November 3

Attitude of Gratitude – Day 3 by SGLY Ministry

I AM GRATEFUL FOR….ARMOR OF GOD

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 [NKJV]

An Attitude of Gratitude Thought & Prayer:
The definition of “wiles” is : a trick, artifice, or strategy meant to fool, trap, or entice.

Therefore, Paul is saying believers need to put on the Armor of God daily to stand against the devil’s deceitful cunning ways that could fool, trick or trap them as they walk through the world.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

Dear God, I thank You for the Armor You provide to me. I am grateful for this Armor which represents Jesus Christ. Jesus, my Savior and Lord, is my daily covering, and I can stand firm in Him.

Helmet of Salvation
Jesus is the Author of Salvation Hebrews 5:9
Breastplate of Righteousness
Jesus is the Son of Righteousness Malachi 4:2
Belt of Truth
Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life John 14:6
Shoes of Peace
Jesus is the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6
Shield of Faith
Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our Faith Hebrews 12:2
Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
Jesus is the Word of God John 1:1

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13-17

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Keep Balanced

For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest. —Hebrews 4:3

It is easy to get overcommitted, burned out, bummed out, worn out, and stressed out if you are trying to keep up with too many commitments. It is out of balance to try to do everything. If you are happy doing what you do, keep doing it. But if it wears you out and robs you of peace, don’t do it. What sense does it make to commit to something, and then murmur and complain about it while you are doing it?

Being overcommitted will frustrate you. Anxiety is usually a sign that God never told you to do what you are doing in the first place. To avoid frustration in your life, keep in balance.

From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer.

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Encourage Don't Criticize

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another. —1 Thessalonians 5:11

We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics. It is the greater person who does the right thing; Christ’s righteousness dwells in you to help you do what is right. You are great in God’s eyes when you choose to do right and bless others.

No matter how rough your day is today, speak words that uplift and encourage those around you.

Encourage others if you notice them doing a good job—not just those who work with you, but people wherever you go, such as store clerks, auto mechanics, and waiters. Say something like, “I appreciate the extra effort you are making to do your job well.” You can change your life and someone else’s by choosing to speak positive words.

From the book Starting Your Day Right

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The Loss of Hope

Acts 27:13-26
Life doesn’t always meet our expectations. Even when making plans according to God’s lead, we may run into something that interrupts them. Frustration over the obstacle can lead to discouragement and loss of hope. Then, if the hindrance should persist, our spirits may plummet toward despair.
Oftentimes, what trips us up is the circumstance that seems impossible to overcome. Think about Paul’s voyage to Rome by sea. When a bad storm arose, the sailors worked hard to save the ship. But since they couldn’t control the weather, they gradually gave up all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20). There are times when we can’t change what has happened—whether it’s a job loss, a loved one’s death, or a devastating diagnosis. In such situations, feelings of hopelessness can overtake us.
Postponed plans can also be disheartening. Hannah is an example of someone who became dejected because of “hope deferred” (1 Sam. 1:10-11; see also Prov. 13:12). She saw other women bearing children, but her own maternal desires had not yet been fulfilled. When things do not go according to our schedule, we may experience emotions like hers.
Feeling abandoned by the Lord is another thing that can throw believers off track. I remember a season of life when I felt all alone. My mind said God was with me, but my feelings said otherwise. To counter those emotions, I pursued the Lord through prayer and meditation on Scripture.
In times of discouragement, you have a choice. Will you focus on your circumstances, or will you fix your gaze on our loving Father and trust Him?
intouch.org

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Bible Verses

Psalm 91:2 – I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

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Psalm 16:8 – I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

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But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9

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Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

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Colossians 3:15 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

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God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33

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Prayers

Oh heavenly Lord, who decreed that we should take one day of rest, one special day in remembrance of you, today I celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the moment of His glorious victory over death. I add my voice to countless millions of others in thanks, in praise, and in awe of Your sacrifice for us.

