The 12 Days of Thanks Giving: Day 7

Pump OBP Header 12 Day 7:Redemption

“He has sent redemption to His people: He has commanded His covenant forever:” Psalm 111:9

 

redemption [ri-demp-shuh n] noun

  1. an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed.
  2. deliverance; rescue.
  3. atonement for guilt.
  4. repurchase, as of something sold.
  5. recovery by payment, as of something pledged

Redemption is one of the most beautiful words in the whole of human language. The fact that One would atone for  the sin of another is inhuman … in fact, it’s divine. In Hebrew the word redemption transliterates as peduwth, which means, “a division or distinction; from the primary sense of cutting.” Cutting. The cutting of the whip in the flesh of Jesus … the cutting away of the bonds of sin from our hands and feet. The cutting away of old habits, attitudes and mindsets of the old life. The cutting away of sin and shame by the cutting of Jesus. Redemption enables us to live as God created us to be, righteous and free.

This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks  to God for His gift of redemption.

Redemption of Purpose: Father, Your Word says we are Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  Thank You that You created us on purpose, for purpose. We confess we have used our gifts and talents for our own purposes. Please redeem every sinful act. We ask You to recommission our lives  for Your purpose. Thank You for calling us to live effective, significant, purposeful lives for You.

 

Redemption of our Mind: We thank You, Father, that You have given us a sound mind.  Your word says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. May we use our mind as tools to pursue You rather than instruments of sin. Please redeem every sinful habitual thought pattern  by the truth of your Word. Thank you that You train our mind to think Your thoughts, that we might not sin against You.

 

Redemption of our Past: Dearest Father, we thank You that in Christ Jesus we have been completely redeemed. You have bought us back from the  bondage of the Enemy with the precious blood of Christ. We are now free to live as slaves of righteousness. Where we have squandered our talents and treasures on sin and pleasure, Your Word promises to restore the years “the locusts have eaten.” We give thanks that You give beauty for ashes. Every act and deed of our past has been redeemed for our good and Your glory. We truly thank you.

 More Redemption

Redeeming the Time a blog post by Jane VanOsdol

Walking with God a Bible study by Mary Kane

 

Comment

Please leave a comment below in the Speak Your Mind section on what God teaches you today about redemption.

 

redemption. Dictionary.com. Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sacrifice (accessed: November 15, 2014).

“Psalms 111 (New King James Version).” Blue Letter Bible. Sowing Circle. Web. 22 Nov, 2014. <http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=111&p=0&rl=0&t=NKJV>.



The 12 Days of Thanks Giving: Day 3 Sacrifice

Pump OBP Header 12Day 3:Sacrifice

 “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:12

 

 

sacrifice: [sak-ruh-fahys]noun; verb

  1. the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.
  2. a surrender of something of value as a means of gaining something more desirable or of preventing some evil
  3. (verb) to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.
  4. (verb) to make a sacrifice or offering of.

Please carefully read the definitions above and highlight the sections that mean the most to you.

The first sacrifice for sin was accomplished by God in the Garden of Eden. The last sacrifice for sin was confirmed by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The road to the cross was paved with sacrifice. Most of the definitions above speak of the giving of One for the sake of another. God gave Jesus, His Son in sacrifice for us (for you , for me) not only because of our need, but because of His great love for us.

This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks  to God for those who sacrificed to give us life.

For Jesus: Thank you, God, for giving Jesus as sacrifice for our sin. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we now live an abundant life.

For caregivers: Thank  you, Father, for the sacrifice of our caregivers; for their struggle to feed, clothe, love and care for us, often at the expense of their own needs and comfort.

For First Responders: Thank You for those You’ve set in place who sacrifice their comfort and safety to cover us with their protection and service. Give them your strength and courage to go forth in the work You have given them; the defense and care of those in need.

For Health Care Workers: Thank you, Father, for the tireless service and ministry of health care workers,  who often risk their own health for the healing of others.

For Teachers: Father in heaven, thank you for teachers who are often underpaid, and overworked. Many teachers give from their own resources to supply their classrooms, and provide food and clothing for their  students. Give teachers rest and peace this Thanksgiving season.

More Sacrifice

Please click on a link for more information on sacrifice.

Serving Others an article by Joyce Meyer Ministries

Sacrifice  a blog post Jane VanOsdol

 

Comment

Please leave a comment below in the Speak Your Mind section on what God teaches you today about sacrifice.

 

sacrifice. Dictionary.com. Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sacrifice (accessed: November 15, 2014).



