Day 12

“ . . . it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:9

Do you give God your heartfelt praise and thanksgiving?

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Giving thanks is more than just words out of our mouth. James 5:16 says our heartfelt prayers avail much. It’s a simple concept: God loves it when we acknowledge all He’s done for us as we think about it and thank Him for it. He loves when we recognize that the blessings in our lives came from Him. He hates it when we refuse to give Him credit, or worse, take the credit for ourselves! That great talent and skill you have? Sure, you have to take the time to develop that skill, but it’s God that gives you the ability and desire to do so in the first place. Psalms 103 says, “[He] satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed…”

Do you boldly stand up for God?

“. . . everyone who acknowledges Me before men and confesses Me [out of a state of oneness with Me], I will also acknowledge him before My Father Who is in heaven…” -Matthew 10:32 (AMPC)

Has anyone ever stood up for you when you were being bullied or picked on? What an encouragement to see someone stand together with you and defend your honor. Likewise, God absolutely loves when we boldly stand up for Him in the midst of people trying to dishonor His name and trash-talk His Word. If given the opportunity to defend the Word, will you stand by and just listen, or will you allow your love for God to burn hot for all to see?

Do you value Him above anything else?

“. . . the Gentiles wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.  But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness . . .” -Matthew 6:32-33 (AMPC)

This is a verse we hear often. Modern society has given us so many different, convenient ways of acquiring the things we need or desire. When we’re seeking something like a spouse, a car, a home, a job, or even a new bike, and we set aside those man-made methods saying, “God, I am going to get Your opinion on this first,” God couldn’t be happier. When we stretch our faith to depend on Him for what we can’t touch or see in front of us, it opens the door for God to give us the very best that He has for us: a better spouse than any “match-maker” could provide, a more reliable car at a better price than any new or used dealer could throw at you, a better paying job that doesn’t rob you of all your time with your family and friends. God is our source for all things big and small!

Confession for today: “Lord, help me remember to be pleasing to You every moment of every day and to keep You at the forefront of my mind as I go about my day.”

Pursue your purpose in Him,

Anthony B.