The Gifts you Receive

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. “

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

When you run a race, they are measured by mile markers. They are there as a sign of how close you are to the finish line. As we get close to the end of our 40-day challenge, use this day as a mile marker. How are you today compared to the first day you started this challenge? 

The guidance I offered as we started was for you to do the following: 

1. Pray and ask God for forgiveness for being a complainer;

2. Ask Him to teach you how to live a life of Thanksgiving;

3. Read His book. Start with Psalm 142.

This challenge is not about being perfect or presenting a clear record of 40 days of no complaints. The challenge is about letting God change you from the inside out, your thoughts included. You start asking for forgiveness. You continue by asking God to teach you how to live a life of thanksgiving. Then you spend time with God reading His book. Francis Frangipane offers us inspiration as far as the gifts we receive by spending time with God:

"It is not difficult to recognize one who has spent extended time at a newsstand: his conversation overflows with the drama of current news. And it is not hard to discern a person who has come from a sporting event, as his face reveals the outcome of the game. Likewise, others can tell when an individual has spent extended time seeking God. An imperturbable calm guards their heart, and their countenance is radiant with the morning dew of Heaven." —I Will Be Found by You, Francis Frangipane

May your countenance reflect that you have been with God. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the gifts we receive from You daily. Thank you for the gift of freedom from a life of complaints. Teach me to go to You for help and hope from now until I see you again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.