Thankful or Giving Thanks? (11/27/13)

As the month of November progresses, I have been reading posts on Facebook of things that people are thankful for.  This has been very encouraging to me.  Since I do not always check my Facebook daily, I did not see this trend until the 5^th of the month.  I thought about catching up and joining this group of my friends who were participating.  Realizing that this would require logging in daily, I chose not to.  Instead, I would consider the things I am thankful for on my own.

I remember hearing a message which stated that the term “giving thanks” appears 8 times as often as thankful (80/10) in the Amplified translation of the Bible. (ESV is 73/3 and NLT is 46/10) This truly made me think about the subject of being thankful and looking at those scriptures.   I spent some time looking at these verses.   Even the few verses about thankfulness or being thankful were either an expression of Paul’s appreciation, or they were a part of a command to express thanks.

In my last post (11/25/13) I spoke of a thankfulness glass.  The goal is to have your glass not only half full, but brimming over.  Considering the command of God to express our thankfulness, I thought of how water gets stale when left in a glass.  For it to provide true refreshment to the drinker, it needs to be emptied and refilled regularly.  Likewise, when my heart is full of thankfulness, it should flow from my mouth with ease.  “The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

I have become increasingly conscious of expressing my gratitude to the Lord.  There is great joy and peace that comes with the awareness of all that I can thank Him for.  If I am having a hard time, I can start with the salvation provided by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I can continue on about a loving Father God and the companionship and leading of the Holy Spirit.  Before I even begin with my family, friends and things God has blessed me with, I have already thanked myself happy.

I was thanking God for this.  I am very happy that gratitude is becoming my default response to life.  Before I could pat myself on the back too much for these changes, God spoke to my heart. Though I may have improved my expression to Him, how am I doing with other people?  Ouch!  I try to voice kindness, mercy and gratitude to others.  But I have a long way to go.  The excuse “They know how much I appreciate them,” just will not hold up.  “Thank you” must be vocalized continually.

Have you ever bragged on how much you appreciate something a person has done, only to have that person later tell you he or she never realized you felt that way?  I can think of times this has occurred with my husband.  As I contemplate it now, I can think of other things, big and small, that he does, and I fail to let him know just how much these things affect me.  Then I think of my son.  Although I love and am grateful for so much about him, I tend to ask a lot more of him than telling Him what I appreciate. If I think long and hard enough, there are many people for which this is true of. Why is it so natural to tell others about something good, yet never speak your appreciation to the person you appreciate?

The reason I have been so encouraged by these Facebook posts is not that my friends are thankful.  It is that they have chosen to give thanks by writing it out.  Their time, effort and expression of thankfulness moves this from their hearts to my eyes.  As the reader, I get to experience this with them. 

So now, I find that simply considering what I am thankful for is not enough.  I will be actively attempting to thank those I appreciate.  God has already giving me some creative ideas on how to do this. 

I want my life to be one that shows what is in my heart.  “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 AMP) My aim is to give thanks to God in every situation.  I also want to express my appreciation to others in both the big and little things of life.

So to start…To anyone reading this post, THANK YOU for taking the time!!!

President or King?

The recent election in the United States has caused a lot of strong feelings on all sides of the issue. Some felt strongly for Hillary Clinton and others felt strongly for Donald Trump. Many felt that neither candidate was who they really desired to see as president. Some people actually wrote-in votes for “Jesus” or “God” as their choice.
With all the debate and occurrences before and after the election, I have thought of this write-in as Jesus for president. Considering this title is very unsettling. Jesus is far more than the president who will rule for the next four years over our lives. Jesus is the king forever!
A president is voted into office by the people. He or she will rule four to eight years, depending upon re-election. If dissatisfied with the actions of the president, the voters have the ability to vote him or her out of office. On the other hand, a king is born into royalty. With royal blood flowing through his veins, the King has both the inherent rights and responsibilities of ruling over and caring for the subjects of his kingdom. The same applies to a queen who rules.
Jesus is not only the king He is the king of kings. He is by very nature the God of the universe. “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, the terrible God, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger or temporary resident and gives him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:17-18 AMP) He is perfect.
The Kingship of Jesus is evidenced from His very birth on this earth. Years before His arrival Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 AMP) Even the night sky announced this truth. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 AMP)

We have been chosen by this great king. There was no voting on our part. “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. This is what I command you: that you love one another.” (John 15:16-17 AMP) He chose to love and care for us.

