I’m so thankful  our loving and gracious Father woke me up this morning feeling alive! Not just alive, but feeling alive! Feeling rested and ready to get up. What an amazing and energetic feeling! Feeling thankful. Feeling purposeful. Feeling I can move mountains in Him. I pray that when God wakes you up this morning that you feel the same.

I say this with gratitude because there has been times (like many of us) I have awakened and just wanted to lay there, not feeling like getting up at all. I might have been focusing too much on the tasks that lie before me, a lack of sleep, sickness, worriedness, or feeling bound by heavy burdens. Nevertheless, still thankful to see another day. Yet, if you are experiencing one or more of these, I pray that whatever care you have, you will lifted it to Jesus. He is there to make you feel alive, rested and ready to get up in Him and for Him.

“Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1 ESV).

I will keep on thanking God that my rest is in Him.  By Hertistine Washington /keeponthanking.com

Some of us like making our own moves. Sometimes they make us feel good… if it works out for us. They can make us feel proud and accomplished and provide a sense of independence. But if we’re not careful, we can make the wrong move.

I beg you, be prayerful so that you don’t make the wrong move. You may asked, how can I know this is a right or wrong move? I acknowledge, sometimes we really don’t know. But my best advice to anyone is, first, ask God. Consult Him, then trust Him in prayer. He’ll surely lead us in the right direction.

Secondly, know that God has never made a wrong move, and it’s impossible for Him to do so. His Word verifies that if we stick with Him, we’re sure to make the right move. And lastly, stop depending on your gut, and depend on God. The difference being, your gut feels, God knows. Trust the one who knows. So as you go about your day, making all kinds of moves, seek God first. He’s sure to guide you on what moves to make.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8 KJV).

I will keep on thanking God for guiding my footsteps. By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

These days we hear a lot of talk about old news, fake news, political news, and social news. Although there were no newspapers, media, or telephones in Jesus’s day, there was still plenty of news. I’m thinking of the two guys that were walking on the road to Emmaus, who were unaware that it was Jesus who drew near to them. He began talking and walking with them also.

Jesus wanted to know what they were talking about. They began telling him about the news of the day (in the Jerusalem Chronicle, i.e.,); how Jesus was led from judgement hall to judgement hall, suffered, and been crucified. They didn’t neglect to share with Him the information the women at Jesus burial site had said, that He was no longer there. All this is fine and dandy, but these guys weren’t really keeping up with the good news. If they were, they would have known they were talking with the best news of that day, and the one who made the headlines… JESUS IS RISEN!

Not until they had invited Jesus to their home, did they really get the scoop. They realized it was Jesus all along. Are you aware that Jesus is the good news of today? Are you aware that Jesus died for our sins, and rose again. More good news… He’s coming back to receive us into His kingdom. Now that’s good news!

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (Luke 24:30-31 ESV).

I will keep on thanking God for the good news that Jesus Christ is alive and coming back again!  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

The Word of Jesus says, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32 ESV)

Like some people, I too enjoy watching weightlifting. But one thing I’ve notice is that people who lift weights for a living, or just for showing off, have all of the stress or weight of the lift on themselves. They’re not only lifting, they’re also baring the weight of the lift. No so with Jesus. He only says for us to lift Him. We don’t have to bare the weight. He’s mighty enough and will do the drawing work of Salvation. Isn’t it good to know that we don’t have to try to draw anyone to Jesus? He said, “I’ll draw all people to myself.” Aren’t you glad Jesus took the load of lifting onto Himself?

To lift Jesus is simply to use our voices to tell the world about Him; His gracious plan of Salvation. It means to let others know that it was Jesus who came and died, and rose again to save us from our sin. May it be your aim today and everyday to share Him to someone else. Ask God to open a door for you to share Jesus through an encouraging word or deed, with the purpose of leading others to Him. With Jesus, it’s in the lift, not the weight of the lift.

Father God, we thank Jesus for what He has done. We pray for ways to lift Him in our home, on our job, and in our community. We pray to exalt Him in everything. Since Jesus did all the ground work, help us lift Him to the world and throughout the church. Help us to lift Him in our praise by the way we talk and walk, as we travel these dark and evil days. In Jesus, amen.

I will keep on thanking God for making it easy to lift Jesus. By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

Has anyone ever invited you to a special or expensive trip or event? What if they said, “Just come,” and it won’t cost you a cent?” How would that make you feel? Excited, I’m sure. Would you be more inclined to go, than not? Like most of us, we would feel so grateful that someone cared enough to offer such a grand invitation. That’s exactly what Jesus did for me and you. He invited us to come to Him, without money and without price. He said, “Come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1 ESV). Jesus is that Living water, and He has graciously invited us to come to Him for Salvation, free of charge.

After receiving such a grand invitation, I’m encouraging you to gladly… “Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who stand by night in the house of the LORD” (Psalm 134:1)! I’m also encouraging you to shout with me… “Oh come let us sing unto the LORD, let us make a joyful noise unto the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1) and, “Oh come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6). Just come.

“Come unto me, all who labor are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Mathew 28:11 ESV.

I will keep on thanking God for His gracious standing invitation for salvation to everyone.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for man,” (Colossians 3:23 ESV). Are you job hunting? In today’s society a lot of people are in search for work. They are jobless. Unemployed. Not because they aren’t unemployable, but simply haven’t found work. We pray that the Lord will open doors for those in need of physical work.

I encourage you, whether you are seeking work, or already employed, God is offering yet another opportunity to work… for Him. Need a job? God has one for you. He’s forever hiring. There’s only one qualification needed; accept Jesus into your heart as your personal Savior; you must be born again.

