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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

August 18, 2017 · 19 Comments

Finishing What God Gives Us To Do

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The Christian Life

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Finishing. Sometimes we put it off. Sometimes it's the last thing we want to do. But finishing is what God calls us to. And He wants us to do it well.

Finishing. Sometimes we put it off. Sometimes it's the last thing we want to do. But finishing is what God calls us to. And He wants us to do it well.

Yesterday I ran. I ran what used to be my daily 3.1-mile loop. I used to think that wasn’t a big deal. But yesterday was different. I hadn’t run that distance in several years.

I didn’t grow up being physically active. I hated the heat. Hated sweat. Hated being outside. How in the world did I survive Texas summers? Truthfully, I stayed inside. After three kids, my body showed it. Until God worked a miracle in my heart. I went from sedentary to active over the course of a year, and began to love the things I once hated. Only God can do that. I ran regularly for about five years, which included one marathon and one half-marathon.

Then injuries began to distract me. Injuries followed by simple laziness. Recapturing the motivation to be healthy again has been a major challenge. I would make a good start, and after some decent success, I quit. I was in a cycle of defeat. Until God worked a miracle in my heart, again. It’s been more difficult than I ever imagined.

For me, 2017 is about regaining a healthy mind and body. I changed my eating habits and go to the gym regularly. Recently I started running a little bit on the treadmill or home from the gym. Last night I considered getting up early and running my old morning route. I can’t remember the last time I did that.

My alarm went off at 6:00. I turned it off and rolled over. But a few minutes later, my husband (who is in Rio right now) “accidentally” face-timed me. Clearly, God wanted me out of bed doing what He placed in my heart and mind to do.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13)

It’s About Finishing

Finishing What God gives us to doIt was hard. And hot. And humid. But I had my music and my water. And God was with me. On a difficult run, there is one place I always look forward to—the point when going home is the shortest distance left to run. Although it was only three miles, yesterday was no different. As I rounded the curve into my last mile, God gave me a beautiful gift. A sunrise. That used to be one of my favorite things about running early in the morning. God reminded me, it’s not about beating a time or a split, but about finishing. I kept my eyes on that sunrise until I made it home.

Running, like any worthwhile activity, takes diligent effort. Pain is inevitable. Distractions are everywhere. In order to accomplish what we set out to do, we must maintain our focus.

Jesus is our example for maintaining focus in the Christian life. While enduring the Cross, He focused on the joy of His reward–His eternal throne and eternal life with us. While enduring our own trials, our focus is Jesus, the beginner and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). It’s not about hurrying through our trials. It’s not about learning a lesson quickly so we can move on to the next thing. Our trials are about maturing our faith, growing our endurance (James 1:2-3). Deepening our relationship with God (Psalm 37:39-40). All the while, focusing on the joy of our reward–eternal life with Jesus.

God is the Great Finisher

The last words Jesus spoke before He died were, “It is finished.” He had a mission, and He finished it (John 19:28-30). Toward the end of his life, the Apostle Paul told Timothy:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Paul faithfully finished the assignment God gave him. God has a plan for us, as well. We have the promise that what He begins, He finishes!

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6)

Throughout our lives, God gives us different things to do. I have an unfinished project. A couple of weeks ago, God used a verse in my quiet time to emphasize His desire for me to get busy and finish it. The verse is written to the Corinthians in the matter of their financial giving. But I know God was smiling when I read it.

Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. (1 Corinthians 8:10)

Ugh … my project is a year old! And not finished! It’s not that far from complete, which makes the sting more sharp.

Finishing is not just about our faith. Yesterday it was about finishing a run. The rest of this year is about finishing that project! (As well as continuing to be faithful in my health and fitness goals.) Finishing is for everything God gives us to do.

What assignments has God given you? Where is your focus?

Let’s finish well, together!

It's about finishing what God gives us to do, while focusing on Jesus. Click to Tweet
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robin Revis Pyke says

    August 18, 2017 at 7:37 am

    I’m impressed! Way to go! I love to walk. We live in a neighborhood that is great for walkers and runners, however, I’m not a great runner. Maybe one day! Right now, I walk and pray and talk to God as I admire the beauty around me. I believe it is such a blessing to spend time outdoors with His creations. The time I spend walking and reflecting help me stay focused on my mission. You are so right, distractions are everywhere and we need to maintain our focus to finish the race! Thank you for sharing!

