inclination

Saturday, February 9, 2019 (6:00 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You!

Thank You for the inclination to be thankful. Joyful.

(6:40 a.m.)

Mm, yes. Inclination: “a person’s natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way; a disposition or propensity”. You have changed this in me. You are the One to thank for the hope that continues to grow in my heart.

Thank You for changing my “inherent qualities of mind and character” [disposition]. You have been growing me all these years. Nurturing; looking after; taking care of and bringing me up into the woman You created me to be. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

There is a genuine, authentic peace about me that I have rarely experienced before. A calmness that continues teaching me the importance of singing, smiling, staying my mind and stretching various times throughout each day. Thank You Father.

Let’s take this morning for example. Just by using the word ‘inclination’ I get to remember who I was before I invited You in to begin Your work in me.

Looking back several decades ago, thank You for helping me the learn difference between all the things that love is and what it is not (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). “Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. It does not dishonor other people. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs. Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It will never give up. Love never fails” (New International Reader’s Version).

(12:19 p.m.)

Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity of traveling with friends. Thank You for Truth spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). Yes Father. Thank You for teaching us to “let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ [the Messiah, the Anointed One]” (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

(2:18 p.m.)

Now back to being inclined to thankfulness. And here (reading Acts 13:44-14:6) I smile again. Because of the Jewish leaders’ jealousy and disinclination to believe the bold declaration of Paul and Barnabas “this Good News” of which they spoke was instead offered to the Gentiles. Thank You Father.

Thank You that while “The Jews debate[d] the message among themselves; the Gentiles respond[ed] enthusiastically” (Illustrated Bible Handbook). Thank You for the choice to believe You at Your Word, or not.

Just as Paul and Barnabas experienced various responses as they preached the Good News to others, we each have choices as to how we handle circumstances right in front of us. Relying on Your power and strength, we can ask for courage to hang in there with unreceptive, problem presenting people. Or we can seek Your wisdom in knowing when it is that we may need to cut our losses and run. It is on You to Whom we rely in any given situation.

Thank You Father. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your guidance. Thank You for Your plan. Thank You for the hope we have in You. Thank You that we get to unashamedly declare our love for You. Yes Father. Thank You for Who and All You are. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(2:54 p.m.)