The 12 Days of Thanks Giving: Day 1

Pump OBP Header 12Light

“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:5

 

 

 light1 [lahyt] noun 

1. the medium of illumination that makes sight possible
2. mental understanding or spiritual insight
3. the radiance or illumination from a particular source:
4. a person who is an outstanding leader, celebrity, or example; luminary:
.
Let there be light. God’s first act of creation was to create light. This makes sense as God is the Father of Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. Despite our modern age and technologically advanced society, an estimated 1.5 billion people in the world today live without electric light. When was the last time we gave thanks for the light we easily access with the flip of a switch?
Light helps us see where we are walking, avoid danger, create, work, play, and read. Without light there would be no life. How can we be so careless of something  so essential? We are never more thankful for something than when we’ve had to do without it for a while. Remember the last power outage at your house? This Thanks Giving let’s give thanks to the Father of Lights.
.

 Pray for light.

  1.  Do you have any dark areas in your life? Since darkness cannot exist in the presence of light, find a Bible verse that applies to a current area of challenge or temptation  and pray the light of God’s Word into your trial.
  2. Pray for God’s light to shine on the next step for your life, and the lives of your loved ones.
  3. Pray for the lost of the world to accept the Light of the World.

 

More Light

Do you want to go a little deeper in your study of light? Click on the link below.

Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom.

 

Comment

Please leave a comment below in the Speak Your Mind section on what God teaches you today about light.

light. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/light (accessed: November 12, 2014).

 

 




12 Days of ThanksLiving

Introduction

Thanksgiving: noun

  1. a public celebration in acknowledgement of divine favor or kindness.
  2. A day set apart for giving thanks to God

Thanksgiving, the forgotten holiday, is sandwiched between two holidays which have become focused on receiving. Giving thanks seems to be a leftover attitude from a bygone era. Is thankfulness no longer an important part of American culture? Have we busied ourselves out of the time required to reflect and give thanks?  Is giving thanks a forgotten art?

A thankful attitude

Thanksgiving is not so much a holiday as an attitude. If there was ever a year in which we needed a new attitude it’s 2020. As we move into the holiday season, lets quit complaining about what we’ve lost and start giving thanks for what we have. Let’s change our holiday noun (Thanksgiving) to a holiday verb:

ThanksLiving: verb

  1. living a life of thanks and gratefulness

What if we only had tomorrow the things for which we gave thanks for today? Please take a moment to reflect on this thought provoking quote. Would we have our homes, running water, indoor plumbing, and our families and churches? With that in mind, let’s make a change for the good. For the next 12 days, before the rush of relatives, parties and presents, let’s take time to reflect and give thanks. We invite you to join us for 12 Days of ThanksLiving.

12 Days of ThanksLiving

Beginning November 13th, 2020, we will post a new devotional each day until Thanksgiving. Each post will contain scripture, a theme and a prayer all focused on helping you live a thankful life. ThanksLiving!

We look forward to cultivating an attitude of thanksliving with you!

What are your thoughts about ThanksLiving? What are you thankful for this year? Please leave a comment below. We’d love to chat with you!

All rights reserved. copyright 2020

 



Simple Thanks: Session Three, All Is Grace

“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3

SImple Thanks all is graceJane and I welcome you back to Week Three of  Simple Thanks! Thanksgiving breathes life into our dark, hard places. Thanksgiving also dares us to live fully in the moment. Let the habit of thanksgiving permeate your heart and mind as God continues to shower His grace upon you. Give Him your ashes of bitterness and ingratitude and in return accept one thousand gifts of beauty and grace. Life is a gift–rejoice and give thanks!SImple Thanks all is grace photo

Here is our introduction video to Week 3:

 

Community Call

Here is our Community Call for All Is Grace to listen to AFTER you finish the weekly homework:  All Is Grace

 

Weekly Homework

Below you will find homework for each level of study. Feel free to change between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3  as your schedule allows! Remember, there is no pressure to complete every activity. These are just options for your growth. They can be accessed at any time, even after the study ends.

Level 1, Study: Weekly Goals 

  • For Week 3, watch  SESSION 3: All is Grace.
  • Continue to add to your One Thousand Gifts journal.
  • Complete the study guide  and between sessions homework PDFs.
  • Feel free to do any of the other activities from Levels 2 and 3 as your time allows.