  2. Faye Healey Goggins says

    August 18, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Thank you so much for this article Dianne, I was truly blessed of God when I read it. It also reminds me of a situation in my life. I have been a member at Planet Fitness since April 2017 and I love it. I had even lost 12 lbs because of my love of it. Anyway, I went away for my birthday in July. When I came back from the trip I experienced a sharp pain on my left hip. A trip to emergency revealed a sciatic nerve issue. They told me to rest and take meds. The pain was excruciating. I found myself missing things like my workouts at PF and Bible study. During this time one of my Spiritual Sisters suggested that I go to a chiropractor. And oh how wonderful that has been. Recently I’ve been able to return to Planet Fitness which I truly love. I completely lose myself when I work out on the elliptical machine. I am in the God zone when I am there. I also found out that exercise is the best thing for me.

    I said all this to say, God wants us to be healthy and I want that too.

    Blessings to you and please continue to give us great stories like this that we all can identify with.

    Your Sister In Christ
    Faye Healey Goggins

  3. Carlie says

    August 19, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Dianne, it’s always such a pleasure visiting your site. This is just what I needed to hear today. I’m so proud of you for getting back on the health track and running your 3 miles. You inspire me. Thanks for sharing the encouraging word I needed today. Blessings to you!

  4. Alida Sharp says

    August 20, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    I can totally relate to your story on running and the injuries and laziness getting in the way. I’m so grateful that God never gives up on me even when I struggle to finish what I’ve started. Good for you to get back to working on your health goals. Slowly but surely I’m getting back to where I used to be!

    Blessings!

  5. Dianne Thornton says

    August 21, 2017 at 6:24 am

    I agree. Being outside is great, Robin. It’s some of the best “alone time with God.”

  6. Dianne Thornton says

    August 21, 2017 at 6:27 am

    This a great story, Faye! So glad you found a chiro who was able to get you back in the gym. I love that you are in the “God-zone” when you are on the elliptical! Me, too!

  7. Dianne Thornton says

    August 21, 2017 at 6:30 am

    Thanks, Carlie. I hope I’m able to run more without injury. But yes … the health track it is! I’m thankful that there are many ways we can be physically active and honor God with our bodies!

  8. Dianne Thornton says

    August 21, 2017 at 6:33 am

    Good for you, Alida! Yes. God is loving and merciful … gently wooing us back into the places He wants us to be. Praying you meet success with your own health goals!

  9. Lesley says

    August 22, 2017 at 5:47 am

    I love your story of perseverance in running. Things like that definitely take effort and I’m glad God has encouraged you to keep going. I certainly find it easy to get started and then to lose enthusiasm but keeping focused and finishing well are important.

  10. Alice Walters says

    August 22, 2017 at 6:02 am

    Dear Dianne, you are an inspiration! Thank you for the gentle reminder to finish. Sometimes I get bogged down by trying to figure out exactly what “finished ” is. That’s when I have to re-examine my priorities to see if they are aligned to God’s will. Thanks for the encouragement to focus on Him.

  11. Debbie Putman says

    August 22, 2017 at 7:11 am

    I love how you tie getting back into exercising to our lives and what God has planned for us to do.

  12. Dianne Thornton says

    August 22, 2017 at 7:36 am

    Thanks, Lesley. Now to persevere and run “again”! My sister and I were taking about this. Our caring for our health is something we really never “finish.” “Finishing” is continuing!!

  13. Dianne Thornton says

    August 22, 2017 at 7:53 am

    I llive what Elisabeth Elliot says, “Do the next thing.” That always helps me in evaluating what the next priority is. Thanks for coming by today!

  14. Dianne Thornton says

    August 22, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Definitely want to honor God in this!

  15. Sarah Geringer says

    August 22, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Hi Dianne–I’m cheering for you! I’m not a runner at all, but I do like to walk. I pray while I’m walking, either outside or on the treadmill. Your post has inspired me to do just that this evening!

  16. Rachel Britton says

    August 22, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    Dianne, well done going for your run. Keep at it! I don’t run but I do lots of other activities. In the winter I ski a lot! In between I work with a trainer. It gets to the point that my body cries out for physical exercise, just like my soul cries out for spiritual activity. You will get to that point, too, with your physical body. So, you go girl!

