The Key to Forgiveness (Part 4)

{Scroll down to read the first parts in this series}

Unforgiveness Hinders our Relationship with God

What if God forgives us exactly how we forgive others? Would we honestly desire to pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors?” (Matthew 6:12, emphasis added) We take for granted that God will forgive us. In fact, we expect God to forgive us . . . even when we fail to forgive others. But, according to Christ, such is not the case.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:26)

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” (Luke 6:37)

Jesus concludes the parable of the unjust servant with, “Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18:32-35, emphasis added)

Because God has forgiven us so great a debt, we are then required to forgive others (“. . . For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required. . .” Luke 12:48).

Beyond being required of us, our lack of forgiveness directly affects our prayer (“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:24-26) and our giving (“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24)

We should continually check our hearts before God, to see if there is any “spirit of unforgiveness” in us.

. . . to be continued next week . . .

The Key to Forgiveness (Part 3)

{Scroll down to read the first parts in this study}

Truths About Forgiveness

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:12-13, emphasis added)

This thought is explained in detail in Matthew 18:23-35. Jesus tells a parable of a master whose servant owed Him ten thousand talents (vs. 24). The servant fell on his knees and begged his master’s forgiveness (vs.26). The master was moved with compassion and promptly forgave his servant (vs. 27). The servant immediately went out and found another servant who owed him a mere one hundred pence and violently demanded that he pay him (vs. 28). We see a similar picture of the servant with his master: the debtor fell on his knees and begged the other servant to be patient with him (vs. 29). It seems like the servant who had just been forgiven his ten thousand talents would have compassion. Instead, he threw his debtor into prison (vs. 30). When the master heard how his servant had treated his debtor, he was angry and delivered him to the tormentors (vs. 31-34). Jesus concludes this parable with, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35)

I think that many of us would like to defend our case and, like Peter, ask, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (Matthew 18:21) Surely we have been patient enough! Surely, we have borne enough wrong at their hand! However, Jesus replied, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22) As children of God, we are commanded to forgive others. We are the man who owed ten thousand talents and Jesus Christ our Master freely forgave us our debt. Will we, in return, turn to our “fellow-servant” with unforgiveness, bitterness, and grudges towards their “debt of one hundred pence”? Or will we remember how compassionate Christ was towards us, and freely forgive others’ sins against us? As with all of God’s commands, He gives the strength to obey His command to forgive others, but He also allows us to make the choice whether or not we will obey.

. . . to be continued next week . . .

The Key to Forgiveness (Part 2)

{Scroll down to read the first part in this series}

God’s Forgiveness Available for Us

Though God’s very character is one of forgiveness, we are sinful and cannot simply reflect on God’s forgiving character. Something must be done so that we can personally experience that forgiveness.

In the Old Testament law, when a man came to make things right with God, he had to bring a payment. For any sin (theft, murder, adultery, ignorant sin, purposeful sin), an animal was to be brought to the priest. The priest would sacrifice the animal as a peace-offering between man and God and the sin would be forgiven (see Leviticus 4:20-26, Leviticus 5, Numbers 15). A sacrifice was required in order for one to gain God’s forgiveness.

This type of sacrifice for forgiveness continued for centuries. However God had a better plan. Since “almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission {freedom, pardon}” (Hebrews 9:22), “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28)

Jesus Christ came to earth to shed His own blood – to be the sacrificial lamb so that we could have remission of sins (Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, Romans 3:25). We fully deserved to pay the full price for our sin (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23), but when Christ died in our place it made the way for God to freely forgive us. Today, it is only through Christ’s blood that we can receive full forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14), but we must accept Christ’s blood atonement. To reject the Blood would be to reject God’s forgiveness (John 3:18, John 3:36, John 6:54).

Before we can forgive others, we must accept forgiveness. We cannot understand the heart of forgiveness until we understand God’s forgiveness for us. We cannot forgive others in our own strength, because true forgiveness only comes from God and through God’s power.

