Verse of the Day 3/15

Verse of the Day 3/15

Ephesians 5:20-21  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.   New Living Translation (NLT)

Today's verse is probably quoted often in relation to Thanksgiving, a day in the year set aside for giving thanks to God.  But the verse itself says to "give thanks for everything"; an all encompassing statement to be used and finding things to be grateful for in all situations and circumstances each day of the year.

I mentioned yesterday, that it was the first time that our family had attended church in person since last March when all of the fears and restrictions relating to COVID 19 had been put in place.  Being there, in person, one of the first things that came to mind was to give thanks to God for being able to be together again in "community".  There have been and are many things to be thankful for in and through the pandemic.  Protection for our family; wisdom for the doctors and scientists who were able to produce a vaccine in record time; a government working together with private industry to get things done; provision of food and shelter through the past year and many more; but most of all, thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Max Lucado writes, "The grateful heart is like a magnet sweeping over the day, collecting reasons for gratitude. A zillion diamonds sparkle against the velvet of your sky every night. Thank you, God. A miracle of muscles enables your eyes to read these words and your brain to process them. Thank you, God. Your lungs inhale and exhale eleven thousand liters of air every day. Your heart will beat about three billion times in your lifetime. Your brain is a veritable electric generator of power. Thank you, God."

You may still have challenges that you are facing, perhaps lingering effects of COVID.  But even in this, find things to thank God for, the breath in your lungs, the touch of one's hand; the flowers of spring; find something.  It will help take your focus off of the things that can bring us and keep us down.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Ephesians 5:15-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

Walk in Wisdom

¹⁵ See then that you walk ^[a]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of ^[b]God.