Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
As a Christian, I live out my life in front of an audience. I am an influencer. My life can touch others for Him.
You are too. Living for Christ remains a journey as we all seek to draw closer to Him.
Even in times of trouble, people watch us. They watch to see how we react and how we cope with hard times. Can we walk our faith when life is hard?
You can be an influencer too if you purpose in your heart to honor Him and make your life a living sacrifice of daily thanksgiving. How do we accomplish this?
Daily thanksgiving means showing our appreciation to Christ no matter our circumstances. We could be facing bankruptcy, illness, and dire times; but our focus is not on ourselves and our own plight. We focus instead on His love and let it shine through our problems.
I know this is easier said than done, but I learn from Paul and Silas who sat in jail after beatings and decided to praise God in the midst of their storm.
Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God,
and the other prisoners were listening to them.
They had an audience watching them in their storm. God’s response? An earthquake shook the prison unbinding every prisoner. The jailer confessed to Christ and became saved.
My take away from this story: living out our praise and thanksgiving in front of a doubtful audiences brings God’s glory, reigning down His power and salvation.
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I wrote this post for the 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes and the Write 31 Days 2018 challenge.
You can learn more about the 31 Days of of Five Minute Free Writes 2018 by clicking on the icon below:
The 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes is annual tradition inspired by the Write 31 Days challenge, which takes place every October.
You can see other blog posts by visiting my introductory page: 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: A Faith Journey. This post also continues off my Thanksgiving series on Living Out Thanksgiving.
In other personal news, I am also busy teaching on Outschool. It is a great help for homeschoolers looking for enrichment classes. I am teaching creative writing. Plus, I offer a virtual after school book club experience for teens. The club starts in two weeks.
You can view my profile here. I will be adding more classes for the spring. I hope you will stop by and check out my classes. Do you know a child who loves to write and read? Be sure to share my profile with his/her parents.
Now on to our weekly linkup. First, please follow me on your social media. I love to hear from you:
Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/ Instagram/Google+
Next, lets review last week’s linkup.
Last Week’s Top Clicked
Maree Dee selected Gretchen’s post as her favorite post for the Grace & Truth Linkup last week. It most have been your favorite too because Maree Dee’s post was the most clicked for the week. I love the Grace & Truth linkup because it another opportunity to find inspirational blogs. I clicked over and read Gretchen’s post as well. I found it full of truth and encouragement.
Want to be the next to be featured! Just link up a post and if you are read the most, we will feature you. Also please make sure you link back to our community so others will know about our link up and join in. I will try to make it worth your while to linkup by promoting your posts across my social media networks. I will also pin my most clicked and featured posts to our #LMMLinkup Pinterest Board each week!
Remember to grab your button if you have been featured:
Now, it is time to link up to the Literacy Musing Mondays hop!
Linkup Rules:
- Include a link back or the blog hop button linked to this hop on your posts.
- Link up the urls to your posts not to your blog.
- Please remember this is a family-friendly linkup. Although we believe in the right for adults to read whatever they want to read, we prefer to read wholesome posts that feature literature that edify and uplift families. We reserve the right to delete any posts that are not family friendly. We love all kinds of literature and genres including family-friendly inspirational romances, fantasy, or science fiction. We do not welcome any posts that feature excessive violence, sexual content, or any cursing. This rule also applies to book review posts that feature books that are not family-friendly. These posts will be deleted without notice to the blogger or explanation. While we believe in the right for all adults to read whatever they want, we feel our linkup is for family-friendly posts only. Thank you for understanding.
- We also want to be loving community by supporting one another. Please make a point to do this this week! Visit the two posts before yours and at least one other blogger’s post of your choice! I want to see lots of clicks on everyone’s posts. Remember it is also nice to follow them on their social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- Also note periodically I will send everybody updates on the linkup using your contact information you provided when you linked up. At the bottom of the notifications you will be able to unsubscribe if you do not wish to receive these notifications.
- Tweet about the link up too.
As a former school teacher who lives in the same town that I worked in, I was used to being watched. I, therefore, made all of my choices very carefully. I wanted my students and neighbors to trust me.
Laurie recently posted…To Go Where It Hurts
Laurie, good point. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
Dear Mary,
Thank you for sharing your heart and you journey here with us. I am encouraged to know that we are not walking alone. And I know that the Lord brings HIS Glory among us as we praise and thank Him in the very midst of those paths, even in the trials. May I not hold back, and may I continue to lift my praises also! Blessings!
Amen. Bettie, I agree with you and pray for you today. Thanks for commenting.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
I’ve never connected these dots before! The idea that I am an influencer for Christ brings such importance to what I should be doing for Him every single day!
Rebecca Hastings recently posted…Can a New Bible Help My Faith?
Rebecca, I know. We can influence others for Christ’s kingdom. Thanks for stopping by.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
How important gratitude and thanksgiving are at all times. It’s a fiery weapon to wield as we seek to keep joy alive! Thanks, Mary! It’s good to visit here again ♥
Blessings,
Lori
Lori, thanks for stopping back by. I always appreciate your support.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
So true that a spirit of gratitude and a loving response to times of suffering will set us apart from the run-of-the-mill attitude.
Thanks for this great thought!
Michele Morin recently posted…Following the Instructions for a Grateful Heart
Michelle, You are so welcome. Thanks for commenting and for your continued support.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
Mary – It was so nice to see Gretchen’s post featured this week. I loved it too. Thank you! Your words were very kind.
I loved your post for today. Yes, we must search for gratitude in all circumstances. I find if I don’t my situation will swallow me up.
Blessings,
Maree
Maree Dee recently posted…The Gift of a New Day – Grace & Truth Link-Up
Maree, I understand what you mean. I stop for a minute and take my eyes of Christ and the joy He offers, I am back in worry and fear. It is a constant battle to guard my heart and focus on Him in all things. Thank you for your authenticity.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
I don’t like the thought that I am being watched, but I know that it’s true. Thanks for the reminder, Mary. May I always be grateful for the many blessings I’ve received!
Lisa, I know it is easier said than done to realize others are watching us. Satan wants us to fall, but if we cling to Christ, He brings joy in all seasons. Thanks for stopping by.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience
Good thoughts. I think that the trials God allows in our lives are allowed for a testimony to others as well as helping us grow. In the Joni Eareckson Tada book I am reading (Spectacle of Glory), she mentioned that even creatures in the heavenlies learn of God and glorify Him for what they see Him doing in our lives.
Barbara Harper recently posted…Love Costs
Thanks what a lovely thought. It really edifies my vision of heaven. Thanks Barbara for commenting.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: Living Thanksgiving Before an Audience