Things You take For Granted by Pastor Mark Jensen

Good morning friends and family of God Honor Strength, welcome to the beginning of a new week, a week where anything and everything is possible when you have God in your life. I hope each of you had an amazing and blessed weekend, and were able to spend time with family and friends, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This morning, I want to talk to you about what you have, what you need and what you want. Do you, do I, do we sometimes take for granted our lives and all that we already have? Now I know we all wish for and pray for many things that we "need" and "want", but when was the last time you stopped and thought about everything you already have. Things that you take for granted, things that are part of our daily lives that we don't even think about, because we have always had them. A roof over our heads, running water, electricity, air conditioning, food on our tables. The list goes on and on of what we have, what we take for granted, that not everyone in this world, even in our own country, have on a daily basis. Be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for all that God has provided for you.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When is the last time you and your family just spent the day together doing something fun, watching a movie or going to the park or going out and grabbing an ice cream. The reason I ask this is because in our busy lives we tend to also take for granted the time we have together with our families. As each 24 hours goes by, that is another day that we can not get back, then another week, another month and before you know it, another year has gone by. We lead such busy lives, that before you know it, time has gone by that we can never get back, time with your spouse, your significant other, your children, your family, your friends. Do not get so caught up in your everyday life that you forget to live. Be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for all that God has provided for you.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

So the next time you sit down over dinner, remember to be thankful for the food you are about to receive. My family and I pray before every meal, whether we are eating out at a restaurant or dining at Burger King or preparing dinner at home, we thank God before every meal for what he is providing us. You may get a few looks and glances from others when you are out and pray before you eat, but never be ashamed before people, your love for your Father in Heaven and his Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, we are nothing and we have nothing. He provides for us what we need, not necessarily what we think we need. We all pray and hope for nicer things, a bigger home, those new boots, that new truck, and in time we may very well have those things, but always be thankful for what you already have. Be thankful for all that God has provided for you.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3

Before I leave you this morning, I would like to ask you each a small favor, it won't take but a few minutes of your time. Take five minutes each day, whether it be in the morning or before you go to bed. Take just five minutes and thank God for the day, for your family, for the things you do have and for His love for you. We are truly blessed each and every day that we have on this earth, let's not forget who made it possible.

As I speak a blessing over each of you this morning, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless
Pastor Mark