  17. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2017 at 8:38 am

    Yay, Sarah! I love seeing fellow walkers/runners outside. It’s great encouragement to keep going, or stretch to go a little farther! Glad we can do that here, as well!

  18. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2017 at 8:39 am

    Beautiful parallel, Rachel. I’ve experienced that … sometimes you need both at the same time! Thankful for iTunes & earbuds!

  19. Jeanne Takenaka says

    August 23, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    Dianne, way to go on that run! I’ve never been a runner. I’ve been trying to be better about walking some each day. I confess, I’m not as disciplined as I should be! You are encouraging me to be more intentional with this!

    Yes, I have a project I’m working on. It’s been hard to work on it for a lot of reasons. But I’m trying to get back into a place where I can be faithful. Great post here!

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This week in our small group study, I felt the Lord’s gentle chastisement. 

We looked at the promise in Luke 11:28, “He [Jesus] replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”

At first glance, the promise of blessing comes from obedience. But it’s much more. 

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✨ Blessed are those who HEAR the word of God and obey it. 

That word HEAR means to LISTEN with FULL ATTENTION. 

✨ We cannot truly obey God if we don’t know what He’s saying to us. 

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✨ What keeps me from spending time alone with Jesus?

✨ When I finally get alone with Him, what distracts me? 

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✨ What causes my kind to wander when I’m praying?

➡️ Eliminating distractions …
➡️ Exercising discipline …

… to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) 

… brings true blessing. 

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I will keep y’all posted as things move along!!! ⁠
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Hey Friends! I have a special treat 🍬 for you today. 

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✅ These mini Bible studies are “work at your own pace.” 

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It’s been a minute since I’ve posted here. But some things are just too good to keep to yourself!⁠
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✨I’ve curated a list of my favorite Advent devotionals and Bible studies. There is something for everyone! ✨

✨ How do YOU like to celebrate Christmas Advent? ✨

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May 26

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THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.⁠
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I should know. I’m an expert at the slip-and-fall. In the rain with flip flops that have lost their tread. On frozen snow in hiking boots that are supposed to have grip. Even in my kitchen when I’m wearing my slippers. (Why are they called that???) Then there was that time I trekked out across some sand to grab a bucket and ended up knee deep in drilling mud.⁠
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In those times we are NOT in control, and we know it. We take a few steps, falter, and realize we are going down. ⁠
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Suffering can be like that—but there is no humor in it.⁠
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We all walk through suffering. Sometimes it feels so dark and deep we can’t see what’s ahead. ⁠
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🎵I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps 40:1-2)⁠
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Our road seems slippery, and we may feel we have no hope. But God is near, and He hears our cries. As we draw near to Him, He gives us a new perspective and firm footing. He also gives us a song of joy amid our suffering.⁠
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🎵 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ps 40:3)⁠
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This song of praise is for the express purpose of encouraging others who are suffering so they too can draw near to the Lord and experience His peace and the abundant life He came to give. ⁠
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This is how a watching world comes to know God. They see our suffering. But they also see a heart that trusts God during it. A heart that is not bitter, but one that sings for joy. ⁠
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Do you know a fellow sufferer who willingly shares their song of joy? How has their example encouraged you?⁠
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Feb 17

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AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
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Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
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Do you have something very special that you keep in a special place -- just for you? (I'm not talking about hiding those special cookies. 😉😂)⁠
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I love coffee mugs. But certain mugs are different than the others. One was a gift from a special friend. One looks a lot like one my grandfather let me drink from when I visited my grandparents. One is from Disney, and I don't let ANYONE use that one! ⁠
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Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.⁠
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In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
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=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
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You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s. ⁠
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In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
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God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
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One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!⁠
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My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
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Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)⁠
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Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
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✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
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#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
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Feb 10

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PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.⁠ ⁠⁠
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.⁠⁠
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When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.⁠⁠
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Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).⁠⁠
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Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
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This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:⁠⁠
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"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
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Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue? ⁠⁠
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How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
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When our hearts are tender and match up with God's truth, our lives are built on a firm foundation that will never be shaken.⁠⁠
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✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
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#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
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Feb 8

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OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
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The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
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"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)⁠
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Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust. ⁠
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It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend. ⁠
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Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
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O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder⁠
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made⁠
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder⁠
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.⁠
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In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
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I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!⁠
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Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
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Nov 18

Open
HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
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May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
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Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
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Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.⁠
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If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
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The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.⁠
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You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