We must examine our hearts to see if we have truly accepted Christ’s forgiveness for our sins. If we have not, what is keeping us from asking God for His forgiveness and accepting His free gift of salvation? We cannot merely say, “God knows I’m wrong, God’s knows I’ve sinned.” Though God is all-seeing, He is also waiting for us to humble ourselves and bow before His holiness, recognizing our transgression (Psalm 51:3-4), confessing our sins (1 John 1:9), and asking His forgiveness (Matthew 7:7-11, Luke 11:9-13, John 14:12-13, James 4:2, 1 John 5:14-15). When we ask, God forgives us freely.

. . . to be continued next week . . .

The Key to Forgiveness (Part 1)

{This is the beginning of a 5-part series; Come back next Thursday for more}

Most of us have heard the importance of forgiveness, but when we try to apply forgiveness, it seems an insurmountable task. Perhaps this is because we do not truly understand forgiveness.

We cannot grasp the concept of forgiveness by looking it up in Webster’s dictionaries. We cannot grasp the concept of forgiveness by looking at those around us. However, we can get a clearer understanding of forgiveness by looking into God’s Word; we can see a pattern of true forgiveness by looking at the One Who is always consistent in forgiveness. So please join me as we search God’s Word to get a clear definition of true forgiveness.

God’s Character of Forgiveness

(emphasis added)

“ If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, Thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.” (Psalm 85:2)

“For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.” (Psalm 86:5)

 “{God} forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” (Psalm 103:3)

 “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34)

 “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” (Matthew 9:6)

 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34)   

 “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31)   

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) 

From these few verses, we gain that . . .

     ~God has full power to forgive any and every sin – purposed sin and ignorant sin (Psalm 85:2, Matthew 9:6, Luke 23:34)

     ~God is always listening/waiting for us to ask His forgiveness (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 86:5, 1 John 1:9)

     ~God freely forgives when we ask His forgiveness (Psalm 86:5,

     ~God freely forgives when we do not deserve forgiveness (Luke 23:34)

     ~God freely forgives and heals (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 103:3)

     ~God freely forgives and cleanses (1 John 1:9)

     ~God freely forgives and covers (Psalm 85:2)

     ~God freely forgives and forgets (Jeremiah 31:34)

     ~God made it possible for every man to be forgiven by Him (Acts 5:31)

God’s forgiveness is directly linked to His love for us – not what we do for Him.

. . . to be continued next week . . .

Incorruptible Beauty Magazine

I don't know about you, but I appreciate wholesome, conservative and godly magazines for young ladies. My sisters and I have been receiving Incorruptible Beauty for at least six years and they just launched a website, which I am excited to share with y'all! If you have a moment, please stop by and check it out: http://www.incorruptiblebeautynewsletter.com/index.html

Verses Update

It has been WAY too long since I have updated memory verses. I am sorry . . . but we can never read too much of God's Word in one day, so here's a full-fledged update! :)

Romans 8:13-20
13 - For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 - And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 - For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 - For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Psalm 101:1-8
1 - I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
2 - I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3 - I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
4 - A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
5 - Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
6 - Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7 - He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
8 - I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Psalm 37:3-8
3 - Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 - And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 - Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

I could comment a lot about these verses, but it would take a lot of time. :) So I shall simply highlight those that God has really used to speak to me.

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15) As a believer, we should not be bound by fear because this type of fear does not come from God.

"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." (Psalm 101:2) I know that we girls struggle with the last part, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." Do we? Do I? Or do I simply "let my thoughts roam" not caring whether or not they are pleasing to God?

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm 37:3) Trust in the Lord, Trust in the Lord, Trust in the Lord!!!! Verses such as these always stick out to me. Why shouldn't I trust in God? Isn't He the same God Who brought Israel out of Egypt? Who saved Daniel from the lions? Who raised Lazarus from the dead? Who rose again, defying death and the grace? How can I not trust Him?

Have you memorized any verses recently?

"I Love God"

I am not a big "quotable quotes" person, but there are a few quotes that have really gotten me to thinking. Here is one of them:

I can't brag about my love for God because I fail Him daily.

But I can brag about God's love for me because it never fails.

