10 Powerful Verses on Thankfulness

God’s mercies never cease.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take time to reflect on how God has moved and is moving in your life! Need a place to start? Check out these verses on thankfulness for some reminders of who God is.


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The Reason You Are Unfulfilled

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. 

(Revelation 2:4-5a ESV)


I’ll tell you a juicy secret.

I’m guilty of something. And I realize that every believer is guilty of this, too, at some point in their faith.

In the midst of all the losses and gains in our lives, we forget our first love. standing alone_edit

A fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ can easily stop at the moment of salvation. By that, I mean we invite Christ into our hearts, acknowledging our need for Him for eternal life. This saves us and secures us for heaven. But we need to know that salvation doesn’t stop there. It continues now in our relationship with Him. Just as you desperately needed God to save you from sin, you still desperately need him to be everything–above any earthly desire you currently have.

Are you finding it difficult to really give something to God? You can pray and pray over and over, submitting it to the Lord. And you should. We’re taught to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), to come boldly before the throne (Hebrews 4:16), to test every spirit–any thing or person that comes our way–to see if it is really from God (1 John 4:1).

But if you’re struggling with unfulfilled desires and deep longings that seem to remain unmet time and time again, you may be missing a crucial thing.

Continue reading “The Reason You Are Unfulfilled”

Worship Wednesdays #17 | Intentional

The profile // about the artist

Travis Greene

Travis Greene - Intentional - 2015
Intentional (2015)
  • American gospel musician and pastor
  • From Delaware (leads Forward City Church in Columbia, South Carolina)

The pull // why i like it

There’s no way you can listen to this song and not receive something from it. The lyrics confirm God’s goodness over and over. Add strong instrumentals, and the song instantly becomes a powerful anthem. I’ll admit I’ve had this one on repeat for quite a few days now.

The message // what it means

God is intentional with his work. He is faithful in who He is, never changing, never failing. How can we not put our trust in Him? God uses all things for a purpose and an amazing purpose. So, whatever happens, good or bad, we can trust that He has everything under perfect control.

I know that He’s intentional 
Yes, He is 
He’s been doing it for a long time 
And I’ll be giving my trust now 
I’ll be giving my praise now 
He’s intentional
And He’s never failing

The call // best to listen when

You need a strong reminder of God’s character. If you’re going through a difficult time or just want to praise the Lord, tune in and worship Him in freedom and joy.

Worship Wednesdays #16 | Here as in Heaven

The profile // about the artist

Elevation Worship - Here As In Heaven.jpg
Here As In Heaven (2016)

Elevation Worship

  • Contemporary worship music band
  • From Elevation Church (Charlotte, North Carolina)

The pull // why i like it

“Here As In Heaven” is a beautiful reminder of the Lord’s Prayer. God’s plan will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven. Plus, just as this song is reminiscent of God’s overwhelming love, the instrumentals itself are so amazingly overwhelming. There’s something assuring and refreshing about the music, especially with the video of live worship.

The message // what it means

Something changes when the Holy Spirit is in the midst. We need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives as we follow Christ. Our lives and hearts are changed when we let God take control–and this change isn’t a destination but a continual process.

A miracle can happen now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here 

The call // best to listen when

You want to be encouraged by God’s promises and love. His love is enough alone, and He is at work. I love listening to this song alone in my quiet devotional or prayer time.

Worship Wednesdays #15 | Fill Me Up

The profile // about the artist 

United Pursuit - EP
EP (2011)

United Pursuit

  • Christian worship band
  • From Knoxville, Tennessee

[Previous #WW Posts Here: 1]

The pull // why i like it

If a song has an acoustic vibe, there’s a 90% chance I’ll like it. Sneak in additional instrumentals, and I’ll love it. Overall, United Pursuit is a dynamic, powerful worship band, so this song’s a clear winner in my book.

The message // what it means

God’s love is endless. It’s a love that surpasses everything, a love we can never stop learning. Things in this world only provide temporary satisfaction, but His love is one that meets us where we are and satisfies what we’re looking for.

Love of God overflow
Permeate all my soul
Fill me up God

The call // best to listen when

You need to rest in who God is. Don’t wait until you’ve exhausted other options. Oftentimes, hearing His voice begins with us opening our mouths in worship and restating who He is. Seek Him first, and watch what He does.

