Okay. The truth is, I don’t remember him either. In fact, I had to look up the meaning of his name just to see how to pronounce it. So, if he’s new to you too, Mnason is pronounced (m)na-son (with a silent m), and…
The following verse is the only time he’s mentioned in Scripture:
Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early believers.
Acts 21:16
Although he’s not exactly a household name, learning that the name Mnason means “diligent seeker” made him stand out to me.
A couple of years ago, God gave me the word SEEK as my life verse.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31
The Life Application Bible Notes say:
Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. He must control every area—your work, play, plans, relationships.
Now, I’m the first to admit that I fall short of my desire to let God control every part of my life. But that’s my desire. It’s my prayer.
I want to be a forgiven and faithful SEEKer.
While Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, Paul, and many others have instant name recognition. I want to be like Mnason.
I want my life to be about “only Jesus.”
I love Casting Crowns song by the same name:
And I… I don’t want to leave a legacy I don’t care if they remember me Only Jesus And I… I’ve only got one life to live I’ll let every second point to Him Only Jesus
It’s not about you! God put you on this earth, and he has a message he wants to declare to the world through you. But your life message is not about you. It’s about Jesus Christ.
So, I’m praying today to be a faithful diligent seeker who makes her life about only Jesus and I’d love for you to join me…
A Prayer to be a Diligent Seeker of Jesus
Lord, Your Word says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) Thank you for the gift of faith. I want to praise You with my life. I want to diligently SEEK You . . . to give you complete control of my whole life.
I remember the years I held back parts of my life because I was afraid of what You might allow . . . afraid of suffering and pain. But I learned that holding back didn’t prevent suffering and pain, it just kept me from having the fullness of Your strength to help me face what was happening. Thank you for teaching me the truth. Thank you for showing me Your better way. Thank you for helping me carry my burdens and for removing my fear. Thank you for mercifully showing me Your all-sufficient grace . . . for surrounding me with Your love.
I give myself to You. I give You control. Make me a Diligent SEEKer of Your TRUTH and with Your help I will make it the desire of my heart to make every second of my life point to Jesus . . . only Jesus. In whose name I pray. Amen.
Mnason pointed to Jesus and he served the Kingdom by believing and embracing the opportunities God gave him.
He isn’t known for anything special or great. But he is mentioned as someone who believed and allowed God to use him right where he was all to glorify the Lord.
May you and I be faithful diligent SEEKers who humbly live to serve the Kingdom by declaring the TRUTH about Jesus.
On today’s note write:
May I be a diligent SEEKer who glorifies Jesus.
God bless you today as you SEEK the Kingdom above all else and trust the Lord to give you everything you need.
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One of the things I love about reading Scripture is that it speaks to every intelligence level and personality type. It’s everything you and I need.
How is that possible?
Because…
The word of God is alive and active.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
God’s Word is living and powerful, able to change lives because God’s Holy Spirit works in us through the Bible’s commands and promises.
Matthew 6 is full of Jesus’ teaching, words that speak to all of us together, and each of us individually.
Maybe you’re going through a season where you need to be reminded about your personal relationship with the Lord. Where you ask yourself, would I still do this act of kindness or service if no one would ever know about it?
Maybe, you need to focus on prayer today and remember how much the Father wants us to come to Him in quiet and privacy to thank and praise Him and talk to Him about whatever is on our hearts and minds.
Maybe you struggle with priorities and what you would identify as your “treasure,” and you need to remember that whatever you treasure most controls your thoughts and your choices.
Maybe like me, you have an ongoing struggle with worry and anxiety and you need to reread Jesus’ words…
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:33–34
And you need to be reminded that His promise to give you everything you need, is a promise to give you:
♥ peace that goes beyond understanding. (Philippians 4:7) ♥ courage when you are afraid. (Mark 6:50) ♥ strength when you feel weak. (Philippians 4:13) ♥ wisdom when you’re confused. (James 1:5) ♥ all-sufficient grace when you’re not enough. (2 Corinthians 12:9) ♥ love and mercy when you need forgiveness. (Ephesians 2:4–5)
It’s easy to confuse “everything we need” with everything we want but what God promises is that He will give us what we need to help us grow in and live with faith that we might be able to endure in any and all circumstances.