As subjects of the Lord’s kingdom, we have a responsibility to trust and obey Him. “To keep all His precepts unsullied and flawless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), which [appearing] will be shown forth in His own proper time by the blessed, only Sovereign (Ruler), the King of kings and the Lord of lords,” (1 Timothy 6:14-15 AMP) We will fail at times, but we are encouraged that our king is loving and always forgiving. “O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever - To Him Who alone does great wonders, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;” (Psalm 136:3-4 AMP)

Even when things occur in our lives that we may not have chosen, we can experience peace and comfort under the rule of our mighty King. “John to the seven assemblies (churches) that are in Asia: May grace (God's unmerited favor) be granted to you and spiritual peace (the peace of Christ's kingdom) from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits [the sevenfold Holy Spirit] before His throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood,” (Revelation 1:4-5 AMP) He knows what is best and always acts on our behalf. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 AMP)

He rules with justice and will continue through eternity. “But as to the Son, He says to Him, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages), and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness (of justice and straightforwardness). You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions.” (Hebrews 1:8-9 AMP) There is no end to His term. “And in the days of these [final ten] kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people; but it shall break and crush and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever.” (Daniel 2:44 AMP)

When things are tough, remember that your King is in control and knows best. He will never let you down and your place in His kingdom is secure forever.

Is Your Glass Half-Full or Half-Empty? (11/25/13)

Is your glass half-full or half-empty? This is a question that generally refers to whether you are an optimist or pessimist. Do you look at life and the good in it? That would be considered half-full. Do you always look to what is missing in life or what can go wrong? That is half-empty. 

With Thanksgiving coming up this coming week, I’ve been thinking about this question in terms of thankfulness. Is your thankful glass half-full or half-empty? Do you look at your life and the good you have experienced with a grateful heart? Do you see the future with hopefulness and appreciate the promise of tomorrow? Then your thankful glass is half-full. Or, when you look at your daily life, do you see mostly what is missing? Can you find a few things to be thankful for, but many other areas in which you feel you are lacking what you want or need? If this is you, your thankful glass is half-empty. Worse yet, it may be totally empty.

Have you ever met someone whose life seems to be full of good, yet all they do is complain? They have a good job and home. Their health and family are all doing well. Yet nothing will make them happy. Then you meet a person who is always hopeful and grateful for every little thing. It seems this person has had a charmed life, until you then find the real story. There has been great heartbreak and challenge in this person’s life. And yet without digging deeper, you would never have known that anything was wrong. People have traveled to Third World countries and have found peace, joy and thankfulness in people who live in conditions we would consider deplorable.

What determines if a thankful glass is half-full or half-empty? Is it the circumstances or opportunities in one’s life? Is the temperament someone is born with the determining factor? Or is it a choice each person makes? The above scenarios make the first option, circumstances, unlikely. Temperament may play a small part, but there are people who live thankful, happy lives for a while, then after a series of trials, they become bitter. So, temperament alone cannot be the deciding factor. A thankful glass that is half-full or half-empty is determined by what one chooses to look at.

Each day, we are given opportunity to choose our attitude. Good things are all around us. Waking up is a good thing in itself. Regardless of the trials and challenges we may be facing, there are many, many little things to inspire thankfulness. There are people in our lives that we can be thankful for. If these are the things and people are what we choose to look for, our thankful glass will always be half-full. Likewise, each day will provide opportunities to make us less than happy. These can range from little irritations to seemingly insurmountable problems. If we choose to focus on these, our thankful classes can quickly become half-empty. We choose, minute by minute, which half of the glass we focus on.

When it becomes difficult to focus on the half-full portion of our thankful glass, it may be time to think of another cup. This is the cup of forgiveness that was purchased for us with such a high price. Jesus Christ paid that extremely high price so we could drink from this cup. “And in like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament or covenant [ratified] in My blood, which is shed (poured out) for you.” (Luke 22:20 AMP) Jesus knew the price ahead and even asked the Father to remove it. But He saw the other half of the cup as well. “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Looking to, and truly appreciating, this cup can help change how we look at our own circumstances. Hurts and challenges can become smaller when we realize he considered us valuable enough for this great sacrifice. (Any unforgiveness we harbor against others or ourselves can be brought to light. With the Lord’s help, we can forgive as well.) We are told to, “Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.” (First Corinthians 11:25) Remember and give thanks!