Worship Wednesdays #14 | Purge Me

The profile // about the artist 

Urban Doxology
Urban Doxology (2014)

Urban Doxology

  • Worship band and music ministry
  • From Church Hill, Richmond, VA

The pull // why i like it

This song is so raw. A sincere cry to the Lord in utter surrender. I’ve listened to this song through so many tough times just in worship. It always reminds me of God’s goodness, even when I feel like I can’t see what He’s doing in the midst of hardship.

The message // what it means

Trusting in God is a process, but even when we have problems, we can CHOOSE Him. He is still sovereign. He still reigns! The enemy lost when Christ Jesus defeated death on the cross to save us–and even so, He still saves us in our much smaller, daily challenges.

I’m crying out

I’m desperate for you

And I’m not afraid to open my heart and give you all

We’ll declare your name

Jehovah reigns despite our problems

And through the pain We’ll learn to trust in you

The call // best to listen when

You need to cry out to the Lord. Declare the truth of the Word: God is in control–and He’s a God of deliverance. He has you–call out to Him.

Worship Wednesdays #13 | He Will Hold Me Fast

The profile // about the artist

Norton Hall Band - My Hope and Stay
My Hope and Stay (2016)

Norton Hall Band

  • Praise and worship band
  • From The Institute for Biblical Worship

The pull // why i like it

I heard this song on Spotify, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Beautiful instrumentals–(Love the violin!) Strong vocals. Powerful lyrics.

The message // what it means

No matter what the enemy throws at us, Christ Jesus promises to keep us and sustain us, and He will. The Lord spoke these words, so He will fulfill them. He delights in us, wants the best for us, and can set us free. All it takes is childlike faith to allow Him to work.

When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast

The call // best to listen if

You need a reminder of Christ’s love and promises for you. I love that this song repeats Christ WILL hold us. Claiming God’s promise is often the first step in seeing it manifest in our lives.

 

 

Worship Wednesdays #11 | Great I Am

The profile // about the artist

New Life Worship - Great I Am
You Hold It All

New Life Worship

  • Christian worship band (singers, musicians, songwriters)
  • From Colorado Springs, Colorado (New Life Church)

The pull // why i like it

Another one of my favorite worship songs, “Great I Am” is so focused on who God is. Caught up in our daily lives and busyness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of forgetting the mightiness of God, but worship puts the focus back on Him. “Great I Am,” full of praises, is the mindset we need to carry every day.

The message // what it means

God is worthy of our worship and praise. There is nothing too hard for Him, nothing impossible, He is the most holy–He is our awesome God. His name itself is powerful. As followers of Christ, we have access to a powerful, eternal God.

“There is no power in hell

Or any who can stand

Before the power and the

Presence of the Great I Am”

The call // best to listen when

Any day. Like I previously mentioned, this song reminds me of the mindset that we should always have towards our God. Singing praises to Him and claiming His promises bring much glory and honor to Him.

Worship Wednesdays #10 | Voice of Truth

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns - Casting Crowns.jpg
Casting Crowns (2003)

Casting Crowns

  • Contemporary Christian rock band
  • From Daytona Beach, Florida

Check out previous Casting Crowns #WorshipWednesdays posts:

1 (Dream for You)

The pull // why i like it

This song reminds me that following God is absolutely countercultural–in the best possible way. When you decide to accept Christ and trust in Him, you learn not to fear what the world fears. Instead you can be eternally-minded, in peace because of His promises, at rest because He gives you rest, and stable because of His love.

The message // what it means

Ever feel like life gets a bit “noisy”? It often seems hard to know which direction to take because there are so many opinions in our daily lives and online. However, when we have a solid relationship with Christ, we have access to the “voice of truth.” While the world will try to tell you who you are, where you should go, and what you should fear, God’s voice is the one that speaks the truth about your identity and that there is no reason to fear. It’s up to us to reject the voices that take life away from us and listen to the One who speaks life into us.

“Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth”

The call // best to listen if

You’re struggling with fear and confusion. Both are easy ways that the enemy can deceive us and steer us away from the course God has set out for us. But when we worship God and study His Word–when we listen to His voice–we will have victory over the enemy’s lies.