And that is the EVERYTHING we need more than ANYTHING!
Will you pray with me?
A Prayer to Seek God First and Have Everything You Need
Father, thank you for Your “alive and active” Word that has made it possible for every generation, every person and personality to be blessed by Your truth.
Jesus, thank you for showing us the Father and His truths and for offering yourself as a sacrifice for me. This world is confusing and full of distractions, but You showed us the importance of seeking God’s Kingdom . . . the life-changing eternity-giving blessing of putting my relationship with You, my God, first in my life. And the promise is not just for an eternity in heaven, it is a promise to give me everything I need right now in the midst of the confusion and chaos.
And thank you, Spirit of God, for being with me and helping me live with wisdom and discernment by grace through faith.
Lord, I surrender my life to you! I love you and pray that with Your help I will live each day for Your glory.
Friend, I pray that as you SEEK God first and give Him all that’s distracting and confusing you today.
Write on today’s post-it note:
By God’s grace, I am blessed with everything I need!
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Many people in the U.S. have their focus on the leadership decisions that will be happening tomorrow but did you know tomorrow is also Epiphany – the day we pause to remember those who were wise.
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2
Did you catch a glimpse of the “Bethlehem Star” last month?
Whether God used the convergence of two planets or created a miraculous heavenly proclamation of light doesn’t matter. He used a “Star” to inspire wise men from a distant land to search for King Jesus.
What do those who are wise do when they find the King for whom they are searching?
They worship!
The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9b–11
One of my favorite songs from the Children’s Musical – The Birthday Party by Agapeland Music is What Can We Give to the King.
Here are just some of the lyrics…
What Can We Give to the King
What can we give to the King? Give to the One who has everything? What can I give? What gift can I bring? What can I give to the King?
Give Him a heart that’s opened up wide. Give Him a life that’s got nothing to hide. Give Him a love that’s tender and true. And He’ll give it all back to you.
Give Him all glory, His people on earth. Give Him all praises, this day of His birth. Give Him all honor in all that we do. As He’s given His life to you.
The wise men gave us a beautiful example . . . they offered Jesus their worship and things that were precious to them—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
May we follow their example and worship King Jesus giving Him our love, trust, and obedience.
Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.
Romans 12:1
A Prayer to Live Like Those Who are Wise
Lord, give me a desire to SEEK You above all else and make me wise. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit, I might completely give myself to You as an offering of worship. I ask that You will help me set aside the things that distract me that I might love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30) By Your grace, help me know, trust, follow, and obey Your will that I might fulfill Your plans and purposes for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
May we be like those who are truly wise and faithfully SEEK the King knowing that God has given the Light that we might find and worship Him with our love and our lives!
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
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Leave your prayer requests…
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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year. Get your copy here!
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A year ago, I told you that I was making the word “SEEK” my life word because I have realized it’s easier to say I want to seek God first and give Him complete control of my life—than it is to actually do it!
I’ve also learned that it’s easier to say I want to live each day with faith and hope than it is ignore the enemy’s taunts and attacks and actually do that!
If those things are true, and I believe they are . . . I know it’s important for me to focus on the following – 5 Ways to Seek God First Every Day.
Because if we want to consistently SEEK GOD FIRST, we need the Holy Spirit’s help to:
♥ Remain humble and repentant. ♥ Remain in God’s Word. ♥ Remain in prayer. ♥ Remain obedient to God’s will. ♥ Remain in God’s presence.
Over this past crazy year, I’ve had multiple opportunities to observe how very important those five things are for my health – physically, mentally, emotionally, and especially spiritually. I have also discovered it’s impossible for me to remain humble and repentant, or obediently in God’s will and presence if I don’t remain in His Word and in prayer.
