God’s word is clear; the follower of Jesus Christ is to be thankful and live with an attitude of thanksgiving. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
In culmination a year of four ankle surgeries in 2008 with the first one, March 11, I took thirty days to reflect on God and His goodness. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make an entry everyday from February 17 to March 17. In fact, a couple entries were made today, March 31.
This post is dedicated to my dad and mom. I love you. Thanks for your support and running with me during these last 12 months of surgeries, recoveries, and rehab. It’s been quite a run. One I wouldn’t exchange for anything!
Sunday, March 17: Lord, Thank You for Perseverance!
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).
By and through God’s grace, strength, and mercy He carries me. He gives me the perseverance to press on! Thank you, Father, for Jesus Christ who is The Model for perseverance and directing my heart to see it! “May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
Monday, March 16: Heaven: Here, But Not Yet!
“But we our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).
Heaven—Ready to Go!
During the course of the last 12 months heaven has been on my heart. Hey, it should be! Disciplining my mind to think about it daily takes work. But if I am living like “a citizen of heaven” this must be my pursuit! A good friend of asked me last year, “Are you ready to go to heaven?” “Yes,” was my answer. In the meantime, my heartbeat is like that of Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20).
David Brainerd (1718-1747), a missionary to Indians in eighteenth century New England. Died of tuberculosis in the home of Jonathan Edwards at age twenty-nine. Edwards published Brainerd’s journal, The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. One of Brainerd’s journal entries captures his passionate pursuit of heaven…
Saturday, June 12, 1742, “Spent much time in prayer this morning, and enjoyed much sweetness. Felt insatiable longings after God much of the day. I wondered how poor souls do to live that have no God. The world with all its enjoyments quite vanished. I see myself very helpless, but I have a blessed God to go to. I longed exceedingly to be dissolved and to be with Christ, to behold His glory. Oh, my weak, weary soul longs to arrive at my Father’s house!"Sunday, March 15: Thanks, Lord, for the Body of Christ.
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27).
I am grateful for the God’s church, the body of Christ, that He has called to be His bride and uses for His glory. I am thankful that He gives spiritual gifts to the body to glorify Him and build up the body of Christ. Praise Lord that He uses sinners saved by grace to glorify Him and minister to others. Thanks, Lord, for so many in the body of Christ who have ministered to me during these last 12 months!
Saturday, March 14: Thanks, Lord, for My Parents.
“May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!”(Proverb 24:25)
Lord, thanks for a dad and mom who have remained faithful to you, faithful in marriage, and faithful to me, my sister, brother-n-law, grandkids, and our extended family you have blessed us with.
Thanks, dad and mom, for loving me just because, for the time you give to listen to what’s on my heart, giving me counsel, encouragement and support, and for just being you. Praying you finish well!
Friday, March 13: Thanks, Lord, for gifted doctors, physical therapists, and medical staff.
A good doctor is like a good mechanic, either he can fix it or he cannot. Lord, grateful for many men and women, you have gifted, who have been instrumental in helping me.
Thursday, March 12: Thank you, Jesus, for the privilege, in a small way, to fellowship in the sharing of your sufferings.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10).
Wednesday, March 11: Heavenly Father, thanks for healing me and protecting me from infection.
August 22, 2007, is one day I will not forget. For two months I had waited for my appointment with Dr. Haddad. He looked at my ankles, x-rays, and gave me the options to consider. Bottom line: he encouraged me to get my ankles replaced. I asked him, “Could I get them both done in a year?” “Yes,” was his answer. My next question, “How long before you can do the first surgery?” His assistant told me he’s booked out for six months. “Wow, I thought this guy must be pretty good.” As I drove home, I contemplated my options and praying. A few days later I scheduled all of my surgeries still not knowing if this was the best route to take and looking to the Lord for wisdom.
A few weeks later I received Dr. Haddad’s report of my visit. As I read it, and got to the diagnosis, he discussed ankle replacements. What I wasn’t expecting were the facts of potential infection especially for those who maybe overweight, diabetic, or smoke. At the extreme, one could lose their foot. What?! I thought surgery was supposed to help, not hurt in the long run.
Thankfully, by God’s grace, infection never was problem. Thank you, Father, for watching over me!
I lift up my eyes to the hills—Tuesday, March 10: Faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who keep pressing on even when it’s tough.
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
(Psalm 121:1-8)
Lord, thanks for so many people you have brought—past, present, and future—into my life who have gone through physical affliction, financial loss, loss of a spouse, loss of a child, loss of a job, a wayward child, and still remain stayed upon You. They rely on the promises of your Word. “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).
Monday, March 9: Jehovah Jireh—“My Provider”.
Lord, thanks for providing a place I could stay that had a bedroom and bathroom, with a walk-in-shower, on the same floor. Thanks for the left foot accelerator that I used from April to September 2008 since I couldn’t use my right foot drive. Thanks for medical insurance that covered $250,000+ in medical expenses and for the funds to cover the other expenses not covered by insurance.
Sunday, March 8: The Unchanging (Immutable) God.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Lord, I am thankful that you are ever constant, ever sure! Thanks for always remaining reliable, trustworthy, and being there for me.
“A Mighty Fortress is My God, A Bulwark Never Failing!”
Saturday, March 7: God is The Rock.
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:4).
It has been pouring rain today. Flash flood warnings are up until tomorrow, Sunday morning. I am reminded and grateful that in the midst of heavy downpours of rain and even “heavy downpours” in life that God is The Rock, The Rock Eternal!
Friday, March 6: God is Peace.
“The God of peace be with you all. Amen” (Romans 15:33).
