I'm grateful for everything in my life

How do I find inner peace? – Part 3

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”   ~Romans 15:13

Inner peace comes from gratitude, the simple act of counting your blessings will produce peace of mind. You might consider yourself to be a very positive person, so, you might ask, why should I count my blessings if I’m already good to go? Most people think that positive thinking is believing that everything will always work out great. However, true positive, or Godly thinking is focusing on God rather than things. It’s believing that He is control of everything, and then thanking Him for everything in your life, for all the blessings that you already have, and trusting that whatever He allows is for your own good. It’s literally thanking God for everything, both the good and the bad!

I'm grateful for everything in my life

More than just counting our blessings, we need to acknowledge and accept all that Jesus suffered for. Yes, He died for our sins so that we might spend eternity with Him, but He also suffered so that we might live this life to the fullest as well.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."​   ~John 10:10

He suffered to take our griefs, our sickness,and our sorrows. He was beaten so we could be healed. He was punished for our crimes so that we might have peace. He was wounded for our transgressions; our sin and disobedienceHe died for the evil iniquity, the sinful wickedness of allso that we might all live with Him eternally.

"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”  ~Isaiah 53:4-6

Jesus is telling us that He wants us to accept these gifts that He freely suffered to give to us, the gifts of joy, health, and peace! If we don’t grab hold of and accept these incredible blessings, we are literally throwing them back in His face. That breaks my heartto think that He wants to give me these gifts and I would choose to leave these most valuable things behind. 

Above all else, I gratefully accept the gift of peace. This is the most important thing in this life. I would never want to go back to my anxious, frustrated way of existing. I pray regularly; “Thank you, dear Jesus, for the peace that you fill me with. Please keep me in your care and fill my heart with your love today.”

​I also take hold of my perfect health first thing every morning and the last thing every night when I pray this prayer; “Thank you, Lord Jesus, for my perfect health, I am so grateful that I am healthy from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.” And of course, I try to do my part by doing those things that He tells us in His word, living a healthy lifestyle to the best of my ability according to the many insights the Bible gives us.

I gratefully accept the free gift of joy that I feel in my heart just for knowing Him. His love is the thing that keeps me happy no matter what my situation might be. The knowledge that I have an all-loving God with me, 24/7 is what ultimately produces a sense of pure, perfect peaceknowing that I am safe no matter how crazy or out of control things might appear.

​Every morning when I wake up, I thank God for another day. The minute my eyes open and I realize it’s morning, I talk to Him in a state of heartfelt gratitude; “Thank you, Jesus, for this day, help me to live it to the fullest. Help me to see all of the good and resist the bad. Put the people in my path that you want me to speak to, and please put the words in my mouth that you want me to say. Please help me to be a better daughter today. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for yet another day of life.” 

​I always speak His name when I pray these prayers. I do this for two very important reasons. I believe there is tremendous power in the name of Jesus, I believe the universe harkens when His name is spoken, and I also do this because He said to. There is no other way to access God, Jesus is the only way. There are nearly twenty different verses that tell us to pray in Jesus’ name. If Jesus tells me to do something . . . I’m gonna do it!

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”   ~ Colossians 3:17

Climate change is the secular world's explanation for Bible prophecies playing out. This is not to say that the climate isn’t changing, and changing for the worst. It most definitely is, but just because God knows something will happen doesn’t mean He’s making it happen.


Are humans responsible for any of this huge change? Of course, the inhabitants of this planter have played a huge part in this situation, who else would Satan manipulate to do his bidding? But the fact still remains that God has foretold all of this is His Holy Scriptures.


Humanity is doing everything wrong as far as God’s original plan, and this is clearly the biggest part of this messed up climate situation. Nevertheless, just because God knew it would happen, and warns us of the inevitability, doesn’t mean He planned it.

These natural disasters serve only one positive purpose, and that is to see them as indicators or signs of the times. We need to use all of these signs to know that the time is now—the time has arrived for us to spread the word of Jesus’ soon return. It is time to reach out and encourage the masses to surrender their self-centered, secular lives, and turn to an all-forgiving God of love.

“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not hear nor heed Me, says the Lord.” ~Zachariah 1:3-4

He is beckoning us back to Him, to read and understand His word, especially His words spoken through the prophets. He warns us over and over to turn from our secular ways, turn back to Him, to His ways and commandments. But so many have gone astray and don’t want Him or His ways. They just trod along, spiritually dead, not caring who or what they harm. Literally leaving a wake of destruction in their path. 


Every time I see a turtle with a six-pack band stuck on his back my heart breaks. Every time I see the suffering of any animal as the effect of human selfishness it devastates me. The simple fact that so many just don’t care about the ecological health of the world around them should be a rude awaking to the rest of us. They are lost, they are the devil’s workers here on earth. They are the ones that are working out the prophecies of God in the destruction of His creation.