And that’s why I’m inviting you to take a journey in the Word and in prayer with me this year.
How to Start the Year with Faith and Hope
Did you know there are 260 chapters in the New Testament? That’s one chapter a day, five days a week to read through the whole New Testament in a year.
I’d like to invite you to join me as I study the New Testament and share 5 shortposts each week.
For the last few years, I’ve posted 1,300 to 1,500-word posts on Monday and Friday. This year, I’m hoping to post a 500-word post each day, Monday through Friday.
Each post will offer a brief devotion based on the chapter (with a link to the chapter for anyone who wants to read it online), a highlighted verse or two, and a prayer that meditates on those verses.
I promise to keep each post short and manageable.
Jesus said,
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
When you and I “seek the Kingdom of God above all else”, we’re living with the desire to make Jesus the Lord of our lives, to want God’s will to be our will, and to live in unity with other citizens of the Kingdom.
I want to KNOW the TRUTH that Jesus said sets us free. I want Jesus to be Lord of my life and I want to TRUST and OBEY GOD’S WILL.
And I know that will take PRAYER and the POWER of the Holy Spirit giving me everything I need to grow in faith and hope.
That’s why I am so excited about this blogging plan for the coming year and I can’t wait for you to join me. If you’re not a subscriber already, you will want to sign up so that a link to each devotion will be sent to your email inbox. You’ll be able to visit each day or just check-in and catch up on the weekends . . . it’s up to you!
I will also share all the posts on social media – so make sure you follow me there as well. And don’t forget to invite your friends. I believe this is going to be a journey that will truly bless us and help us live with the faith and hope we both want and need.
So . . . let’s read through the New Testament in 2021! Are you ready? Me too!! See you on Monday!
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
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You can also…
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year. Get your copy here!
And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.
If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…
“God doesn’t care if you’re happy. He wants you to be holy.”
Rick Warren said something similar…
“God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.”
Although I agree that God’s primary goal for us is to know, love, and trust Him … I also believe that God would not have repeatedly told us how to be happy in the words of Scripture if He didn’t care whether or not we are happy!
So, I thought it might be a blessing for us to take a closer look at what God says in the Bible about happiness.
Does God Want Me to Be Happy?
The definition of happiness is:
the feeling of experiencing pleasure, contentment, or joy.
And we all want that – right?!
For many, being happy seems to be their goal in life. So, they chase after experiences, relationships, and things that claim to offer happiness but fall short in the long run. They try, test, and indulge in things the world says will make them happy only to learn that their momentary rush of “bliss” has either passed or lost its luster … leaving only sadness, dissatisfaction, and consequences in its place.
The Good News is there are ways the Bible tells us we can enjoy happiness … ways that will not leave us discouraged or disappointed but that we can count on to last and satisfy.
Did you know several translations of the Bible – substitute the word happy for the word blessed?
Which makes sense because one of the definitions of blessed is … blissfully happy or content. Another definition is holy and sanctified.
I love that!
There seems to be a connection between living under the blessings of God’s will and enjoying happiness.
Which is exactly what God’s Word has been telling us all along.
We shouldn’t be surprised, however, that satan has been twisting God’s truth and tempting people to believe God is holding out on them. He started in the Garden…
“Did God really say?”
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
Genesis 3:1, 4–5
The clear message is … if you want to be “happy” don’t listen to God, listen to me.
So the enemy of our souls goes after our natural desire to be happy, a desire given to us by God, and he slyly smiles and tells us what we really want is to live without God and do what we want.
But as I look around at the world’s idea of”freedom,” I can’t help but notice how miserable the people who have bought into satan’s lies seem to be.
I want true happiness, don’t you?
I’m not as interested in a quick moment of something the world wants me to believe will make me happy … especially when I look around and see the lasting consequences of their choices.
I want happiness that is lasting, blessed, and filled with contentment.
