As I head enter the home stretch of the Leadership Track here at YWAM Kona, one thing I am realizing is that I'm in desperate need of Jesus everyday. Or at least that is the goal I am striving for. That in the mountaintop season, I would be just as desperate for him as I would be in the valley season. Its so easy to be desperate for a Savior when you're in the valley of the shadow of death, but when everything is hunky dory; we tend to forget about the One who brought us up that mountain.
I don't see the Christian life being hard or easy as some would debate. I just see it as choosing to be grateful in every situation. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I will agree that that is not always an easy thing to do, but I believe thanksgiving is a major key to victory in every situation. A teacher said to us recently, "If you know his heart, you won't question his motives." If we truly trust God like we say we do, there will be no fear, because perfect love casts out all fear, I John 4:18. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." It can't be said enough that the Thanksgiving holiday isn't the only time you should be giving thanks. Thanksgiving is an everyday occurrence. Its an all day occurrence. Its a lifestyle. Its being grateful when things don't go your way. Its being thankful for the little things in your life. Its being grateful for air conditioning, clean water, a vehicle to drive, a family that loves you, etc.
I leave you with two challenges today. First, let the first 10 things out of your mouth at the start of your day be words of thanksgiving to God. Don't make it a religious act or legalistic, but make it a lifestyle. Secondly, take out a sheet of paper and number it 1. to 100. and list 100 things you are thankful for. Post it on your fridge, next to your bed or on the bathroom mirror. This way, every time you see it, you will be reminded of all the things you have to be thankful for.
To learn more about my YWAM ministry or to donate go to:
http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=652&MN=5841
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