The current climate situation is a huge case in point.  If not for humans that Satan leads astray with self-centered existence, who else would he use to destroy this planet? The throw-away mentality that has existed for decades is the major culprit to this catastrophic situation. And you better believe that Satan is the one that’s at the helm of this sinking ship!


We all need to do our part, not only for the welfare of wildlife but for the planet itself. Yes, we must all care about the world around us, however, that won’t change this situation. Planet Earth is on a terminal course of destruction. Our primary responsibility now is to share the truth about all of this climate change, that it's simply a precursor to Christ’s return. It’s all been predicted by God for thousands of years, and you can be certain it will most definitely come to pass.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come”   ~2 Timothy 3:1

We are seeing an increase in frequency as well as intensity of natural disasters all over the world.  Just here in the U.S. the extreme recent flooding in Texas, the raging fires in Oregon, and one of the worst hurricanes might make us begin to ponder this question. Why does God allow these things to happen when He could very well prevent them? 


Here’s a bit of eye-opening truth…God is not to blame for these things! Sin is what has caused all of this planetary devolution to occur. We are living in a fallen world, a corrupted, deteriorating planet, along with everything on it. God is starting to remove His restraining hand from this world. So Satan is now unleashing his fury because he’s fully aware that his time is short. In the Bible God tells us of the coming of these end times events.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” ~1 Peter 5:8

“And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.”   ~Luke 21:11

“So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” ~ Luke 21:31

The ultimate effect of sin is degradation. The falling apart of everything, from the breaking down of our physical bodies, (sickness, disease, pain, and suffering) to the degeneration of all existence, even the planet itself. The degeneration of everything . . . all living creatures, animals and even plants. As well as the worsening of the weather and increase of planetary devastation are all the byproduct and the effect of a broken and fallen world.


Can God stop it? Yes. Will He stop it? Yes, but not until every person has made their decision either for or against Jesus. Not until everyone has heard of the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, and have made their choice, will this mess finally come to an end.

“And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” ~Mark 13:10

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” ~Matthew 24:14

The Bible is very clear on the order of end times events. Jesus tells us what will happen and how to be on guard so we will recognize these things when they happen. Anyone that knows their Bible understands that these things will, and must happen before the second coming of the Lord Jesus! 


Jesus compares these excessive signs of the times to that of a woman going into labor, the earth must heave to and fro and this is the beginning of birthing pangs. 


The apostle, Paul writes about the how and when all this will happen when he said . . .

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”   ~1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Simply put . . . at the end of the age, the beginning of sorrows or birth pangs will take place. We need to know what the Bible says in order to understand that everything is happening right on time. God has predicted everything through His servants the prophets, and will see us through it to the end if we just hold tightly to Him!

“That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”~2 Peter 3:2-4

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.“ ~Luke 21:28

Are we in the last days…?


You tell me. The following verses paint a pretty clear picture regarding every aspect of life as far as I’m concerned.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” ~2 Timothy 3:1-5

“… In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”  ~Jude 1:18ESV

”But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” ~Matthew24:37

”For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.”   ~Romans 1:26-31

”For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” ~Matthew 24:7

”For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” ~Matthew 24:21

Wouldn’t you say this sounds exactly how things are in this very day and age? There’s such an enormous surge in wickedness of every kind. Crime is running rampant, murder and rape are at an all time high. Sexual immorality, pornography, multiple sex partners, indulgence in unnatural lust/homosexuality/incest/ transgenderism, and abortion, as well as overindulgence in every possible thing. Pride and greed have become the all-consuming ruler of this present world.  


Oh yes, I’d have to say we are most definitely heading into the last days. God tells us that once this order of event starts, it will not end until everything that God has predicted happens. And this is all the more reason to believe that soon Jesus will come again to execute judgment upon the evildoers and restore order, peace, love, and justice upon this earth.

“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” ~Matthew 24:34

Clearly, the majority of the world is choosing to reject God and His grace filled offer of redemption. However, there is still time for you to choose to give your heart to Jesus. You will then receive the seal of God (Revelation 7:2-3) and will be protected when the four winds are totally released and Satan has full control of this world. Oh yes, God’s people shall be delivered, that is a promise!

“… And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation. Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” ~Daniel 12:1

Q:  Are you ready to ​live in gratitude?

Q: Are you ready get the seal of God?

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“…Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; my salvation shall not linger…”   ~Isaiah 46:11-13

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.”   ~Isaiah 46:10

Climate change is an undeniable fact. There is most definitely an enormous increase in natural disasters. Statistics don’t lie! However, we can not change what’s happening. To think that we can overturn what God has foretold is beyond ridiculous. Many people argue this as a possibility, a way to turn things around, so to speak. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but things will only be getting worse. God is all knowing and all seeing, He has seen the end and has foretold us so that we will know these signs.

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You might say that I was a rather late spiritual bloomer, tripping my way into the Lord's arms not all that long ago. Nevertheless, I've been on the fast track ever since through a decade of Bible study courses and daily devotion. Changing careers a few years back and becoming a published author of Christian motivational books, leading to spiritual children's books and now this blog.

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