“There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord” (Isaiah 48:22)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Lord, thanks that through your Son Jesus Christ death on the cross for my sins, there can be peace. Thank you for the blessing of living in your peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:7).
Thursday, March 5: The Holiness of God.
“And they (the seraphs) were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 40:3).
Lord you are awesome in perfection. Nothing and No one compares to you!
Thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, perfect in holiness who you gave as perfect sacrifice for mans’ sins. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!Wednesday, March 4: The Patience of God.
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:8-10).
Thank you, Father, for your patience with me. When I go my own way, focus on self rather than others, you are gracious to discipline and guide me back to You and the promises of your word. Help me, Lord, to be patient and gracious with others.
Tuesday, March 3: The All Wise God.
Lord, thanks for your unfathomable wisdom. Thanks for the book of Proverbs that instructs me and helps me to walk in wisdom.
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverb 9:10).
Monday, March 2: Mighty God.
“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, the King of glory? The LORD Almighty—He is the King of glory” Selah (Psalm 24:7-10)
The mightiness of God, it’s a great think to contemplate.
Sunday, March 1: God is True.
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3).
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Saturday, February 28: Awesome God.
Ever think about what “awesome” means? I know it’s easy for me to say, “That was an awesome dinner!” Or, “What an awesome sunset!” Or “What an awesome shot/play (i.e., basketball or sporting event). But these things are nothing, absolutely nothing compared to the awesomeness of God!
“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” (Psalm 68:35)
Friday, February 27: God of Mercy.
“Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:19-23).
Lord, thanks for your mercies new every day. More than ever I am mindful of them each day you give me life to live.
Thursday, February 26: The Faithful God.
“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).
Wednesday, February 25: The God of Hope.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Man needs hope. I need hope every day. But true, confident, sure hope comes in God alone.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology further defines biblical hope:
The hope of faith…is a concrete personal expectation. Despite the “not yet” of the realization of salvation, it looks forward confidently though not without tension. However, Yahweh, for whom it waits, is not like us men. He knows, promises, and brings to pass what the future holds for his people, hope attains unparalleled assurance in the realm of revelation. Despite everything which at present runs counter to the promise, the one who hopes trusts God for his faithfulness sake not to disappoint the hope he has awakened through his word (Isa 8:17; Mic 7:7; Ps. 42:5).Grateful for the Hope that comes in and through God Alone!
Tuesday, February 24: The Omnipotent God (All Powerful God).
“God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend” (Job 37:5).
The verse above, from the book of Job, throttles my heart on the indescribable weight and greatness of God. The verse was on a get well card I received in 2000 or 2001 from a Coach Rex, a high school football coach, and his wife, during my time of recovery of having my hips replaced a second time. Coach Rex and his wife are now with the Lord.
I praise God that He does marvelous things. Things that I cannot nor man can comprehend for His glory and the sake of His name!
Monday, February 23: The Omnipresent God (Ever Present God).
“All this took place to fulfill what the LORD had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel!”—which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:22-23).
I am grateful and in awe for the presence of the Lord today, during the last year, and all the years He has given me to live. Praising God for Immanuel, God with me!
Sunday, February 22: The Omniscient (All-Knowing) God.
“But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold”(Job 23:10).
The Lord laid this verse on my heart in 2003 as I began working on a master’s degree. It resonated with me then and even more so today. I know what’s it like to go through the Refiner’s fire. Although not easy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because it chips away self and lets Jesus shine for His glory!
Saturday, February 21: Joy in the Lord.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are not sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Thanks Lord for allowing me to know your Joy that comes in you alone. It starts at salvation (Romans 5:1-2) and culminates in glory (Revelation 19:7)! Help me to daily walk in your Joy!
Friday, February 20: God is in Control (Sovereign).
“Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?” (Lamentations 3:37-38)
The scriptures are clear: God is completely sovereign, or in control, over creation, people, events, salvation of believers, and your life (Ps 146:10; Lam 3:37-38;Tit 3:3-7). If God were not sovereign, He would not be God nor could He be trusted. A.W. Pink succinctly states, “In a word, to deny the sovereignty of God is to enter upon a path which, if followed to its logical terminus, leads to blank atheism.”
Lord, thanks for being in control of my life, especially the past year of four surgeries, anesthesiologists, doctors, medical staff, walking on crutches, pain, recovery, physical therapy, no infection, and being able to walk again with two new ankle joints.
Thursday, February 19: God is Good (All the Time).
Just like God’s love, His goodness is an inherent attribute of who God is. I have seen this even through trials, pain, and physical affliction. Shoot, God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28)!
A.W. Pink writes, “God is not only the Greatest of all beings, but the Best. All the goodness there is in any creature has been imparted from the Creator, but God’s goodness is underived, for it is the essence of His eternal nature.” God first demonstrated His is goodness in His creation (Genesis 1). He summarized each successive day as “good” and after everything was made, He called it “very good” (Genesis 1:4,10,12, 8, 21, 25, 31).
Wednesday, February 18: God is Love.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10)
Bottom line: God is love. It’s inherent to who He is.
The Love of God, Frederick M. Lehman, 1917
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Grateful, Lord, that you loved me first!
Tuesday, February 17: God of Grace: Grace to Save, Grace to Sustain.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11)
These verses at the end of 1 Peter throttle and thrill my heart to praise, depend, and persevere for the glory of the Lord! In the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “When your words came, I ate them; they were a joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty” (Jeremiah 15:16). Thanks for your scriptures, Lord, that keep me focused and going through the work of your Spirit.
Praise the Lord for His grace that saved me and his grace that keeps me. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power my rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Praise you, Lord, that you are “the God of all grace”! I need it every day!
