Encouragement, Joy, Praise, Thankfulness

Be Grateful for God’s Blessings

Today we start a new devotion on blessings. Today’s Bible verse is Genesis 1:22, ‘“God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”’ (NASB) November is the month when our hearts turn to being thankful for the many blessings God has given us. This is the first blessing from God in the Bible. Today as I reflect on our verse, I am so grateful for God’s work in my life.

As I think about how He has blessed me, I am so thankful for the husband he brought to me in my later years. The man makes me laugh! That is such a blessing after spending such a long time in grief, despair, loneliness, and depression. I am so grateful to God for bringing me two amazing men to share life with. My first husband was my anchor…he kept me from flying off in all directions, and he taught me so many things, in the natural and Spiritually, that have stayed with me. My second husband is my joy. As I said, he makes me laugh and he is a solid Bible scholar. They both have added to my life immensely. Not many people can say they have had two awesome husbands who loved the Lord with all their hearts, were called by God to minister, one in broadcasting and the other in literature evangelism and hosting a website of commentaries on different books of the Bible. Both men have been a huge blessing in my life.

God has also chosen to bless me with a calling of ministry in my life as well, and my husband has been such an encouragement! He backs everything I do and lifts me up in prayer daily. This is an area I never would have dreamed of launching. It started with a prophetic word being spoken over me, and then God just opened doors for me to step through. At this point, it is just a small beginning, but I know this is where God wants me because He has given me such a peace in my heart as I minister.

There was a time when it was hard for me to see the blessings God had granted me. Life wasn’t looking all that great and I was in a deep hole. But as I look back, I’m grateful for that time even though it wasn’t easy, because I can see how God was taking care of me, holding me, guiding each footstep, and slowly, but surely, leading me out of that pit of despair I was in. Today, even though it is raining outside and gloomy, I’m walking in the sunshine of God’s love and mercy.

Being grateful isn’t just for Thanksgiving time, it’s for every day! The Bible says that we are to live with gratefulness in our hearts. Psalm 136: 1-3 says,” Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (NASB) I Thessalonians 5:18, says, “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

Gratefulness for the things God has given us helps us, not only physically, but Spiritually as well. When we focus our eyes upon what things God has done for our good, we see that we are truly blessed despite the difficulties we may be facing. Gratefulness promotes good health. Those who are living lives of gratefulness are less likely to be facing physical ailments. Gratefulness also brings health to our Spiritual lives. We are more likely to keep our eyes on the Savior instead of the circumstances, thereby allowing us to walk in victory even though life may be hard. So today, even though it may be difficult, say “thank you” to God. Think about all the things He has provided that are working out for your good. (Romans 8:28)

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Donna Knuth Rice

I am trying a blog for the first time in my life, and frankly, I feel like I don't have a clue as to what I'm doing! But, here goes. I work at a Christian Television network in the Correspondence Department, where I write letters and emails to our viewers, pray with them for their needs, and send materials they request. I am a Christian. I was saved at the age of 11 during a youth meeting at my church. My pastor led me to the Lord, and to say the least, my life has been an adventure. I am a widow. My late husband, Allen, passed away after 34 1/2 years of marriage. He had been sick the last seven years of his life, and it was a struggle, for him and for me. We met as part of a singing group that was affiliated with a Christian Radio station, and we sang together all through our lives together. We both worked in television and radio all through our married life, mostly for Christian stations. Besides singing I also play flute. I had the luxury of having parents who started out as music teachers...so music was in our house constantly. Some people describe me as being a loud-mouthed lime type...can't disagree with that. I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth more times than I can count! I also have a tendency to say exactly what's on my mind...which is why I get myself in so much trouble! LOL! Trust me, that's something me and God have been working on for a very long time. I have no children here on earth, although I have a baby in heaven. My baby here is my dog Jack. He's a black lab/ chow mix. He's a big boy....thinks he's a lap dog! Can't think of much else to say. The reason I started this blog is because a few months ago in church, a guest pastor came and delivered a message, and when he asked for those of us who wanted prayer to come forward, I did. When he came to me he asked me if I did any journaling. I told him no 'cause I wasn't very good at it. He told me to start, and prophesied over me that my journal thoughts would impact other people. I wasn't sure just how I was to go about doing this. In fact, I was a little hesitant at first. I started journaling at home, and our assistant pastor's wife asked me to submit something for our Senior newsletter. I didn't the first edition, but something I had heard on Christian radio a long time ago and has stuck with me all these years, came to mind so I submitted an article. That article will be my first post. I don't claim to have all the answers, and my thoughts may seem a little "out there", but I feel God has been prodding me to do this, and so here I am. I hope what I post will bring encouragement, and "Something to Think About".

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