Amelia McNeilly

Pink Patriot - My desire is to share with you the journey God has me on. Whether in joy hardship, I hope that my blog offers a place of respite, and bring joy to your heart!

Articles, Christian Living, Holidays

In Everything Give Thanks

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One verse that God keeps bringing to my mind over the past year has been 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  As mentioned in yesterday’s post, because of who Jesus is we have many reasons to be thankful every day, not just in a certain season. No matter what trial or hardship one may be facing, God still calls us to be thankful in all things. Recently, I came across a list of Biblical reasons to be thankful that really encouraged me. I wanted to share it with you, and I pray it will remind you of the reasons God gives us to be thankful as we continue in this week of Thanksgiving. Have a blessed Tuesday!

  1. God sent Jesus to Die for Us (John 3:16): “God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Regardless of what may happen to us in this life on earth, God has laid out a path for eternal life through the death of Jesus.  Through Jesus, God reconciles us to himself, restores our broken past, forgives us our sins, and invites us into an eternal life with us as the heirs to His Almighty kingdom.
  2. He Makes Us New (2 Corinthians 5:17): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come.”  No matter where we’ve been or what we have done, God makes us new again.  We are washed clean and made new, and his mercies are new each morning.
  3. He Grants us Peace (Colossians 3:15): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body, you were called to peace, and give thanks.”  God’s divine peace transcends all circumstance and guards our hearts and our minds in Christ.  Seek his peace in your heart.  
  4. He Makes All Things Good (Romans 8:28): “We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.”  God makes all things good, and brings beauty from ashes.  We can rest assured that in the wake of disaster, loss, pain, suffering, disease, calamity, destruction, brokenness, etc. that God will work it all for good in the end.
  5. He will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8): “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Regardless of who and what we have lost in our lives, God will never leave us or forsake us.  
  6. He is unchanging (Hebrews 6:17): “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.”  Unlike our circumstances, relationships, even ourselves, God is unchanging.  He never wavers and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  When everything in our lives seems unstable or ever-changing, God is the one thing that will never change.
  7. He provides and He is good (James 1:16-18): “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting sand.”  God provides for those who love Him and He rains down His love by bestowing us with gifts from above.
  8. He is sovereign (1 Timothy 6:15): “He who is the blessed and only sovereign one, the King of King and Lord of Lords.”  God is in control of EVERYTHING – of time, circumstances, relationships, and our health.  Turn over what little control you think you have and realize the maker of heavens and earth and of humankind has every little detail of your life under control.
  9. He created man in his image (Genesis 1:27): “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”  We were created in the very image of God, in his likeness.  We are divinely inspired and a mirror of his divinity.  Try to wrap your mind around the fact that of all of His creations, he chose US to resemble him.
  10. He created all things (Genesis 1:1): “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  Everything we know and see was created by God.  Take a moment to stare at the majesty of the heavens and earth that he created and let it inspire awe in your heart and mind.

 

 

 

Articles, Christian Living, Holidays

Thanksgiving Every Day

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Thanksgiving week is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the family time, food, and the fellowship. It is such a joyful time for me, and this year I am more thankful for the life God has given me than ever before. Leading up to Thanksgiving, I have been reading and journaling about the goodness, power, and majesty of God. I have been reminded during my time with Him that He alone is worthy to be praised, and if I had no other reason to be thankful — He is ALWAYS enough! He is worthy of all my praise and thankfulness each and every day of the year.

During my time in the word over the last week I have settled on Psalm 104 over and over again. The first couple verses of this passage always draw me in:

Psalm 104: 1-2, 5:

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great:
You are clothed with honor and majesty,

 Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment,
Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.

You who laid the foundations of the earth,
So that it should not be moved forever.

And then verses 31-34 :

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in His works.

 He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the hills, and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord.

The entire passage displays the great power of God in creation, and gives a glimpse of His glory and majesty. When I read verses such as these I am humbled because it shows me how great my God is and how small I am. It is easy to get consumed with current circumstances and forget to praise the One who gives us the strength we need to press on. We may pray, but at times, I think we have all been guilty of pouring out our needs to Jesus but not actually praising Him. I have noticed that the more I read about who God is and spend time in His presence giving Him praise — my worries and circumstances no longer seem as overwhelming.

Because of who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross, He deserves to be thanked and praised every day and not just on Thanksgiving.

No matter what may be going on in our lives, the Gospel alone is enough for me to give Him praise for because that is the best gift I will ever receive. Spend some time today in the word reading Psalm 104, and praise Jesus for who He is and for His great power. Make it a habit to start thanking Him daily. I can assure you that the simple act of praising Jesus will always give peace to your overwhelmed heart.

 

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Stand Firm in Trials

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Happy Friday, my friends! I have not been able to blog the past couple of weeks because my computer has been in the shop, but it is back now working wonderful thanks to the lovely folks at Apple. 🙂

I was reminded recently of a sermon I heard  from Pastor Eric Ludy several years ago titled “Hold The Position.” It was an excellent sermon for those who are currently facing trials, or for when you face them in the future. This sermon hit home for me, and gave me some much needed reminders. In his sermon notes, Eric lists what he calls “12 Musts For the Hour of Trial.”

They are as follows along with Scriptures I have added that have brought encouragement to me when I have faced trials.

1. Reckon Yourself in Christ – You are secure.

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” ~Proverbs 14:26

2. Get the Grace Needed – You have the grace for help in time of need.

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9

3. Maintain Priority Throughout – Don’t alter your God-assigned priorities.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33

4. Rouse your Soul to Rejoice – Cherish this opportunity to get more patience.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” ~James 1:2-4 

5. Offer Thanksgiving, Sing Praises – for the victory is the Lord’s. He will prove the Champion every time.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

6. Garrison the Mind – Check EVERY thought at the door. Frisk every thought to see if they have a trace of anxiety or fear in them. None of this can be allowed in.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

7. Garrison the Tongue – When under siege, the soul is sensitized and softer than usual. Over-statements and flesh-statements mustn’t fly. The tongue is owned by the Spirit of God, and in a time of crisis must make a firm resolve to remain the vessel of Spirit Truth.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Ephesians 4:29

8. Be Bold to do the Difficult Things – Don’t avoid the difficult solution. Do what needs to be done without hesitation. Sometimes life and death is defined by doing what must be done in the moment, even if it is the most difficult thing you have ever done.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13 

9. Enter the Searchlight –  Be slow to expose the faults of others, be quick to expose your own personal faults. Take claim to whatever your responsibility might be in the situation. Allow the searchlight of the Spirit to start with you. If you are wrong in any matter, then repent, confess, and make things right quickly.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139: 23-24

10. Choose Weakness – Accept a weakened posture and a humble approach. Wield Love as your battle-ax. Wield Gentleness as your weaponry. Fast and increase prayer. Consider how you may bless those attacking, those opposing. In weakness there is spiritual power.

 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:44-45

11. Get in the Shoes of Everyone Else –  Seek to be presidential. Seek to bring order and peace to the ruffled souls around you.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” ~2 Corinthians 13:11

12. Save the Big Life Decisions for Later –  If possible, wait for circumstances to calm before making large-scale life-directing decisions.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” ~Psalm 27:14

I pray that whatever trial you are going through today that you remember you are not fighting this battle alone. God is with you and He will get you through it.

Take some time and get the comfort you need by spending time in His word and talking to Him.  If you would like to watch the sermon that was mentioned above you can do so here.

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