The apostle Paul, who suffered many challenges, always had this thankful cup not only half-full, but brimming over with thankfulness. We can take some good advice from him. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” (Philippians 4:8 ESV) With good as the focus of our thoughts, we can quickly become thankful for many things that we may not of seen before.

So, each day we must look at the glass of our lives and decide to focus on the thankful portion. By doing so, we can become people whose thankful glass is half-full. And not only can our thankful glasses be half-full, they can become brimming over. Drink deep from the glass of thankfulness today!

(With the struggles we have been and are currently facing, this has not been easy for me. I chose this post as much for my need as yours. May we all learn and both see and be blessed.)

Jigsaw Puzzle of Life (8/13/14)

This is a jigsaw puzzle kind of day - rainy and chilly - just right for a cup of hot chocolate or tea. It brings back memories of the house of a friend of mine who had a table always set up in their den with a jigsaw puzzle on it. The puzzle would be in various stages of completion. Anyone who came into that room was allowed to add a piece or two or sit for hours and work on the puzzle. When the puzzle was completed it would be glued together and framed for display, or it would be put back into the box to be brought out and reassembled at another time. In either case a new puzzle would always be put out on the table and the process begins again.

Our lives are often like a jigsaw puzzle. We are at different stages of completion.  The events of life will have its effect on that final picture. Some people enter our lives for a short time and have a minor impact, such as placing one or two pieces into that puzzle. Others who enter and stay may be far more connected in our lives. The time and effort that they place in us will have a greater influence on how the pieces of our lives are arranged.

Putting together a puzzle begins with assembling the outer border that frames the picture. Just flipping all the pieces to be right side up can take time and effort but is so necessary.  From that point pieces may be grouped together by shapes or the color and designs that are found in different segments of the picture.  From one of these groups pieces can then be chosen and the process of fitting together can begin. This sorting and organization can be tedious, but it is valuable.

God has designed the picture of our lives before we were even born. He began the framework long ago.  “For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.  I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.  My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:13-16 AMP) As we come into this world and begin to grow up, the picture of our life begins take shape. Our family members, friends and the events of our lives work together as the design begins to unfold. Over the years the design continues to emerge as God uses whomever and whatever He chooses to allow into our lives.

Sometimes God may concentrate on one section of our character and abilities for a while. We will able to see evidence of change and growth in that one area.  At other times, He is working on many areas at once. When this occurs, progress may appear to be slow. Little advances seem to be swallowed up by the vastness of what is our life. Growth and progress are occurring nonetheless. If we look only at the jumble of pieces that are yet to be put in, we miss the beauty of this life we have been given.

In many scenes, the sky may seem like an endless project. Finding the correct pieces can be difficult because they all look so similar. Even when small sections of pieces are connected, the sameness of the area lessens the excitement associated with more colorful sections. Far more progress may be required to produce a sense of satisfaction.

Like the sky, everyday life can seem like a mundane repetition of trying to make very similar pieces fit together. We do the same things over and over and don’t readily see what God is developing in us. It is in this mundane activity that the character traits of patience, perseverance, self-control and other virtues are formed. These may not have the pizzazz of the gifts and talents we have been given, but they are critical for the total beauty that is within us to emerge.

That jigsaw puzzle, left on the table at my friend’s home, did not have a timetable for completion. Sometimes the work went quickly with great sections assembled in a single day. Other times there was little visible evidence that anyone had shown interest in it for many days. The right date for it to be completed was simply the day that the last piece was put in. There was no rushing the process. 

God is not on a rigid timetable with the work that He is doing in our lives. What we may consider slow progress in the growth of character may be just as He has planned it to be. He has an eternal perspective on His creation. Any great artist does not rush and neither does our Heavenly Father. We are His creation, put together in His manner and in His time.  “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) And He will display us for all the world to see. 

Whether your life is currently in an exciting growth stage or the seemingly endless blue - sky stage, allow God to put the pieces together exactly as He has planned.