Let’s take a couple of minutes and look at what God’s Word says will give us the kind of happiness we really want … the kind that lasts.
10 Things the Bible Says Will Make You Happy
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
Jeremiah 17:7
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Romans 4:7–8
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
Proverbs 3:18
Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
Psalm 119:34–35
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
Psalm 89:15
“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
1 Peter 3:10
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Luke 11:28
What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
Luke 6:22–23a
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:31–32
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23
I’m not sure what you think but to me … that sounds like happiness.
True happiness.
The kind of happiness that lasts.
Trust that God is greater than my circumstances.
Knowing my sins are forgiven.
Wisdom to guide me and keep me safe.
Happiness and peace that comes from obedience.
Joy experienced through praise and worship.
Relationships blessed by truth and kindness.
Contentment found in spending time with the Lord.
The promise of a beautiful forever future.
The peace that comes in knowing God will meet every need.
Freedom from fear.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Isn’t that the kind of happiness you want? Isn’t it the kind of happiness you need?
To answer the original question…
Does God Want Me to Be Happy?
I believe the answer is YES! God, absolutely wants us to be happy!
In fact, He wants it so very much that He sent Jesus to make it possible for us to be forgiven and to be called His children forever.
What parent doesn’t want their children to be happy?
The thing is, every good parent cares more about their children’s long term happiness. So, they counsel, guide, discipline, and instruct them, even if it doesn’t make them “happy” at the moment because they know what is best for them in the long run.
They care more about their future happiness than their momentary pleasure.
Our perfect heavenly Father cares most of all about our eternal future. So, He guides, disciplines, and instructs us with a perspective that sees our lives from beginning to eternal.
For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:12
And…
For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Isaiah 46:9b–10a
I believe if you and I want to be truly happy … we need to look to God’s will and plan for making us happy. Even in moments of grief and sadness, we can be sure of Jesus’ eternal promise…
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
John 14:1–3
The bad and the even the good the world offers is temporary. But there is a happiness found in Jesus … a happiness we can enjoy today, tomorrow, and forever.
A happiness that God wants for us.
I think the following quote sums it up perfectly…
“If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.” ~David Brainerd
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
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You can also…
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year. Get your copy here!
And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.
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Many of you have already joined the #WWGGG Facebook Group and committed to asking yourself the question as you maneuver the joys and challenges of life each day. Some are sharing it with their own children and their church’s youth groups. Others are inviting their extended family and friends to join us on Facebook and begin a movement of people living for God’s glory.
The following quote sums up what it means to give God glory…
“We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.”
R. C. Sproul
I want to look at 5 ways you and I can give God glory every day.
Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans…
I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1–2 (NLT)
I’ve read that verse hundreds of times but today I want to pull it apart and make it practical. I don’t want to just read it, nod my head in agreement, and move on … I want to take it to heart and live.
So, I’m learning…
How to Give God Glory Every Day
You and I can give God glory every day by taking a closer look at His Word and applying it to every area of who we are.
1. Give God Glory by Surrendering the Day to Him
As I open my eyes and begin to start the day, I want to surrender myself to God.
The Message version of those verses above say:
Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Romans 12:1
That’s surrender! Giving every part of my life to God as an offering to be lifted up for His glory.
Years ago, a friend taught me his morning prayer. I’ve always loved it…
Lord, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and trust Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me fulfill this promise that my life might give You glory. In Jesus name by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. Give God Glory with Your Body (Physically)
Paul wrote in one of his letters to the people in Corinth…
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
I really want to be a good steward of the body God has given me but I have to admit that often when it comes to diet and exercise and the stewardship of taking care of myself physically, my intentions are better than my actual follow-through.
Paul also wrote…
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, I’m challenging myself to do better. When I’m tempted to binge or miss my appointment with a workout or ignore important healthy routines … I want to ask and apply #WWGGG!
