Will You Be Thankful During This Wonderful Time of the Year? by Carol McLeod
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=235972&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Carol McLeod
We are standing on the threshold of what is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year." There are many people, however, who are hopeless, joyless and filled with anxiety as they dread the last five weeks of the calendar year. I am not one of those people; I have a hope that is boundless, a joy that is inexpressible and a peace that passes understanding even during this, the momentous year of 2020. I also have much to be thankful for, even while the world is spinning out of control. I am thankful for friends and family both near and far; I am grateful to be able to serve the Lord at this moment in history.
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We are standing on the threshold of what is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year." There are many people, however, who are hopeless, joyless and filled with anxiety as they dread the last five weeks of the calendar year.
I am not one of those people; I have a hope that is boundless, a joy that is inexpressible and a peace that passes understanding even during this, the momentous year of 2020. I also have much to be thankful for, even while the world is spinning out of control.
I am thankful for friends and family both near and far; I am grateful to be able to serve the Lord at this moment in history. I am thankful to be able to read my Bible every day and to be part of His grand plan at this time in the world's history. There is always something for which to be thankful even in the midst of tumult and crisis. I choose to focus on the good of 2020 rather than on the erratic.
Thankfulness is a primary discipline of our walk in Christ, and I will be thankful this year more than in any other year because He is my sustainer, my comforter and my dearest friend.
I have boundless hope because I have attached my life to the promises in the Word of God rather than to the events around me. I believe that Jesus is indeed my healer. I believe He has given me power and authority over sickness and pain. I will declare the Word of God when my body is ill, and I will stand in strong faith that He is well able to touch my body and to heal me. The same Jesus who healed lepers, the lame man and opened blind eyes is the God I serve in 2020.
I have joy inexpressible because He has promised never to leave me and never to forsake me. Although I may not relish the events of 2020 and might even wish for a different circumstantial outcome, I choose to walk by faith and not by sight. I know that in His wonderful presence is fullness of joy. Happiness comes from our temporary circumstances, but joy is extracted from His presence! The baby who was sent from heaven 2,000 years ago invaded our world with joy. Therefore, this year I will choose to sing loudly and to worship relentlessly. We have a reason to sing for joy even in 2020!
I have the peace that passes understanding because I choose to trust our good, good Father has final authority in all of earth's happenings. He has not relinquished one iota of His power, and it is He who still sits on heaven's glorious throne. He has never lost a battle yet, and He certainly will not lose the battle that ravages our world in 2020.
Peace is a byproduct of prayer, trust and surrender; I will pray without ceasing. I will trust His character, and I will surrender my will and my preferences to His wonderful plan.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with justice and with righteousness, from now until forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this" (Isa. 9:6-7).
Carol McLeod
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=When-Your-Storms-Become-Your-Finest-Hour-by-Carol-McLeod-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Has a storm blown into your life lately? Are you, or someone you love, suffering from the trauma of plans that have been washed away, relationships that have been uprooted, or security that has been devastated? If you answered yes to any of these questions, stay with me because how you respond in the storms of life just might determine your potential to overcome the tempest. Peter said [to Jesus], "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28).
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=How-Understanding-the-Complete-Love-of-Christ-Will-Transform-Your-Life-by-Carol-McLeod-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The love of God. I deeply think about it, ponder it, wade through it, contemplate its depth and enjoy its fullness. The love of God is likely one of those mysteries this side of heaven that we will wrestle with until we are in the presence of Him who is Love Himself.There is absolutely no human way to comprehend the enormous, eternal, all-encompassing, never-wavering, unconditional love of God. And yet, it is vital to spend our earthly existence trying to do just that.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=Why-it-May-Be-Difficult-for-You-to-Discover-Supernatural-Joy-by-Carol-McLeod-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Have you ever wondered why you have not been able to tap into the miraculous, fulfilling, and ultimate joy that the Bible talks about? Perhaps your frustration stems from the fact that you have been looking for joy in all the wrong places. If you believe that an impressive college education, a spotless home or well-behaved children are your password into the kingdom of joy, you have it all wrong. If you somehow think that losing weight, marrying the person of your dreams or being the owner of a passport filled with impressive stamps from exotic and far-away places will give you a money-back guarantee to perfect and perpetual joy, then once again, my friend, you have it all wrong. Joy is found in one place and one place only - "In His presence is fullness of joy!"