{Source Unknown}

~*~*~

"Herein is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10

Sowing and Reaping

In memorizing Galatians 6, the Lord has impressed upon me several things which I thought I would share with y'all.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

As with all passages in God’s Word, there is SO much that we can glean from Galatians 6:7-10! One thing that stood out to me was the “well-doing.” Quite honestly, the easiest path to take is the path of sowing to the flesh. We do not have to try hard to live/sow in the flesh. Actually, it comes quite naturally.

But what about the other side of this passage?

Both sowing/living in the Spirit and doing “good unto all men” are not the easiest, most pleasant paths to tread. I believe that is why God sandwiches between these two actions, “let us not be weary in well doing.” Since living in the Spirit and doing good to others do not come naturally, it is a tough battle that rages every minute of our lives. Whether or not we are aware of it, we are constantly making choices to sow in the flesh or the Spirit. And, as God’s Word is true, we will reap the results even in those instances when we were not fully aware that we were making the wrong choice.

As we live our daily lives, are we taking the “path of least resistance” or following God’s Holy Spirit?

Week 2 of 52

This week, the Lord allowed me to complete my memory of Galatians 6!!!!

Galatians 6:14-18

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

The verse that especially challenged me was Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .” In what do I glory (boast)? My works? My goodness? My accomplishments? All of these are empty glories that will vanish away. It is sobering to think of the comparison: how often do I speak of things that I do vs. what Christ has done for me? May we all learn how to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

First of 2013's 52-verse Challenge

For the time being, I am continuing my memorization of Galatians 6. Lord willing, I would like to complete this whole chapter.

"For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.”

Galatians 6:13

Last of 2012's 52-verses

I am late in posting this (as has become the norm), but these are the past two verses of Galatians 6 that I have learned.

“Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, the constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ."

Galatians 6:11-12

Another Giveaway

I have never read "1,000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, but I have heard a bit about it. Meditations of His Love is having a giveaway for her book here:
http://meditationsofhislove.blogspot.com/2012/12/300-followers-and-merry-christmas.html

52 verses catch-up

It has been several weeks since I have posted verses for the 52-verse challenge, but I continued memorizing, by God's grace and strength, and now it is time for a much-needed update!!!

Romans 8:10-12
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead ashall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh."

And then, Galatians really captured my attention - especially chapters five and six. So, I have begun the challenge of memorizing Galatians 6.
1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3. For if a man think himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4. But let every man prove his own work, for then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5. For every man shall bear his own burden.
6. Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9. Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men; especially unto them who are of the household of faith.


Have you memorized a verse or portion of God's Word recently?

Thanksgiving Days 28-30

Today marks the completion of the Give Thanks challenge by KBR Ministries. Taking a month to sit down and really think about all that God has blessed me with has been humbling. Who am I that God should so richly bless me??? And yet He has. Over, and over, and over again. Even in difficult situations, God sprinkles His blessings throughout. What an amazing God we serve!!!!!

I am thankful for . . .

November 28

   190. Friends turning their backs on us - it strengthens our relationship with God and each other in the family

   191. The challenges that grow us

   192. Chocolate!

   193. The guidance and reassurance found in God's Word

   194. Another year to live, learn, and grow

   195. Money - not to hoard, but to use wisely and bless others; to learn hard lessons by

   196. The strength to stand alone

November 29

   197. The ability to sing together as a family and minister

   198. Council on Aging and Grace Nursing Home, who have endured us learning instruments and singing with love

   199. The blessing of being home-schooled all my life (thanks for the reminder, Patience!)

   200. Iron-sharpening friends

   201. Godly authors whose goal is to write to please and honor God

   202. Old hymns and new, solid Christian songs

   203. Trust in God for my future

November 30

   204. Theological discussions (not to be confused with heated debates :))

   205. The cross of Christ and Jesus' blood

   206. Truth - the world is full of lies, but God's Word is total truth!

   207. Pillows

   208. Devotional books

   209. Things God has been teaching me

   210. The Lord allowing me to get most of a project done yesterday

Did you do this challenge or one similar? If so, comment and I'd love to check out your blog.

Thanksgiving Days 24-27

I am thankful for . . .