In addition, verse 18 in chapter 6 says…
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
1 Corinthians 6:18
You and I can glorify God with our bodies by honoring who He created us to be sexually as well as trusting and obeying His Word on marriage – things that definitely give Him glory.
3. Give God Glory with Your Thoughts (Mentally)
Whew, this one’s hard, isn’t it?
I think intentionally controlling my thoughts throughout the day is one of my life’s greatest challenges.
The enemy of our souls is continuously taunting us with past hurts, past mistakes, worldly pleasures, greed, judgments, self-righteousness, doubt … okay, you get the idea! We can also add countless “entertainment” choices that can either bless or harm our mental well-being.
Paul also wrote…
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5
It’s so encouraging to know that God hasn’t abandoned us to control our thoughts on our own. He has given us His Spirit to help us.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:11
You and I can’t and won’t control our thoughts on our own. We will follow the enemy’s taunts down into the pit every time. But we’re not alone. We have the Holy Spirit with us and within us to guide us to help us stay out of those pits of defeat and discouragement and anything else we might be tempted to put in our heads that fail to glorify God.
And that’s an awesome reason to give God glory!
4. Give God Glory with Your Feelings (Emotionally)
I’m super emotional. Highs, lows, and everything in between. When Rev asks me if I remember an event or an experience, I will typically reply with…
“I don’t know. Did I cry?”
I don’t remember facts and details but whew, do I remember emotions.
So glorifying God with my emotions is important to me.
Paul also wrote:
You have never been tempted to sin in any different way than other people. God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted more than you can take. But when you are tempted, He will make a way for you to keep from falling into sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLV)
God gave us our emotions.
He not only gave them to us – Jesus lived them for us.
Jesus understands our emotions! He experienced life here on earth in a body with all its feelings and emotions.
The difference … Jesus managed His emotions perfectly for God’s glory.
When You and I are tempted with out of control emotions – praise God for His promise to “make a way to keep us from falling into sin.” So, I’m praying and asking God to help me ask #WWGGG before I write that snarky reply in person or in an email, text, or comment. With God’s help, I believe I can do a better job of taking an emotional pause first.
And for this emotional Sanguine, being able to manage my emotions with godly wisdom would be an awesome reason to thank and praise God.
5. Give God Glory with Your Soul (Spiritually)
When you and I repent of our sins and entrust our lives to God through faith in Jesus … we are glorifying God spiritually.
And when we share our stories of how the Lord has changed our lives through His grace, mercy, and love …. we are glorifying God.
Glorifying God with our souls is to glorify Him with who we are completely … which is why giving God the glory with my soul is my favorite one of all.
You see, everything else will fade away.
Our bodies will eventually fail and die, needing to be replaced with a new and perfect body when Jesus returns. Our minds and emotions will be cleansed and purified and the junk that haunts and taunts us will be overwhelmed by all that is good and God-pleasing.
But our souls … the total of who we are inside, the inside wiring and creation of God that we surrender back to Him in faith, that will live on to glorify Him for all eternity.
How awesome is that?!
So, after pulling apart the question “How to give God glory”, we can put it back together like this…
To give God glory every day – we surrender ourselves to God who loves us so much He provided Jesus, the sacrifice for our sin and who through His Spirit is able to give us everything we need to live each moment for His glory physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
We can live to lift His name HIGH for…
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples,and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need.
“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us.For in Him we live and move and exist.
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Today is the first day of the second half of the year.
So, let me ask you … how’s it going so far?
If you’re like me you started the year with goals, plans, hopes, and dreams along with some good habits to start and a few bad habits to break.
So..?
In my own case, I keep thinking of Paul’s words…
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Romans 7:18–19
I’m so good at having good intentions and so bad at having consistent follow-through.
Something I’ve realized in the last few days is that I have a problem with being more reactive than proactive with my days.
For example…
I consistently get up each morning and brush my teeth, wash my face, and tame my hair. I get dressed and make the bed. I feed and walk the dog. And then I sit down and spend time with the Lord.
