As Thanksgiving approaches, it is interesting for me to think about the things that I can take for granted that I should especially be thankful for.\u00a0 I have a good friend who starts many of his prayers by thanking God for the ability to breathe, for a warm bed, for a healthy body, for the food that we have, etc.\u00a0 It\u2019s always a good reminder for me to be thankful for all of the daily provisions that God has entrusted.<\/p>\n
One of the blessings that I tend to take for granted is\u00a0God\u2019s Amazing Grace.\u00a0 As I was thinking about God\u2019s grace, I was reminded of one of my favorite books by Charles Swindoll, The Grace Awakening<\/em>.\u00a0 I started leafing through the highlighted pages when my eyes locked onto a particular paragraph:<\/p>\n \u201cHow much better to begin each day thinking victory, not defeat; to awake to grace, not shame; to encounter each temptation with thoughts like, Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior.\u00a0 I am Your child \u2013 liberated and depending on Your power.\u00a0 Therefore, Christ, this is Your day, to be lived for Your glory.\u00a0 Work through my eyes, my mouth, and through my thoughts and actions to carry out Your victory.\u00a0 And. Lord, do that all day long.\u00a0 When I face temptations, I will present myself to You and claim the strength You give to handle it.\u00a0 Sin has no authority over me any longer.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n After reading these words, I gave pause to the Lord for His Amazing Grace that is evident to me every day.\u00a0 Thinking about His grace and His provision is truly worthy of our daily thanksgiving and our true worship of Him.\u00a0 As you and your family prepare for the upcoming days with family and friends, I trust that you will set aside some purposeful time to thank the Lord for His grace and mercy.\u00a0 Listen to the words from Ephesians, chapter 2:<\/p>\n