Thank you Lord for your grace, mercy, and unfailing love. That’s the prayer I was praying as I woke up this morning. I had gone to bed praying for the victims of the recent disasters that have affected so many. Though I wasn’t affected, that night I had a dream I was right in the mist of a flood. Up to my knees I was immersed in water. I remember thinking as I was clinging on for dear life, “I didn’t know my day was going to end up like this!” Then I thought, “But God did.”  Suddenly, I felt a sense of calm. Although I wasn’t aware how my dream was going to end, I felt assured I would be okay. I still had hope because even in my dream I had a sense that God was still in control; He had me in His arms. Knowing this caused me to wake up, thanking Him.

As my mind began to focus on to the reality of the morning I though, it’s easy to thank God when times are going well. But what about when things are not going so well, times of turmoil, hardship, and disaste, as many are experiencing today? How do we encourage others (even ourselves) to hold on to a spirit of gratitude when all have been lost except life itself?

I tell you my friends, first we must believe and take God at His Word. He is in control. We must be compassionate and understanding that during these times people hearts are broken and in need of hope. They need to know “why” they should still expressed or maintain gratitude in times that appear hopeless. There is a scripture that reads, “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope” (Psalm 130:5 KJV).  Knowing this scripture will help people to get through the most difficult times of their lives.

There is another scripture that reads, “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:22 KJV). When I read this Psalm, I realized the Israelites were going through some pretty difficult times in the wilderness, yet God encouraged them to maintain gratitude in spite of what they were going through; “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8,15,21,31)

God wanted them to know He was still their God, keeper, and protector; as He is ours. He is Good. Knowing this helps us to hold on in hope. Even when we don’t feel like offering thanksgiving, we are encouraged to do so. Though hard times will arrive we should, through faith and God’s strength, offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving to Him simply because of who He is; not based on how we feel. God is definitely aware of our feeling; He knows our hurt. Still, we must be thankful and pray, asking God for words to encourage others to hold on to hope, regardless of what they’re going through.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to everyman that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” 1 Peter 3:15 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for the Hope that lies within me.  By Hertistine Washington/ keeponthanking.com

“Nothing can penetrate the shield of faith.”

“The purpose of any lesson is to learn it.”

“When we feel spiritual weak it may be time to eat… the Word.”

“We can bear anything, as long as we know God holds the rein.”

“Let’s give God the glory for His story.”

“Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. A-men” (1Peter5:14 KJV). We are thankful there are a number of ways to say hello in different languages and cultures. Just to name a few: Bonjour (France), Hola (Spanish), Hallo (German), Hello (American). Who doesn’t want to be greeted after entering a room, coming home, arriving at work, or at church? Surely we all do.

Saying hello must have been important to Jesus, or else He wouldn’t have asked us to greet one another. To say hello is probably one of the warmest and easiest acknowledgements we have the privilege of sharing with one another. It’s a small interaction that makes a big impact. It can make a person feel warm and welcome. Let’s be grateful God has given us the good sense to greet one another by saying hello; we just might get one in return.

So as you prepare to go, don’t forget to say “hello.”

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for giving me the grace to say “hello.”  By Hertistine Washington / keeponthanking,com

“Thanking God for the treasures found in His Word.”

“God can provide peace, even in our pain.”

“God is saving, even when the storms are raging.”

“We are inseparable from the love of God.”

“Our best bet is to rest in God; He is our Comforter.”

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). Many have played the game, “Knock, Knock, Who’s There?” The fun, joke, anticipation, or surprise of the game comes when it is revealed who’s knocking. Some are amazed  at the twist on the answer.

Just the same, someone is still knocking, and it is no game, joke, twist, or surprise. It is Jesus. He stands at our door, knocking. He’s not going to press, push, or break His way in. He will enter when we freely open the door.

My friends, if you haven’t opened to Jesus, you still have opportunity by accepting Him into your heart as Savior. He’s still knocking. What love, joy, and peace that comes when we answer His loving knock! Let Him in today, for the enterance knob is on the inside.

Lord, we pray that we hear and answer your knock. Please enter hearts today.

Please join me:

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Jease…

Jease, who?

JESUS!

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep” (St, John 10:2 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for coming into the door of my heart. By Hertistine Washington / keeponthanking.com

“Knowing the truth keeps us from being fooled by the false.”

“God is factual, never fictional.”

“Jesus always saves.”

“God’s Word is worthy.”

“God never flatters, but He will commend.”

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11 KJV).  In considering our social, moral, and spiritual climate, and those affected by hurricane Harvey, I’m moved to share this poem on HUMANITY.

Some people have big hearts, and some have no heart at all. Some people have big homes, yet they live alone. Some people are rich with poor health. Some can’t get out of bed, without others to help.

Some people don’t worry about how they will pay a bill. Yet others are not sure what will be their next meal. Some people are so brave. Still others are afraid. Some people have good health, with no wealth. Some people are poor in spirit without having much.

Some people have a lot and refuse to give a cent. Others live better than you and I, and some can’t. Thanking God we all have one thing in common… we are all “human” and we need each other. Anytime, we may find ourselves needing a helping hand. Let’s reach out in prayer, and if possible, share a good deed throughout this land.

Take it for what it’s worth, and be thankful. We are living better than most, and not bad as some. Don’t try to save a penny on every penny; show some gratitude and share one.

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for the opportunity to make a difference in somebody’s life. by Hetistine Washington / keeponthanking.com.

“Don’t worry, God is not gone; He’s still on the throne.”

“Faith works when we willingly work.”

“With God, we will press through our test.”

“Jesus bared the cross that we may not be lost.”

“I refuse be bound when I hear the joyful sound, Jesus saves.”

Thanking God Almighty

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea” (Psalm 93:4 KJV). Why not begin each day thanking God for having all might? He is the God Almighty; there is no other.

We thank Him for being the absolute authority, invincible, omnipotent, and supreme God. We praise Him for being all wise, all good, all powerful, and all loving supplying our every need.

God stands in His omnipotence and sovereignty, waiting for us to hand Him our heavy load. As Scripture declares, “For there is nothing too hard for our Lord.” “Casting all your care on him for he cares for you.”

We have the assurance our God is more than able to bear whatever is too heavy for us. He is mighty in power and mighty in strength. He is able to handle everything that comes our way. We are totally secure in His hand.

In God, I will keep on thanking Him because, God is more than able to carry my load.  God, the Almighty, we say, “thank you.”

By Hertistine Washington/ xulonpress.com/ keeponthanking.com

“When there is spiritual meditation, there is divine illumination.”

“Sufficient is God’s grace, to get through that hurting place.”

“Day or night, God understands and knows our plight.”

“When the sea of life becomes stormy, we can set sail in Jesus.”

“Resting in the peace of God, gets rid of what seemed so hard.”