#GeraldsDevotional Thankful Today and Everyday for God’s Word soundcloud.com/gerald-prater/…

As I reflected yesterday on all of the reasons that the Lord has given me over the years to be thankful, He reminded me of some things in my personal life and then pointed me to this well-known scene in the bible that we will read today. You see, I am thankful today and everyday

for the Lord’s promises. Because I believe and stand on them everyday, they are what keep me in peace regardless of whatever situation may surround me. I am thankful for His promises because they are what sustain me. Yesterday was the 13th anniversary of a significant promise

that He made to me in the middle of what I perceived as a tremendous storm. I had been laid off of my job as a corporate auditor almost 2 weeks earlier. I was desperately searching for another job in order to be able to support my family financially as the bread winner.

Then on Tuesday November 24, 2009 the Lord sent me a promise through an old friend from corporate America. He told me to stop looking for another job because He was opening up a new beginning for me where I would only work for Him. He reminded me that He was with me. He told me

not to worry about money and He promised to take care of me and my family. Last Thursday I had another unexpected storm that involved a significant mechanical problem with my car at a very inconvenient time. When it happened, my initial thought was “why is this happening now,

and why me?” But within the hour of this event, the Lord reminded once again that He was with me and the Holy Spirit prompted me to begin to thank Him for what had happened because He was using it for my good. That is another famous promise that He makes to us in Romans 8:28.

Then yesterday morning as I pondered all of the things for which I am thankful, the Lord reminded me of that famous scene that I mentioned earlier. It was when He was telling His disciples about the last days. He was telling them about “things” that we would see happening all

around us. These things would appear to be very negative but He said that we should actually rejoice (giving thanks) and understand that He in complete control and carrying out His plan for us which is very good. Then in this scene Jesus made a series of promises that revolve

around His word. He said that it would be a very special time for that generation. He said that everything around us will appear to be passing away. It will seem like the enemy is winning. But He said that His words (the promises that He has made to us) will never pass away.

All of the negative things are just temporary indicators and signs to us that the kingdom of God is indeed very near. And THAT, my brothers and sisters, is what truly sustains us. That is why we give thanks today and everyday, even when it appears that things are falling apart.

The promises of God are Yes and Amen! His word never fails. Now let’s read and ponder that famous scene when Jesus talked about the signs and the special times in the last days. I usually default to the version as told in Matthew chapter 24. But this time He led me to Luke

chapter 21 where we will begin reading at verse 29. The Parable of the Fig Tree 29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see

these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. - Luke 21:29-33 @Thread Reader App unroll