Level 2, Community: Weekly Goals 

  • For Week 3, watch  SESSION 3: All is Grace.
  • Continue to add to your One Thousand Gifts journal.
  • Complete the study guide  and between sessions homework PDFs.
  • Answer the question on the Speak Your Mind comment section at the bottom of this post.
  • Join the Community Call, Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. EST on Talk Shoe (Information on TalkShoe is in your weekly email.)
  • Listen to the Podcast for information on walking in the grace of God:

 Level 3, Opportunity: Weekly Goals 

  • For Week 3, watch  SESSION 3: All is Grace.
  • Continue to add to your One Thousand Gifts journal.
  • Complete the study guide  and between sessions homework PDFs.
  • Answer the question on the Speak Your Mind comment section at the bottom of this post, join the Community Call on Wednesday night on TalkShoe, and listen to the Podcast at the link provided up above.
  • Don’t forget to check out our private Facebook page. Leave your comments about this week’s study,post your prayer requests, or share any insights/questions you may have. Only members of our Bible study group will see these posts.
  • In the evening, do devotions 11-15 in the One Thousand Gifts Devotional journal.
  • Read chapters 6-7 in One Thousand Gifts trade book by Ann Voskamp.
  • Take advantage of the Extra Simple resources by clicking on the links below:

ID-10087368

Give Thanks

 

Bible Week 4 jpeg Count Your Blessings

 

 

“Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

 

As we count the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us, please enjoy this beautiful music by Paul Cardall:

 

 

Questions of the Week (Please respond in the Speak Your Mind section at the very bottom of this page).

How has God turned the ugly to beautiful in your life?



Simple Thanks: Session Two: Grace in the Moment

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted among the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Jane and I wSImple Thanks Graceelcome you to Week Two of  Simple Thanks! We pray that you are learning to establish a new habit of thanksgiving in your heart. Continue to look for God’s blessing in the simple and to offer Him praise in the hard. God is calling you to live fully in the moment. Life is a gift–rejoice and give thanks.

Introductory Video for Week 2

 

Here is Week 2 Community Call if you missed the live session:

Weekly HomeworkSImple Thanks Grace photo

We pray that you are able to keep up with your weekly homework. If you have fallen a little behind, don’t worry. Just continue on with Week Two. Feel free to change from Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3  as your schedule allows! Remember, there is no pressure to complete every activity. These are just options for your growth. They can be accessed at any time, even after the study ends.

Level 1, Study: Weekly Goals 

  • For Week 2, watch  SESSION 2:Grace in the Moment.
  • Take time to notice and thank God for His simple gifts in all things.
  • Complete the study guide  and between sessions homework PDFs.
  • Add to your 1000 Gifts List.
  • Feel free to do any of the other activities from Levels 2 and 3 as your time allows.

Level 2, Community: Weekly Goals 

  • For Week 2, watch  SESSION 2:Grace in the Moment.
  • Take time to notice and thank God for His simple gifts in all things.
  • Complete the study guide  and between sessions homework PDFs.
  • Add your 1000 Gifts List.
  • Answer the question on the Speak Your Mind comment section at the bottom of this post.
  • Join the Community Call, Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. EST on Talk Shoe (Information on TalkShoe is in your weekly email.)
  • Listen to the Podcast for information on walking in the grace of God:

cross   

Worthy of the Lord:

 

 

 

 Level 3, Opportunity: Weekly Goals 

  •  For Week 2, watch  SESSION 2:Grace in the Moment.
  • Take time to notice and thank God for His simple gifts in all things.
  • Complete the study guide  and between sessions homework PDFs.
  • Answer the question on the Speak Your Mind comment section at the bottom of this post, join the Community Call on Wednesday night on TalkShoe, and listen to the Podcast at the link provided up above.
  • Don’t forget to check out our private Facebook page. Leave your comments about this week’s study, post your prayer requests, or share any insights/questions you may have. Only members of our Bible study group will see these posts.
  • Continue your 1000 Gifts List.
  • In the evening, do devotions 6-10 in the One Thousand Gifts Devotional journal.
  • Read chapters 4-5 in One Thousand Gifts trade book by Ann Voskamp.
  • Take advantage of the Extra Simple resources by clicking on the links below:

ID-100149601  Grace and Peace

 

 

ID-10057612[1]      Bitterness to Forgiveness

Image courtesy of domdeen / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Please enjoy the following simple song. While you are listening please take time to thank God for all His simple gifts.

Questions of the Week (Please respond in the Speak Your Mind section at the very bottom of this page).

How does giving thanks help you to focus on the present?

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net