No worries. He’ll never expect you to work hard, but heartily. He did the hard work at Calvary, for you and for me. Just show up for the job, and put your “heart” hat on. The work involves telling others the great and joyful news of Salvation. You can sign up today!

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV).

I will keep on thanking God for my spiritual job. With it, I can never be out of work.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

A rose is a beautiful flower. It’s one of the most beautiful flowers in the world to me. I cant tell you how many roses I’ve received in my life or given in return to express love, appreciation, and adoration. Each rose was just as special and precious as the one before. With it array of colors, shapes, and aromas, its splendor is enhanced by its long stems and vibrant green pedals. We mustn’t forget its thorns and thistles, which does not diminish its beauty in the least. They only increase our appreciate of how magnificent and unique the rose really is. No matter how thorny its stems are, my rose stands above, and in spite of its thorns.

I think to myself… no wonder the book of Solomon calls Jesus, “The Rose of Sharon.” Yes, that’s my rose, and He’s also willing to be yours. Pick Him. Adore Him. Breathe in His fragrance and come alive to His love, grace, mercy, and salvation.

“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys” (Solomon 2:1 KJV)

I will keep on thanking God for the fragrance of His saving love.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

Has God ever allowed you to do something that you “know” you couldn’t have done without Him; something beyond your comfort zone? I’m sure those who know Him, the resounding answer would be a yes! For we know, “Without Him we can do nothing” (John 15:5 KJV). He provides the strength, knowledge and wisdom to move forward. I’m thankful that He has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone in faith to write and publish a book that glorifies Him; a book entitled, “Something to Thank About from A to  Z,” thanking and praising God for God through Scripture. My book encourages us to be grateful to God for who He is, what He has done, is doing, and will do.

I’m grateful to be a participating vendor to share my book at the “Black Writers on Tour, and The Southern California Black Business Expo, this Saturday, April 21, 2018 (9-6pm), 801 E. Carson Street, Carson, California. All who can are invited. There will be opportunity to meet over 100 authors and 50 plus business exhibitors in one setting. Free admission. Free parking. Several free seminars. So come on out and encourage those who have stepped out of their comfort zone to share their crafts, products, and talents with you. I assure you, “stepping out of your comfort zone will take you places you have never roamed.” I encourage you to… step out!

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV).

I will keep on thanking God for moving me forward in Him.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com/ Book available xulonpress.com.

I’m glad we’re children of God, the Most High King. I’m glad we have new life in Him; that we can taste the sweet nectar of His fellowship, yet bearing one another’s burden at the same time. That we can rejoice together in His love, build one another up in His strength, and pray for one another as we go through various trials of life. I’m glad I’m not a single child in this family of God. I appreciate the sisters and brothers I have to play, pray, and worship with daily. I’m glad I’m not contented with “only” the brothers and sisters I have; I want more. I thank God that He has provided a way that I might gain more.

God  has made it possible for all children in their physical family to have joy and fellowship with sisters and brothers in His spiritual family. I’m glad God has given us His Word to share with them that they may know the joy of His salvation. I’m glad we have that privilege of letting others know how easy it is to be apart of our family; which is believing and accepting Jesus into their heart as Lord and Savior. Being apart of this family, they will become aware that this is the most loving family in this world… and in the world to come. Aren’t you glad to welcome new brothers and sisters into our family? I know I’m glad.

“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 ESV).

I will keep on thanking God for the fellowship with believers that we have in Him. By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com.

One day a young lady decided to stop by a grocery store. As she made her way to the meat section, she saw a young man placing a meaty package of neckbones in his cart. Before she knew it, she exclaimed, “That’s a lot of meat!” The young man replied, “Yeaaah, and for this price, is a great buy!” Being from the country, she said, “Once upon a time neckbones were a very, very inexpensive meat. You could buy them a dime a dozen, but not now.” He laughingly agreed, and (without invitation) began helping her to find a meaty package of meaty neckbones.

As they continued their neckbone interaction, she was moved to ask him, “Do you go to church?” He said with a quick and definite “No… but, I love God.” The young lady looked puzzled, as if waiting for an explanation. He began expounding his answer by sharing his testimony that while in prison for two years, he accepted Christ as Savior, and Jesus had a good relationship. Now that he’s out, he still maintains that relationship, without attending church. She asked, “Why don’t you go? He replied, “Because I’ve seen a lot of falsehood… people wearing the fancy clothes, lies, and deception in the church.” In defense, she shared, “Not all are like that. We may see all kinds of behaviors on our jobs, but we don’t stop working, do we? We continue.” He then responded, “I know, but we go to work because we have to.” She replied, “That’s a valid point, but I want you to know, we go to church because we love God, and because He said for us to go.” He then answered, but now looking a little convicted, “Yeah, I know…” and continued… “Not forsaking to assemble yourselves together… I know.”

She was not impressed because like some, this young man knew the Word, but looking at other’s behavior had hindered him from assembling “himself” with the church in hearing the Word in obedience to Scripture. To further encourage him she added, “Attending church is not about looking at people’s behavior, but  looking at Jesus and what He did for us.” She continued, “Jesus died to save us from our sins. When we attend church, we take our eyes off man, and look to God.” With that said, she invited him to her church home.

After looking in her purse, she realized she didn’t have her church name and address card, which she tries never to be without. Then she asked, “Do you mind if I write the church address on a receipt?” He excitedly said, “No, certainly not.” As she handed him the receipt, he said he was going to come to church. Smiling as they parted ways, she placed in her cart that big package of meaty neckbones he had helped her pick out, all the while thinking, “it’s not about neckbones. It’s about Jesus. Then she joyfully continued her shopping.

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15 ESV).

I will keep on thanking God for every opportunity to witness for Him.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com