November 24

   162. God's guidance and wisdom

   163. God's protection on His children

   164. God leading me in talking with a hurting friend

   165. Counter-point . . . and its frustrations and challenges

   166. The lessons I've been learning about Spirit vs. flesh (Romans 8 and Galatians)

   167. The strength to do extra cleaning -- and the blessing that comes with it

   168. Christmas lights - bright and cheery

November 25

   169. Rest last night - though interrupted with coughing fits

   170. Those who fought and died for my freedom
   171. Peace that God gives
   172. A way to escape temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13)
   173. Faithful men and women who serve Christ
   174. Paul and his letters to believers
   175. The cold running through our family

November 26
   176. God allowing piano lessons to go well today
   177. God giving us (my students and I) an excellent Hymn Night practice
   178. Time to do my chores
   179. The ability to play violin
   180. "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers
   181. A cleaner bedroom
   182. Lessons in patience :)

November 27
   183. Late night sister chats
   184. Adorable little students (and the older ones, too)
   185. Rain last night
   186. Peace that God gives
   187. Bible studies
   188. The challenge to stand alone in what is right
   189. The example of perseverance by my parents

Thanksgiving Days 20-23

I am thankful for . . .

November 20
     134. Housecleaning days – especially the end result :)
     135. Comfy sofas
     136. Blogs – both my own and those of sisters-in-Christ
     137. God’s unending patience with me
     138. Precious promises I can cling to when discouraged
     139. The ability to read and write
     140. Cereal and milk – not only is it yummy, but it eases the burden of breakfast prep on busy days!

November 21
     141. Modesty of the heart and body
     142. God seeing only the blood of His Son when He looks at me
     143. Creativity in baking and cooking
     144. God’s answers to everything in His Word
     145. Journals
     146. The gift of writing
     147. God’s provision of work for my Dad and brothers
 
November 22
     148. A day set aside to be thankful (though thanksgiving should be daily for believers)
     149. Grandparents and our great aunt and uncle to spend the day with
     150. God’s provision so that we could have a good Thanksgiving meal
     151. Our family being all together another Thanksgiving
     152. The sweet tradition of our family spending time reflecting on God’s faithfulness and blessings
     153. God’s many, many, many blessing!
     154. Good health . . . no food allergies

November 23
     155. A close-knit family with good relationships
     156. The blessing to grow up without the world’s junk
     157. Family-centered traditions
     158. My baby sister getting better from her cold – that it didn’t turn into pneumonia
     159. Having to be dependent as a woman – dependent on God, my father, and one day, my husband
     160. Slow, relaxing days to “catch-up” after busyness
     161. God’s Word being alive today – piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit.

Thanksgiving Days 16-19

I am thankful for . . .
November 16
     106. The sweetness of God’s Word
     107. Coffee
     108. Fun photo-shoots
     109. My brother’s electricity work
     110. My Dad and brothers’ carpentry work
     111. My sisters’ and Mom’s crafting skills
     112. God giving diverse talents and gifts to our family

November 17
     113. Vehicles that run
     114.       Our big van’s problems – God has kept it up and running with a “skip and a prayer”
     115. Music recitals – the ability to see students’ improvements
     116. The ability to preserve videos, pictures, letters, etc.
     117. Color
     118. Music books – and the ability to read them :)
     119. My 100+ year-old violin that God gave to me

November 18
     120. A beautiful time reflecting on God’s grace and blessings at church today
     121. Everyone that attends Old Paths Baptist Church
     122. Purity – and how God gives strength to stay pure physically, spiritually, and emotionally
     123. “Cast all your cares upon Him” – we don’t have to bear our burdens alone!
     124. God being in control over my life, my family’s life, and my friends’ lives
     125. Hymn-books – a treasury of Gospel songs
     126. Walks down the road

November 19
     127. Volley-ball games
     128. Good time spent with our friends, B and C
     129. God’s protection during travel
     130. Piano students who give me a little trouble – they teach me much-needed patience!
     131. How God directs me in each lesson – random ideas that He gives!
     132. The thrill of seeing students “catch on” to a concept
     133. Check-lists and routines

