. Try implementing these steps into your life.
During this season of focus on Thanksgiving, my hope is that you will join me and focus on the Source of our hope. Give your thanks offering to God and tell everyone about Him! May He fill you with overflowing joy as you trust in Him and as you start and end your days with a thankful heart and a voice of praise. He is good and He is for you! Enjoy listening to this song “Give Thanks”, and keep scrolling for one more fresh word of good news! |
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As always…If you have a specific prayer request you’d like to me to pray, I’d be honored. Just reply to this email.
Suzanne Grimaud, Author, “He Reveals to Heal!”
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HEALED BY THE WORD: A Fresh Monthly Word
Give This Away & See What Happens!
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What gift is it that is inside you that you can give to someone else during this season of giving? I know, this is a Christmas gift pictured, but I’m curious what you can begin to think about giving that will make a difference in someone else’s life this Christmas. Several years ago, to raise money for my children to go on mission’s trips, I began baking maple glazed cinnamon rolls for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The tradition began in our home and in the home for many but what we found was so many were eager to order cinnamon rolls because it gave them an opportunity to do something for someone else collaboratively. We often will see a need and not know what we can do about it, and may even feel overwhelmed at the thought of doing anything. Instead, ponder “that gift or that thing you enjoy or feel you are good at” and ask yourself if it’s something you would be willing to share or offer your services for so that you and others could join efforts and give the proceeds to your favorite charity, ministry or needy families in your community this holiday season. My kids are now grown, but we’ve continued the tradition in our home. My freezer is full of pans of cinnamon rolls to soon be picked up from friends who by their purchase this year, are contributing to buying Bibles for tribal congregations in a foreign land who do not have the Word of God in their language…yet! I’ve only given a gift of time to bake and collectively, my tribe of cinnamon roll lovers are able to put the Good News of God’s Word in the hands of others. What gift can you give? Ask the Holy Spirit for fresh ideas and listen for His answer! And as you act on it…see what good thing God does through you! I’d love to hear ways you give to others during the holidays. Feel free to share! |