Category: Christian Living

The Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving

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I find it sad that few people know the story of the Pilgrims sailing to Massachusetts in 1620 on the Mayflower.  They had a very difficult 2 month journey from England.  The Pilgrims left England, because they were not allowed to worship as they believed God wanted them to.  When they arrived in Massachusetts they had to face a tough winter.  Over half of the original 102 passengers died.  That spring they had help from the Wampanoag tribe to plant crops.  The harvest of 1621 was a good one.  They invited the Wampanoag to join them in celebration and thankfulness to God for His provision.

We don’t have recorded transcripts from their conversations, but it is known that the Pilgrims practiced thankfulness on a regular basis.  I think they might have read Psalm 9.  This psalm talks about God’s provision during tough times.  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the Pilgrims. Thank you that they spent time regularly declaring thanksgiving. Please help me to follow their example.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Hesed – Steadfast Love

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Today I am thankful for God’s steadfast love.  In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Hebrew word is hesed.  It is an interesting study.  Sometimes it is translated mercy, kindness, goodness.  The point is that God has offered such great love that does not waver.  I cannot even begin to describe it in a short blog post.  Please know that God is very good.  He is loving.  He has given the most loving gift possible in the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sin.  I pray if you don’t know Jesus that you will soon.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of your steadfast love.  I know am unworthy, but You chose to love me anyway.  Please help me to live in a way that shows this same love to others.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Gathering in Jesus Name

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Today I am thankful for those who gather in the name of Jesus.  My church family has commented on how much we missed gathering from March – May this year.  If you haven’t learned what gathering around the name of Jesus is, you have missed out. We aren’t perfect, but when we have our eyes fixed on God, the fellowship is wonderful.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my church family and others who gather in Your name.  Thank you for the joy when we are in tune with Christ.  Thank You for the unity we can have when we put You first. Please help us to focus on You and all You have done for us.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Rejoice and Repeat

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Today’s verses are compliments of my mom.  I love the book of Philippians.  There is so much practical advice for daily living.  Verse 4 tells us to rejoice – twice!  I also appreciate the reminder in verse 6 to bring requests with thanksgiving.  The beauty of this practice is the peace it brings.  Peace that can only come from God.

Peace can seem elusive when times are tough.  I think we sometimes don’t have peace when things are good, because we look for peace in the wrong places.  We think it will come from the right job, house, possessions, people. Godly friends can help us achieve peace, but only if they direct us to Christ.

Friends, I pray you know Jesus Christ as your savior according to what the Bible says.  If not, please contact me. I would be happy to share the truth of the gospel with you. God is worth it!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing peace when we come to You with our praise and requests.  Thank You for the protection for our hearts and minds.  Please help me to rejoice and have a gentle spirit every day.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Live Without Complaining

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Happy week of Thanksgiving!  I wanted to take extra time this week to be thankful.  I know this is something that I need to do more.  Gratitude is even proven to be effective in helping with health issues (there are many medical studies).

Today’s verse was chosen by a friend of mine when I asked for thankfulness verses.  I know how easy it can be to complain when days are tough.  I also know the struggle of putting negative things in their place.  I am not going to lie about challenges – pretending they are no big deal.  However, it is too easy to get stuck in negative thinking.  There is nothing worse than someone who is constantly negative.  Thankfulness can bring refreshing joy despite challenges. 

I will continue to spend my life working through how to be honest about negative things and grateful at the same time.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing instruction on how to handle difficulties.  Please forgive my complaining.  Please give me wisdom to deal honestly with trials, but not be trapped in grumbling.  Thank You for the many blessings You give.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Inexpressible Thanks

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I have had a few responses from others who shared their favorite verse about thankfulness.  Today I will share the verse my grandma sent to me. 

If you read all of chapter 9, you will find the concept of cheerful giving.  When we understand what God has done for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins, cheerful giving is so much easier.   The Bible tells us that we are sinners – the book of Romans shares a lot about that.  We shouldn’t have too much trouble believing that when we look at the wrong all around us.  But I believe if we are honest with ourselves, we can see wrong within us.  That makes the joy of what God did greater.  Who can express the joy?  I am going to try throughout this month.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for me.  Thank You that everyone has the opportunity to know You and trust in Your Son.  The gift of salvation is indescribable.  I praise Your name!

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Thankfulness Continued

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Today I want to declare my thankfulness for the Bible.  The Bible is God’s word; breathed out by God for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  I know many consider the Bible a good book, but not necessarily from God.  Many have rejected the Bible completely as though it is nothing more than fiction.  The Bible means so much more to many of us, because we have studied and lived the truth found in its pages.

I find it interesting that many philosophies of love, kindness, respect and other values are found in the pages of the Bible.  None of us will perfectly live out these values.  However, with the help of reading and studying of the Bible, we can continue to grow and learn how to live the best priorities. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing and protecting Your word.  Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to read and study the Bible. Please help me to be faithful to the words You gave.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

If you have a favorite Bible verse of thankfulness, please comment below or send me an email (pleadinginprayer@gmail.com). I would be happy to include it in a future post.

Praise and Thanksgiving

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Many have used the month of November to focus on being thankful.  I have used the week of the Thanksgiving holiday for this, but I want to expand this year. 

Some days are easier to be thankful than others.  When I struggle to be thankful, I start with the fact that God saved me from my sins.  Romans chapter 3 tells me that I am a sinner.  In Romans 6:23, I find there is punishment for sin (death).  Romans 3 also tells me that I can be justified (saved) by faith in Jesus Christ.  If I continue reading Romans (10:9-10), I find that I need “to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead”.  I acknowledge my sin to God and Jesus saves me. 

I am so thankful for salvation and what that means in my day to day life.  Not only did God save me, but He wants to sustain me.  I will share more of those items in future posts this month.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me and sustaining me.  You have given me so much for my life now and for eternal life.  I cannot praise You enough.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Respect or Foolishness

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The fear (respect) of the Lord is something that seems to be lost in society at large.  Too few even know who God is.  Some think God exists but doesn’t care.  Some don’t believe God even exists.  I know God is real and cares, based on what He says in the Bible as well as the evidence many Christians have witnessed.  We take much by faith.  We all have to – whether we believe in God or not.

I want to live life with a solid foundation.  The knowledge that comes from the fear of the Lord is solid and unmoving.  Fools are unteachable and live a shaky life.  I pray that you seek the fear of the Lord.  You will find no greater security.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing wisdom and instruction in a shaky world.  Please help us to fear You and gain Your knowledge.  We need You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Who Needs Forgiveness

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I know we often use this verse around election time.  Corruption seems more rampant.  Some of the corruption is from those seeking election; some is from those pushing for a person to be elected.  We want the wickedness to stop.  While that is a worthy desire, I think we forget our own issues.

2 Chronicles 7:14 is specifically for the children of Israel.  However, I think this concept applies to children of God today – those who have trusted in Jesus as their Savior.  The verse says, “My people who are called by My name.”  Friends, those of us who claim Christ are called to humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face.  I think we want those who have rejected Christ to do that first.  While we should pray for those who do not know Christ to seek God also, we need to do this daily.   

Dear Heavenly Father, I still struggle with my sin nature.  Please forgive me for my sins and help me to turn away from wrong behavior.  I claim Your promise to hear, forgive and heal.  I pray for those who do not know You.  Please help me to be the example to help people desire a relationship with You.  Thank You for providing a way to know You and find forgiveness and healing.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.