Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Gratitude Challenge Day 18
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for gently guiding us and molding us, each and every day. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own selfish desires, and we forget that we are called to extend love and light to those around us. At times, we are too busy to give someone our time, our help, or an ear to listen. But You are showing us, Lord, that we can be different. Help us to not live with a lack mentality, God. Often times this is what it boils down to. We believe that if we give someone our time, or some other resource, we will be lacking for our own needs. But, Lord, we realize now that anytime we give something away in Your name and in Your honor, it will always come back to us. It will never be wasted. Thank You, God, for showing us the way. And today we ask You to help us remember this as we encounter other people in our lives who need a little love. We can help raise others up because You raise us up. We praise You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We praise You, King of kings. Thank You, God. It is in Jesus’ name that we humbly pray, Amen.
Practice Gratitude: What are you grateful for today? I am grateful that I can give others my time or an ear to listen, when they are in need of a friend. I am grateful that God raises me up, and I can in turn help raise others up. And I am grateful for God’s nudges when He gently shows us the way.
Praise. Here is today’s song! Enjoy! King of Kings by Hillsong Worship
Please share in the comments if today’s reading spoke to you. Or you may add a prayer, your gratitude list, praise, etc.
© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
I’m grateful for time…to listen, to share, to be alone and with others. A listening ear is hard to find because most people aren’t good listeners (regardless what they believe). When you’re speaking and they interrupt you mid-sentence to finish your thought). Time for alone time with God or to exercise. Time to spend with friends. I’ve missed the close interactions we had with others before the pandemic. The hugs, the secrets told in your ear, the spontaneous love of a child.
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So very true! I too am grateful for time and grateful for good listeners and for relationships. God made us to fellowship with others, so being isolated is not natural. Thanks for sharing, Renee. ❤️
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I love this song. It is one I regularly listen to.
It is such a blessing to be able to give our time in any way of service or stand alongside someone.
I am thankful that God uses us to be His means of extending love and support to others. It grows us and deepens our relationship with Jesus when we are obedient to Him.
For the joy I find in cooking for my family ( not all days though) 😉.
Blessings my friend.
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Our time and the time others give us – this is such a precious gift. Especially in today’s culture when people don’t want to be bothered. I am so thankful for the good souls that still offer their time. And I am thankful that we too can offer our time.
I love what you said about extending love and support to others grows us and deepens our relationship with Jesus when we are obedient to Him. So very true. It all comes around full circle. How amazing God is!
And I had to laugh at your comment about “not all days” – I know what you mean!!
Blessings to you too, Manu! ❤️
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I also continue to learn to be grateful for the slightest thing God has given me. And also feel grateful to be able to comfort others who are in sadness or also need a hand. God sure bless.
Greetings from Indonesia.
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It is a beautiful thing when we learn to keep our hearts open in gratitude, and keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and His goodness. You are right, being able to comfort others is something to be thankful for. It blesses both them and us. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
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I love that song!
Today I’m grateful for God’s beauty that surrounds us even in the dead of winter, for warm sunshine on a cold day, and for the support of friends and family.
Have a blessed day!
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We got down into the 40s here in FL the past two nights. But the high is in the 60s. So not quite the same weather you are having. Lol. Stay warm! ☃️
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Yes Lord help me to have a giving heart and to be thankful of the opportunity to do so!!
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Amen! 🙏✝️❤️
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Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42
I have never turned anyone away that needed money, although I know plenty who have. But borrowing can be anything in my opinion, your time, a cup of sugar, funds, etc. You know me, I do not like to be inconvenienced, especially these days after all we’ve gone through. But even in the midst of that I try to hold onto this sentiment.
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That is an honorable way to live. And you will never regret it. You are a blessing and an inspiration. I pray I can learn to be better in this area, because I am sure I do fail at times. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you!
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“Lord, we realize now that anytime we give something away in Your name and in Your honor, it will always come back to us.” I’m grateful for a much needed reminder, for having enough and a little more to share, for the opportunity to change my thinking.
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Yes and amen! I agree. I pray we can keep this in mind today and every day. ❤️
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