Help me, dear Lord, to dedicate these few moments to You completely. You have taught us that we may dwell with you, even while we are caught in this difficult world, and I pray to dwell with you fully now. Guard me against wandering of mind and the intrusion of mundane thought, so that I may be fully present with you, through the power of Your Holy Spirit.

And in the coming week, I pray that my mind may constantly turn to you, so that I may always remember you when I am tempted to anger, to selfishness, to lust for power and the vanities of this world, or any of the myriad temptations that might assail me in the course of life. In the name of Christ and through faith in Him, I pray, Amen.

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Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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My Creator, may I remember that after thou didst create the earth thou didst say it was good. May I love the fragrance and beauty of the flowers which were made to nourish the soul, and the fruits and herbs which were made to nourish the body. May my song of thanksgiving be new every morning, as I awake in the abundance of what thou hast prepared. Amen.

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Prayer at Daylight

Lord,
as daylight fills the sky,
fill us with your holy light.
May our lives mirror our love for you
whose wisdom has brought us into being,
and whose care guides us on our way.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

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Prayer in the Morning

God our Father,
hear our morning prayer
and let the radiance of your love
scatter the gloom of our hearts.
The light of heaven's love has restored us to life;
free us from the desires that belong to darkness.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

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Prayer To Be Your Witnesses

God our Savior,
hear our morning prayer:
help us to follow the light
and live the truth.
In you, we have been born again
as sons and daughters of light:
may we be your witnesses before all the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

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Prayer To Begin the Day

God our Father,
yours is the beauty of creation
and the good things you have given us.
Help us to begin this day joyfully in your name
and to spend it in loving service
of you and our fellow man.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

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Prayer To Spend the Day For Your Glory

God our creator,
you gave us the earth to cultivate
and the sun to serve our needs.
Help us to spend this day
for your glory and our neighbor's good.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

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Morning
My loving God, I thank You for bringing me safely to another day of worship. How I desire to praise You with a pure heart and right spirit! To that end, I again ask Your forgiveness for all my sins and renewing of my faith. As I speak to You today, fill my heart with true praise and thankfulness for all You have done for me. Lead me to appreciate more fully the blessings of worshiping with my fellow Christians. Thank You for the opportunity to pray and study Your Word with other believers. Make me a faithful witness in my congregation and my family so that others will see me leaning only on You, who saved me in Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Evening
As I end this day, I thank You, Lord, for keeping me safe through the daylight hours. I pray that You would also send angels this night to protect me as I sleep. Awaken me tomorrow refreshed and renewed for the duties of the week. I give You heartfelt thanks for the privilege and freedom to worship You today. May your words of refreshment be a guide and a light for my path through the coming week. Bless my family, my friends, and all those I love who are in special need of Your comforting hand. Strengthen me in body and spirit to serve You as I begin another week. All these things I pray in the name of Jesus, my crucified Savior and risen Lord. Amen.

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This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5, NIV

Lord our God, rule over us in strength, and grant us your light. Let your Spirit be with us to confirm what has already taken place in our hearts, so that we have joy and trust even under all the strain and stress of this life. Shine into the darkness of the world. Shine for all men. May we be shown more and more clearly what we men have been created for. Strengthen our faith for the future, our faith in everything good, for however hidden the good may be, it must at last come to the light. May we and all the world bring praise and honor to you. Amen.

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Dear Lord, I don't feel I express how much I love that you are in my life. Please know that my heart and soul belong to you. Thank you for all you have done.

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Dear heavenly Father, I do appreciate the sound advice and wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Lord, help me to apply this advice to situations in my daily life when I am faced with certain issues. Lord Jesus, give me Your discernment to know how I should relate to certain people who irritate me or bother me in some way. May I respond to them in love and in wisdom. May I know the difference when I am approached by someone with an honest heart or someone who is manipulating me for the wrong purposes. Fill my mouth with wisdom in these cases. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.