We have so much to be thankful for. Most of all we have the overwhelming and powerful kingdom of God to be thankful for. His kingdom is victorious over everything. When we give thanks and praise to Him we receive this victory. This acceptance is not a one time happening. It is a daily acceptance, because we have so many aspects of our lives. Allowing God to consume us is what we must devote ourselves to each day. By doing this we become unshakeable. His kingdom is able to come into us and dwell. Christ led the way with the example of His life, then His sacrifice through His death and finally His conquering over all through His resurrection. When He left this earth the Holy Spirit was able to come and dwell among us. We each have access to God as much as we want. The difficulty comes in not coming to Him in everything. It is only in the act of continuous thanksgiving and allowing ourselves to receive Him that we can be consumed by victory over all we face.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV
Through continual prayer we are able to gain a renewed sense of gratitude. It is through prayer that we stay connected to God. Prayer is simply a conversation with Him. This is how we can devote ourselves to it. We can incorporate Him into all the parts of our lives by inviting Him into the conversation we are already having about what to do next. When we are devoted to inviting Him in, so many doors are opened by Him. His message cannot be contained, no matter our circumstances, when we pray diligently. We must keep this conversation on going, so that when we do get the opportunity to share about Him our message will come through clearly.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Colossians 4:2-4 NIV
A Story of Continual Prayer:
From August until October this year my husband was supporting a military mission that had Him away from home 16-18 hours a day. He had 3 days off in 57. We have 3 small children and I am pregnant with our 4th. It was a long and tough 2 months. I am grateful I had God to lean on throughout that time.
There were some really difficult days. Days we had no idea when it would end. Days we felt exhausted. The entire situation came without notice. However, the growth that God forged in our entire family was incredible. We could not have made it without the foundation we had already been building with Him.
This time stretched us. It taught us that we can get through anything with Him. It also showed me how to be grateful for the smallest things. Sometimes it's the small things that get us through. It showed me how to take each day one day at a time. He broke me down to the moment to moment happening. He walked me through by being in every conversation I was having with myself. When I felt lost or tired I called on Him.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
Considerations for your planner:
- Write down what you are thankful for today. How do you see the kingdom of God in your life?
- How are you incorporating God into your life via prayer? Write down how you can start more conversations with God.