Overflowing Cup

A great convenience available today is the coffee maker designed to dispense one cup of coffee at a time. The model of coffee maker that we have provides a choice of three sizes (S/M/L) of drink. My favorite coffee cup has the capacity to hold the exact amount of one large plus one small cup of coffee dispensed. This is generally how I will prepare a cup of coffee to enjoy. I choose one of each and the cup fills to the top.

Occasionally, when I have attempted to add the small cup of brew to the large that is already in the cup, I have unintentionally pressed the button for another large instead. If I do not realize my error, I soon have cup of coffee that has overflowed the sides and is covering the surface of the counter around it. This creates a mess as coffee pools around everything else that is on the counter nearby. Soon everything is sitting in the rich, dark liquid that has been dispensed beyond the capacity of the cup to hold.
This happened to me the other day. As I watched the coffee stream down the cup’s sides, I almost heard the Heavenly Father say that He wishes to overflow our lives in this same way. The problem is that we come before Him choosing the small portion rather than opening ourselves up for everything that He desires to pour into us. We often come with preconceived limits on time, expectations, amount of Scripture we will read or areas of our lives we will yield to God’s purposes. God has so much more for us and for those with whom we will encounter every day.

God desires to pour out His limitless love. “Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5 AMP) We have hope in this amazing love and the knowledge that the Holy Spirit is our Constant companion. This was so important to Jesus that He told His followers, “However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” (John 16:7 AMP) God has promised, “And afterward I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Even upon the menservants and upon the maidservants in those days will I pour out My Spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29 AMP) Young, old, men and women; we all have been given the Holy Spirit. Do we limit how much of our lives are drenched in the power and love the Holy Spirit brings?

God also pours out limitless grace to meet our needs. The apostle Paul wrote, “And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14 AMP) Super abundantly and beyond measure are terms that would undoubtedly overflow any limits we put on God by our own attitudes of inferiority or unworthiness. Closely related to this grace is God’s continuous mercy. “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5-6 AMP) Are we willing to invest ourselves to truly receive and then extend this grace and mercy to others?
Excuses can be given to why we limit both the amount of coffee we dispense and all that God desires to pour into us. Comparison with others can prompt the excuse, “I already have a larger than regular cup.” Even if we spend more time or appear more willing to submit to the Lord than others we know, we can still limit what we receive from the goodness of the Lord. Another erroneous attitude is that “I can get more later.” God desires to speak to and use us today, and His love will never run out. These excuses may be legitimate for coffee but never for the work of God in our lives.

Obedience is the means to both receive and become suitable containers to bring God’s best to the world. “So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21 AMP) We can then be a part of the promise, “But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14 AMP) This honor is greater than any reason to limit God.

Take the limits off. Let God determine all that He desires to do in and through you and let it overflow to others.

Can You Hear His Song? (8/29/14)

Using my husband’s computer while mine was not working, I discovered that he often uses headphones to listen to music or Internet shows while doing other things on his laptop. I was searching the web for a song that has been running through my mind. I opened a version to see if it was the tune that I was looking for. As the selection began to play, nothing could be heard. Checking the volume setting, I found it was turned up but still could not hear the song that accompanied the video on the screen. Then I looked down and discovered that headphones have been connected. Because the computer table has a little pocket just beneath that connection port, the headphones were not obvious. They were neatly tucked in the pocket with only a small length of wire reaching to the computer. I disconnected the headphones long enough to listen and ensure that the song was the one I have been seeking. I then replaced the headphones so that it would be ready for my husband when he next used his computer.

I had not closed the website but left the selection to play out assuming that it will shut off at the end of the song. Going about my business which led me in and out of the den, I thought that I could hear the traces of music but was uncertain as to the source. With the back door open it could have been a neighbor enjoying the beautiful day outside. But as I neared the door the strains of music faded rather than becoming louder. Walking back near the computer desk I found the source. The website I had visited had not stopped playing after the song I had selected. It had continued playing other tunes by the same band as well as tunes from another band with a similar music style. This had gone on for about 20 minutes without my being aware of the music coming into my home.