That’s all good but that’s also when I stop being proactive. From that point on I spend much of my time going “squirrel, squirrel” to almost anything that floats by and distracts me.
A post on social media can have me digging around the internet. An email can send me off to do some online shopping. A news article or opinionated post can agitate and distract me. Or a random memory can put me on a path to visit my reserved spot in a town called melancholy.
Yep, I start out positive and end up wondering “what in the world just happened here.”
It all became a little clearer for me the other day. I was just finishing up my Bible study and prayer time when the phone rang. The conversation was with one of my favorite people and we were just having fun when all of a sudden one of my “trigger” topics came up and I found myself chasing a squirrel down the path of “truth” and “self” righteousness.
Now, it’s not that my views were wrong, it’s just that (1) I couldn’t help but wonder what my pontificating was accomplishing because (2) I was “preaching to the choir!”
After our conversation ended, I felt that still small voice whisper, “Do you feel better? Was that helpful? Was it”
…true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise? Philippians 4:8
Nope! Not so much!
That’s when I realized how much is lost when I’m reactive rather than proactive.
So, I’ve made a list of action steps I’m calling “proactive help” to get back on track. Things I believe will bless the rest of the year and maybe even make it the best yet!
Positively Proactive Help for the Best Rest of the Year
1. Count your blessings every day.
I started “Counting My Blessings” during one of the most difficult times in my life. I launched it to hold myself accountable to noticing God’s goodness in the middle of the pain.
Whatever is going on in the world, even in my world, God’s grace and mercy never change. His perfect love is unfailing!
Whether I write them in a journal or on a piece of paper to drop in a jar or basket, I want to go back to keeping a list of the many ways God is providing for and protecting me … heart, mind, body, and soul every single day.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
I sometimes think I can think of it as beginning each day in prayer and Bible study.
But I wonder if it’s more than that. I wonder if it’s more of an attitude … in finding my purpose in Him.
Do you remember the 5 Purposes of a Purpose Driven Life?
1. You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure. 2. You Were Formed for God’s Family. 3. You Were Created to Become Like Christ. 4. You Were Shaped for Serving God. 5. You Were Made for a Mission.
Rick Warren
I think it just may be time for me to reread that book! I just may be allowing too many “squirrels” to distract me from focusing on and doing what’s most important.
You can also click on the link above to find the goals I made at the beginning of the year … I know I needed to read it again!
3. Assess your goals and the progress you’re making.
I’m going to be completely honest with you here…
I am terrible at goal setting, time management, and follow through.
I am a Sanguine who like to chase “squirrels!”
So, I can spend all kinds of time making a list of goals and thinking about the best ways to plug them into my schedule and on a good day, I might make it ’til lunchtime before I’ve abandoned it all and gotten off track.
But I will not give up! I’m making a new list of goals this afternoon and attaching to my planner. Although I may not plug in specific times, I’m going to be intentional about doing a weekend assessment of my progress.
4. Learn to say “no” so you can say “yes” to the best.
I want to be able to live my purpose intentionally. And I believe that God sometimes sends interruptions to help me grow in different ways.
But I also know…
Not every interruption is from God and it is not God-honoring for me to chase every “squirrel” I see.
So, I want to prayerfully set those goals I talked about above and live purposefully.
And as a reminder, I’m going to keep the following quote from one of my favorite time-management instructors…
“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage pleasantly, smilingly, and non-apologetically – to say no to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger yes burning inside.”
Stephen Covey
5. Let go of the past and refuse to worry about the future.
This is a hard one, isn’t it?
It’s so easy to bring yesterday’s baggage into today and worry about how today’s doubts and concerns will affect tomorrow.
But Jesus clearly told us not to worry about today’s troubles or tomorrow’s unknowns.
Why?
Because when you and I seek God first, He is faithful to give us everything we need.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
Jesus very next words are … “so don’t worry about tomorrow.”
And we can let go of the past because we are forgiven and free in Jesus.
