Please read devotional #47, taken from Philippians 4:6. While the date of Thanksgiving has passed, I hope the celebration of Thanksgiving is something that will continue to dwell in your heart daily. Reflection upon the goodness of God is vital to our faith and trust in our Savior. Counting our blessings reminds us of the faith, hope, and grace that flows from a compassionate God who desires a near relationship with His children. Prayer is the link that connects the heart of God with the focus of His salvation, us!
Don't miss the connection.

Please read devotional #46 taken from John 17:20 a portion of the prayer of Jesus for his followers and the world. His prayer was for the influence of believers upon the unbelievers. Jesus saw believers as "the salt of the earth" Matt. 5:13. The salt of the earth would add zest and flavor to life. He prayed in John 17:13 that believers would dwell in the "full measure of his joy". It is clear that believers should have a winsome influence upon those around us. The thought of joy, real joy in the life of an individual would be a standout quality in our world, nation and community. Real joy as opposed to false or forced joy would and should be distinguished by having joy even in life's trials.

Jesus prayed for those who would hear the message of our lives. This season of Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to share the message of hope. Perhaps the greatest attraction to Jesus Christ on Earth is the people who are living the life of holiness with love and joy. May the testimony of our life be attractive to the unsaved this season.

Please read devotional #45 taken from Luke 21:36. This scripture conveys the concept, to be watchful and pray, being alert to the needs of life around you, going to the one who is able to help in all situations.

Genesis 18:9-17 tells us of Sarah, the wife of Abraham who overheard her husband speaking with three men, believing them to be sent by the Lord. She overheard them say she would conceive a son next year. She laughed at the thought of bearing a child so late in life. The Lord said to Abraham; "Why did Sarah laugh and say 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?'" Then the Lord asked a question that really challenges our faith. He asked; "Is anything to hard for the Lord?" It is one thing to believe that God can, but believing that God will, is quite another thing.

We are to be alert to all the things happening around us, and as we recognize them, those events should take us to our knees. Trusting in God is the very thing that can enable us to STAND. Ephesians 6:14 conveys that we can STAND FIRM, without being swayed by the things of this world.

Devotional #44 is based upon the encouragement of Jesus, for his disciples to PRAY that they will not fall into temptation (Luke 22:40). Perhaps modern day translators would convey the idea of using some "spiritual lenses" that would enable one to see and recognize traps set before you that common vision would miss. Spiritual sight would then spare you from being seized by traps that would impede your progress or stop you entirely from achieving your goal or purpose. Avoiding the fall is the key here.

Speaking of sin someone once said that; "Sin will take you farther than you want to go; keep you longer than you want to stay; and cost you more than you want to pay."

While temptation is common to mankind, we all experience it, falling into its trap is to be avoided. Ask the Lord to give you "spiritual insight" to avoid the fall and the trap.