As I laughed at you myself for this oversight, I thought of how God’s tune is always playing and we can easily be unaware of its constant presence. Despite our inattention, God’s presence is always with His children.   ^“The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction]and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 AMP) God our Father has chosen to live in us. He is singing over us continually and His song brings great joy.

Angels are continually crying out in the presence of God. Of a vision Isaiah wrote. “And one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3 AMP) We have evidence of angels joyfully crying out from Jesus birth to His yet to come to return. “Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. (Luke 2:13-14 AMP) They announced His birth and will fall at His feet before the throne. “Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels on every side of the throne and of the living creatures and the elders [of the heavenly Sanhedrin], and they numbered ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, Saying in a loud voice, Deserving is the Lamb, Who was sacrificed, to receive all the power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and majesty (glory, splendor) and blessing!” (Revelation 5:11-12 AMP)

All we must do is listen with our hearts. There is song all around us. Our spirits are longing to join in. As we remain aware of God’s presence, we will become aware of the song and wish to sing along. “And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.”  (Psalm 40:3 AMP)

So, wait no longer! Listen up. Hear the beautiful strains of heaven’s song and join in. As a contemporary chorus says, “Turn it up, this sound of praise. Make it louder than any other.” Join your voice in a raucous song of praise to our mighty God.

Let Me Introduce You to My New Best Friend! (11/5/14)

(As I spend my 29th anniversary with my wonderful husband, please enjoy this post from 2 years ago.)

Still pondering my upcoming anniversary, I have been thinking about the months that led up to my wedding day. David and I went from friends, to special friends, to engaged, to married all within the same calendar year. Because of this, many people on our Christmas card lists were unaware of the events. That year we included a Christmas letter entitled, “Let Me Introduce You to My New Best Friend!” This was our way of telling distant friends and relatives of everything that had occurred during the year 1987. The most important thing that we desired to share about this year was our new-found love and life commitment. Our best friend eclipsed any of the other occurrences of that year.

We also receive a new best friend when we come to Christ through receiving the salvation He provided by His death on the cross and resurrection. Everything in life changes with this new relationship. We no longer walk alone, but side by side with Jesus. “and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” (Matthew 28:20b AMP) We have the Holy Spirit living within us. “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP) As the bride of Christ, we have married into the family of God and now have a new, Heavenly Father. He has adopted us as His own. “And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father!” (Galatians 4:6 AMP) 

Have we now also become so wrapped up in this new relationship, that everything else seems less important? Do we wish to tell all those around us about our best friend? In many ways this is true, but sadly over time we often lose much of this zeal. It can become easy to talk about nonessential or even nonsensical things more than that which is of extreme importance. We can become accustomed to walking with God on a daily basis and lose some of the awe and amazement that we first saw in each and every moment. Even worse we can find ourselves talking more about problems and trials than the amazing presence that God provides during these hard times. 

Speaking to the church at Ephesus the angel charged, “that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord]” (Revelation 2:4-5 AMP) We can get so used to the presence of God in our lives that we no longer are amazed at His faithfulness and love. Even when we find ourselves in constant awareness of God’s goodness, we may be reluctant to share all that He is doing for us. 

Whenever the opportunity arises, I brag on my husband’s best attributes. I am proud of him and not ashamed to tell others about him. People who know me are aware of his importance in my life. I proudly wear my wedding rings. However, he is no longer my number one topic of conversation. Over the years, I have reduced the amount of time I introduce David into my conversations. My friends are probably quite happy with this, since in those early months I could tie just about anything that was being discussed back to him. 

Have we reduced our introduction of God into our conversations? How often do we talk about the amazing things that He is doing? Can people see His presence in our lives? Do we take every opportunity to brag on God’s faithfulness and love? Even when He is not the initial topic of conversation, He should be seen and felt in all that we do and say. We should never assume that others experience everything we do. We must give voice to all that God means to us. The apostle Paul addresses reluctance to speak about Jesus Christ. “Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord,” (2 Timothy 1:8a AMP) We must always remember and speak of the greatness of the salvation that we have been given and its ongoing influence in our day to day life. 

Be amazed that God’s presence in your life every moment of every day. Don’t be afraid to be the one of which others say, “Here we go again, he/she is talking about his/her best friend and love. Be eager to say, “Guess what Jesus has said to and done for me now?”