I don’t know about you…
but I’m ready to stop chasing “squirrels.” I’m ready to stop living a reactive life.
Be proactive!
I’m ready to apply proactive help to the rest of the year and enjoy the freedom and blessings God offers to those who live with purpose as they place their hope and trust in His Son, Jesus.
And I’m praying the following words of Paul for each of us as we make the the next six months the best rest of the year.
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:!3
One more thing…
I believe being positively proactive can bless every area of our lives.
So, are you ready to look back at your goals for the year and make some positively proactive changes to bless the rest of the year.
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
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You can also…
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year. Get your copy here!
And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.
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SEEK was my word for 2018, and I chose Luke 12:31 as my verse…
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
At the end of the year, I knew there was no moving on. Seek went from being my word for the year to being my word for life!
I think the reason it’s so important to me is because giving God first place in my life was something I struggled with for much of my life. I believed and trusted in Jesus for my salvation but I also struggled to surrender myself completely.
Satan had planted a seed of doubt … one that told me much was asked of those who surrendered completely. So, I held back just a little because I doubted God’s ability to strengthen me through my “what if” fears.
But I was wrong!
Life is hard whether we’re surrendered or not. Bad things happen to the faith-filled and to those without faith. But by God’s grace, I’ve learned that God is greater than my circumstances, even when they are painful and unwanted!
The Lord provided everything I needed through a season of overwhelming events and proved He is able to give me everything I need whatever my situation. I can now say…
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Romans 8:38
He gave me what I needed when I needed it! Never early. Never late. But right on time.
Now I cling to verses like…
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
And…
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
Psalm 46:1 and 2 Corinthians 12:9
I want to get up each morning and seek God first. I want to live surrendered and free in Jesus!
But it takes prayer. So, today I’m praying 5 verses asking for the Spirit’s help to…
Seek God First
Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Father, Seeking is not a “sit back, wait and see” way of life. It’s spending time in Your Word, coming to You in prayer, and worshipping You in spirit and truth. Seeking is realizing I’m lost without You. It’s recognizing my need for Your mercy and grace. And it’s living a life of gratitude for Your gift of love … Jesus, the One who “came to seek and to save those who are lost” like me. Please help me continually seek You today!
Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:6
Father, I want to trust and obey Your will faithfully but I fall short. Please forgive me and help me. Your Word says repentance is more than just saying I’m sorry; it is intentionally wanting to change. It’s trusting Your Word as truth and obeying Your will. It’s being willing to accept Your help in stepping off the path I’m on to take the path You want for me. Please help me apply these truths to my life.
The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25–26
Father, I hear You whisper, “be still and know … cease striving” but it’s hard Lord. My life feels like it’s spinning. Do this. Be there. Check this box. Finish that project. Run this errand. Help. Serve. Accomplish. I’m exhausted! I need You! I am stopping right now … stopping to surrender and breathe in Your goodness.
By Your grace, help me remember, I don’t have to do this alone. Your Spirit is with me to counsel and guide. Make me constantly aware of Your sweet presence as I depend on Your truth to guide me and give me strength.
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:21
Father, I know when I have You, I have everything I need. But the world shouts at me. My schedule harasses me. Some days … life simply wears me out.
With the help of Your Spirit, turn my focus from the chaos and desires of the world to the treasure I have in You. Fill me with Your peace. Help me replace the noise of life with the simple sounds of worship and praise. Give me a passion for Your Word and prayer. Be my treasure and my heart’s desire. Satisfy me with Your love.
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given,
Psalm 105:1,4–5
Father, Thank you! When I remember all You have done in the past, I’m overwhelmed by Your grace and mercy. You have sustained and strengthened, healed and helped, provided and protected. I am overwhelmed. Thank you!
I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and obey Your will as You reveal it to me. I will seek You with all I am and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please fill me with Your Spirit that I might willingly and faithfully keep this promise … by Your grace and for Your glory.