Thanksgiving Days 12-15

I am thankful for . . .
November 12
     78. Lessons that God has for me sprinkled throughout His Word
     79. The ability to sing
     80. The ability to think and discern
     81. Journals
     82. Daily freedom to serve God
     83. God’s character – even though we have His Word, “the half has not been told.”
     84. Beds

November 13
     85. Cameras – the ability to capture sweet memories and God’s nature
     86. God’s faithfulness
     87. Instruments to play and praise God
     88. Hand-made quilts
     89. Traveling and sight-seeing
     90. Meeting new people
     91. God’s sunshine

November 14
     92. Rod and Staff Little Jewels books
     93. Reading to my baby sister
     94. Pastors leading us
     95. Musicians
     96. Little girls to play and laugh with
     97. Desserts . . . my weakness! :)
     98. God’s sufficient grace – no matter what the trial is

November 15
      99. Freedom to learn from God’s Word
     100. The encouragement of a 2 1/2 day Bible Conference
     101. Fellowship with like-minded believers
     102. Piano and how God allows me to use it for His service
     103. “Jamming” bluegrass with friends (Godly music, of course! :))
     104. God bowing down to think of ME!! (Psalm 139:17-18)
     105. My Canon Digital Rebel XTi

Thanksgiving Days 8-11

I am thankful for . . .
November 8
     50. Thought-provoking, “painful” books :)
     51. Thrift-stores (especially when I can find what I need in less than ten minutes! :))
     52. God’s hand of safety as we travel
     53. God reaching down and saving my Mom and her brothers – creating a new godly generation
     54. My “second-set-of-grandparents” – Uncle Reuben and Aunt Iris
     55. God allowing me to know my Dad’s mom for 21 years, and the assurance that she and Grandpa are now in heaven
     56. The way that God answers our prayers – according to His will, not mine

November 9
     57. The ability to memorize Scripture
     58. Hot water
     59. Missions’ conference
     60. Sweaters – keeping warm in cold weather!
     61. The Psalms
     62. God’s ways being perfect . . . always!!!
     63. Self-Confrontation – a Bible course by BCF

November 10
     64. The ability to read God’s Word every day!
     65. Green plants – freshness!
     66. God’s grace that is able to help us keep commitments
     67. The protection God has given us in traveling to the Bible Conference in Mississippi
     68. The peace that God gives
     69. The ability to understand God’s Word
     70. God allowing me to be just a little “techy” – I know that He has a reason for it! :)

November 11
     71. God allowing our family to sing at Enon Baptist Church and Shiloh Baptist Church
     72. Brothers and sisters in Christ that we meet
     73. Pizza! :)
     74. The ability to breathe
     75.  Daily devotions
     76. Teasing and light-heartedness
     77. Sleeping in . . . after l-a-t-e nights!

Thanksgiving Day 4-7

I have not been as faithful to share my thanksgiving for the month as I would have liked to have been, but here I am, trying to catch up. I'll share a few days each day and hopefully get them all "done with" by the end of this month. This challenge has been a super blessing to me!!! I am very grateful that the Lord gave King's Blooming Rose this idea.

I am thankful for . . .
November 4
     8. Beautiful, cool weather
     9. Memories
     10. Grand pianos to enjoy :)
     11. Word games with family and friends
     12. The Gospel of John
     13. Freedom to go to church today
     14. Pastors, preachers, and evangelists

November 5
     15. The ability to teach piano
     19. The piano students God has given me
     17. Cool, breezy days
     18. Walks down the road
     19. Difficult times in which God grows me
     20. The book of Galatians
     21. Children 

November 6
     22. God being in control and allowing nothing to happen that He cannot control
     23. God being a merciful God – but also a just judge
     24. Laughter – the spice of life
     25. Cool, breezy days
     26. Hot chocolate
     27. The ability to see
     28. Good health

November 7
     29. Sisters and friends to go out with
     30. The ministry of letter-writing
     31. God’s provisions
     32. Sunshine
     33. Late nights with good family discussions
     34. Missionaries who surrender their lives to God
     35. My Dad, who is my pastor