“My times are in thy hand; deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them who persecute me” (Psalm 31:15 KJV). Time is at hand. Time is precious and important. Time is valuable. We’ve heard the song lyric, “He May Not Come When You Want Him, But He’s Right On Time.” And He is! Whose “time” is it, anyway? All the time belongs to God. He set it in motion, and we’re thankful He shares His time with us. Let’s not waste it, but make the most of it.

Each of us may have said more than once, “I have time.” No… we don’t. Where did we get time from? God holds it on his providential schedule in the palm of His hand. Yes, we’re grateful He woke us up this morning (not on our time, but His). Whatever time He woke you, don’t waste it.

How can we make the most of God’s time, you make ask? First, by being present for Him; making Him priority. Second, by being sensitive to His voice; be still and listen. Thirdly, by reading His Word; it helps us to know His heart, will, and purpose. Lastly, by sharing our Faith; at every opportunity. These are sure ways we will not waste God’s time. With that said, let’s spend His time in a positive and productive way, knowing that we won’t be privileged and a participant all the time.

“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Daniel 2:21 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for His time. By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever (1Chronicles 16:34 KJV). Most people are aware that November is the month most recognized for giving thanks. But every child of God knows that everyday is a day of thanksgiving. The thirty days in November just happens to be included.

The Scriptures let us know that since we all have our being in Him, we ought to show some gratitude. What we have, we get from Him. Where we go, we use His strength. What we need, He supplies. When we lie down, He wakes us up. When we’re hungry, He feeds us. Since God does so much for us, the lest we can do is give thanks to His name.

Giving thanks is something we can do that doesn’t cost anything. Freely, God has given.  Let’s also freely and joyfully offer praises to Him with a grateful heart. Why not take the opportunity this month to raise our praise and gratitude even higher? He deserves it.

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3 KJV).

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonian 5:18 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

“Thanking God for His Salvation, Dedication, and Illumination.”

“Thanking God for His Light, Might, and Sight.”

“Thanking God for His Purity, Surety, and Security.”

“Thanking God for His Perfection, Direction, and Protection.”

“Thanking God for His Information, Inspiration, and Revelation.”

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Hebrews 2:2 KJV).

Father God, give us insight. Guide our fingers as we write,

From keyboard; from pen to paper,

To transfer this vision, as we pursue in making this decision,

To transfer a legacy of your love and care,

To encourage others everywhere,

That you are God, who’s always there.

Thank you Lord for this little prayer, in Jesus name, amen.

“Where upon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision;” (Acts 26:19 KJV).

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for spiritual insight.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

I thank God we are living in an age with so many opportunities. Not only do we get things we need, but also some of the things we want. Many of our young people let us know they want it, and they want it, now. Have you ever heard a child pouting or screaming, “I want it now?” “Give it to me, now!”

This is not so uncommon for a child, but in this techno/cyber age, not only are our children pouting and shouting “I want it now,” so are we. Simply put, we’re living in a day God has given us the wisdom that all we have to do is push a button, wave a hand, or speak to a screen. We also can click or touch, email, text, tweet or even slide a card. He has made it possible that we can get some things in an instant. If we can’t, we also may  find ourselves screaming, “I want it now!”

So, what do we really want, now? It appears we want everything, but God. I’m here to tell you, He is available. He is the ‘Now” God. We don’t have to wait, pout, or scream. Just say in our hearts, “I want You now, Lord Jesus. I accept You as my Savior.” He’ll be there, faster than a wave of the hand, push of a button, tweet, text, or click of a finger, even before you utter a word. Just open your heart, He’ll fill it without delay. He’s faithful to be right there, right now.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (Hebrews 3:15 ESV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for being the “Now” God. By Hertistine Washington/ keeponthanking.com

“Thanking God for knowledge to know and wisdom to do.”

“Thanking God to be anxious for nothing is calming, never alarming.”

“No matter when life seems smooth or hard, it pays to keep on thanking God.”

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

“Thanking God, He can untie any knot.”

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and  receive you unto  myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3 KJV)

Those are the very words of Jesus. We are thankful He has gone and made ready our heavenly home. Isn’t that just like Jesus, to have prepared a home for us after this life for those who have accepted Him as Savior. He has made ready not only a home, but a mansion, assuring that we will never be left homeless.

Think of it, a home eternally in heaven, whose gates are pearls and streets paved with gold! This is a home needing no down payment, nor continuing mortgage, nor up-grade or re-financing! Jesus paid it “all off” with His precious blood, once and “for all.”

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” ( 2 Corinthians 5:1 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for securing my future.  By Hertistine Washington keeponthanking.com

“Thanking God for the flavor of His favor.”

“Thanking God,  I can cope as long as I have hope.”

“Thanking God, He’s always right every day and every night.”

“Thanking God, He’s big enough to handle all my rough stuff.”

“Thanking God for the goodness of His blessings, regardless the lessons.”

“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3 KJV). I thank God I can smile. I have so many reasons to do so. Why do you smile? I would like to share forty reasons why I love to SMILE, everyday: I smile because:

(1) I can (2) It’s a gift (3) It’s welcoming (4) It’s easy to do (5) I love it (6) It’s contagious (7) It’s a privilege (8) It’s free (9) It encourages others to smile (10) I look better (11) It feels good (12) It’s attractive (13) It’s accepting (14) It adds and never subtracts (15) It’s inviting (16) It makes my day (17) It makes me happy (18) It expresses my joy (19) It reflects my pleasing response (20) I’m free to do so.

(21) It shows softness (22) It removes frowns (23) It encourages warmth (24) It promotes kindness (25) It erases the hard look (26) It’s my choice (27) No one can smile for me (28) It demonstrates hope. (29) It conveys much without saying a word (30) It eradicates intimidation (31) It soothes my spirit (32) It promotes connectivity  (33) It lowers my stress (34) God loves me (35) God smiled on me (36) It relaxes my mood (37) It make me approachable {38) It raises my spirit (39) It’s gives comfort, and… (40) I’m blessed by God who made my lips to be flexible enough to do so.

If I happened to miss the reason why you smile, please share :)!

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1 KJV).

In God, I will keep on thanking Him for giving me reasons to smile.  By Hertistine Washington /keeponthanking.com

“Jesus went deep enough to be buried, and rose high enough to be exalted forever.”  

“Loosing some battles may be a blessing. The battles aren’t ours anyway.”

“God’s Word will change you; just keep reading.”

“There is no lack or slack in God’s Word, and that’s a fact.”

“Sin will never escape God’s notice.”