Seek God First
Jesus promised…
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31
Everything! And the next verse…
So don’t be afraid … it gives your Father great happiness to give You the kingdom.
Luke 12:32
Great happiness! Wow! What a blessing it is to know our prayers to “seek God first,” are prayers our Father loves to answer!
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
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You can also…
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year. Get your copy here!
And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.
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Something the dictionary defines as a state of well-being or contentment.
Yet, I’m not sure that’s the definition most of us are trying to attain.
Why?
Because then happiness wouldn’t be something to be attained in the next big thing…
The next vacation, purchase, or relationship.
If happiness is simply a state of well-being and contentment we should be happier, shouldn’t we?
Paul wrote to Timothy…
If we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
1 Timothy 6:8
Something to eat and something to wear is not typically the measure by which we weigh our level of happiness, is it?
Yet, I’ve seen people who seem to have everything life has to offer and they’re miserable; and I’ve seen people who barely have enough to get by each day who exude happiness.
What’s the difference?
I believe there are a few things people who are happy do differently than those who are not.
They don’t play the comparison game.
They have an eternal perspective.
They don’t confuse happiness and joy.
You Need to Avoid the Comparison Trap
I have to tamp down the comparison temptation all the time and social media doesn’t help.
It’s so easy for you and me to compare our every day unexciting to our friends’ perfect pictures and exciting announcements. Facebook and Instagram are flooded with photos that invite us to compare our homes and our stuff, our success or lack of it, our children’s success or lack of it, our _____________ (you fill in the blank).
Simply put, comparison is the thief of contentment; and remember, contentment is one of the definitions for happiness.
Paul wrote to the people in Philippi…
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12–13
I’m always humbled when I read about all Paul suffered as a servant of the Lord. He was whipped, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. And yet, he wrote that the secret to contentment through all these circumstances was found in Christ, the One who gave him strength.
Paul also wrote to Timothy…
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
1 Timothy 6:^–8
Faith in Jesus gave Paul the contentment that comes from having an eternal perspective and that changes everything.
You Need to Have an Eternal Perspective
Jesus answer to not worrying about having enough for life was…
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:32–33
When you and I seek the Lord above everything else and surrender our lives to Him our perspective changes.
Paul wrote…
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:18
I love this quote from C. S. Lewis…
“Our life on Earth is the first page of a never ending story.”
And when you and I live in light of eternity everything changes … every little decision, every relationship, every want, and every need.
You Need to Find Your Joy in Jesus
The dictionary defines joy as the feeling of great pleasure and happiness but for you and me there is a slight difference between the two.
Joy is something that grows in your soul because of your faith.
We have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Romans 5:1–2
And Jesus said this about joy…
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.
John 15:11, John 16:20,
Look at this list of reasons we can find our joy in Jesus…
We are loved by God, Himself. John 3:16
We are covered by His grace. Ephesians 2:4–5
We are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
We have the assurance of heaven. John 10:27–28
We have His presence. Matthew 28:20
We know He hears our prayers. 1 John 5:14
We have His help. Hebrews 13:6
We have His protection. 1 Peter 1:5
We have God’s peace that passes understanding. Philippians 4:7
We have strength. Philippians 4:13
And friend, those things never change for a child of God.
You and I can proclaim with David…
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
Psalm 28:7
Happiness that is based on today’s circumstances is fragile and can’t last.
But happiness that is based on the eternal blessings you and I have in Jesus … is a well-being and contentment you and I can enjoy every single day now and forever.
And most important…
You Need to Seek God First
Jesus said…
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31
Remember … happiness is defined as a state of well-being and contentment.
I believe God wants that for us and when we seek Him first, when we trust His will, and follow where He leads … well-being and happiness become part of that everything.
How can I say that?
Because I know when I’ve taken my eyes off the Lord and chased after worldly happiness, I’m neither content or happy. I’m anxious and stressed out. I’m a mess.
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
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You can also…
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year. Get your copy here!
And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.
If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…
