Be Thankful-15

According to Wikipedia, Helianthus annuus, or the common sunflower is grown for its edible oil and edible fruit known as sunflower seeds. Sunflowers are also used as bird food, livestock forage, and industrial applications. The plant has a single large flower head atop an a stem. The head of the flower resembles the sun and it gives the false impression that the blooming plant appears to slowly turn its flower towards the sun as the sun moves across the sky on a daily basis.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith, as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

I was at a retreat and the speaker shared that every part of the sunflower can be used. In this verse in Colossians, we are admonished to live our lives in Him. The Him is Christ Jesus. What does it look like being rooted and built up in Him? For a plant to grow, it needs to have roots that reach down in the soil. The soil is rich with nutrients. We are no different from a plant. For us to grow, we need to know who we are in Christ. Our life in Jesus can have deep roots by reading, learning, and memorizing God’s word. We can build up in Him by going to church, listening to sermons, and participating in Bible studies. This next week an online Bible study will begin through Proverbs 31 ministry, we will study a book by Max Lucado, Before Amen. How can we be strengthened in faith? Prayer is a method of talking to God and He will strengthen you and guide you. I was taught to pray by my mother and my grandmother.  I have read book after book on prayer on how and when to pray. So I am looking forward to this bible study. Let’s not forget the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit indwells us. He prays for us when we are unable to pray for ourselves.

The last part of the verse says as we were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. How can we overflow with thankfulness? I think we can overflow with thankfulness by being thankful. We can stop complaining. When a thought comes into your mind, the thought is at a threshold of having action,  if we take that thought right captive to the Lord, we can abort the negative and embrace the positive. We can change that negative, complaining thought and let it go and embrace the new thought with thankfulness. So today will you join me in taking your thoughts captive to the Lord and not complain the rest of November, and let God’s love overflow from you the rest of the month.

Just as every part of the sunflower can be used and there is an illusion that the sunflower seeks the sun,  my prayer for you and me is that we will be used and we will follow the Son in word, action, and deed.  Blessings

Father God, I pray that thankfulness becomes a way of life, that each one of us will sense your overflowing love. Help me to capture my thoughts before they become actions that portray negativity. I am in awe of your majesty and your love.

Five things I am thankful for. 11. that field of sunflowers that reminds me to seek the Son. 12. the different versions of the bible. 13. ChucK Seindoll and the Insight For Living radio program. 14. hot chocolate on a cold day. 15. a good joke that brings on belly laughter.

Your Turn, I am thankful for………………………..