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In "ALL" things give thanksgiving ... be imitators of God and in communion with Him. Colossians 4:2-6 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 3:15-17 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." How refreshing is God's word. RENEWAL ~ a state of being renewed. So what does RENEW mean - to restore to original condition, to start again, revive, to regain in spirit or strength. What a powerful word! How many times have you found yourself needing renewal? So often, we fail to see to the many blessings it brings and the gift God has given us through the sending of His Son - Jesus Christ. God desires for us to turn to His word for direction in our lives. He desires for us be in costant thanksgiving and in all matters - pray. When we walk in communion with our Heavenly Father and draw near to Him, we begin to look at things through the eyes of Christ and become more aligned with His will and plans for our lives. Trust in the Lord today and make this day, a time of drawing toward Him in faith. Find your strength in His word and do to others as you would like them to do to you. Find a way to give to today through service, love, or whatever God leads you into. But most importantly, do it in a state of thanksgiving and with the attitude that reflects Christ in your life. Look to the heavens in worship and when you feel you are at your worse - worship, pray, and draw near as if heaven were here now. What we would do in Heaven, we should be living out today - in all things, remember God is always with you. May God go before you and bless you. In Christ ~ Missy
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