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Nov 12

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HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD.⁠ Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today. ⁠
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Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading. ⁠
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For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
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--set aside these thoughts⁠
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--shift my thinking⁠
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--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
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In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
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As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
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Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Nov 9

Open
DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
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Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
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Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
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What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
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It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
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And here’s the “why.”⁠
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“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58-59 NIV)⁠
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Our labor is in not in vain! Because, as the verses prior to these say, Jesus has conquered the sting of death. Through Him we have victory. ⁠
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Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
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So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom.  He loves you so. ⁠
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What work has God given you today? ⁠
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Double tap if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Nov 6

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HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
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If you're like me, your mind is spinning with all the craziness of this week. You might even be a bit afraid of what the future holds. I know that I am doing a good amount of "instructing my heart" to trust the Lord. ⁠
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The best cure of worry and fear is a shift in focus -- from our circumstances to the One who controls them. With Thanksgiving approaching, this shift can include listing all the the wonderful ways God has cared for us in the past -- which builds our trust that He will continue to care for us in the coming days. ⁠
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Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
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This 5-Day Mini Bible Study is a special Thanksgiving treat that will help you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving (and trust) all year long.⁠ ⁠
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🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
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⁠Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 

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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GiveThanksAlways #GiveThanksEveryDay #GiveThanksToTheLord #GiveThanksDaily #GiveThanks🙏 #GratefulHeart #Psalm136 #Psalm107 #Psalm100 #CountYourManyBlessings #CountYourManyBlessingsNameThemOneByOne #Psalm100 #PsalmOfTheDay #Psalms #Thanksgiving2020 #EnterHisGatesWithThanksgiving #EnterHisCourtsWithPraise⁠
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#LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth ⁠

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Nov 4

Open
HOLY FATHER, I'M GRATEFUL THAT YOU PROTECT ME WITH THE SHIELD OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Psalm 91:4). ⁠
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Where the enemy tries to get me to doubt, remind me of the truth in Your Word that ... ⁠
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... although much in life changes, You remain the same (James 1:17). ⁠
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⁠Thank You for meeting my needs in the past. Because You are our Faithful God, I know You will meet my needs today. ⁠
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I know You can grow my small faith.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your spiritual battles, where are you tempted to doubt God's plan? How has God met your needs in the past? Trust Him meet you now!!⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are using the Shield of Faith today!! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#ShieldOfFaith⁠ #GodIsFaithful #James117⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Nov 2

Open
ISN'T IT JUST LIKE GOD TO USE SMALL THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH BIG THINGS?⁠
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Psalm 8:2 “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”⁠
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The NIV Application Commentary says, “The recognition of one’s own weakness is the starting point for recognizing dependence on the strength of God.”⁠
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Do you feel small in your efforts to serve God and others?⁠
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That’s okay!! ⁠
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God takes our meager offering and multiplies it to accomplish His purposes—not only in our lives, but in the world!!⁠
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What are some small efforts that make a big difference?⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #Psalm8 #Psalm82⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Oct 28

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, I WANT YOUR PEACE TO RULE MY LIFE.⁠
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First, I confess my sin and thank You for Your forgiveness. ⁠
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Thank You that through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, I can have peace with You.⁠
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Please show me where I need to make amends in my relationships. ⁠
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Help me to humbly approach my friends and family and ask for forgiveness so peace can be restored in our relationships. ⁠
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And in my circumstances, where I am anxious and afraid, I fix my eyes on You and trust You to settle my heart and mind.⁠
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Father, please give me courage to share the Gospel of Peace with those who cross my path today. ⁠
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You've given me the great privilege of partnering with You to spread the gospel. Give me sensitivity to recognize when to speak up so others can hear the good news and know salvation.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battles, is there anyone with whom you need to reconcile?⁠
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How does Satan disrupt your peace? ⁠
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Drop an emoji if you want to share the gospel of peace today! 🙏🙏🙏 ⁠(kinda scary, huh!)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#GospelOfPeace #PrinceOfPeace⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Oct 26

Open
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13?⁠
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I've read it many times, but something new popped out to me.⁠
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)⁠
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It’s that last phrase … SO YOU CAN ENDURE IT.⁠
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Prior to the other day, whenever I thought about this verse, I thought about temptation LEAVING once I ESCAPED, by being obedient to take God’s way out.⁠
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But that’s not what the last phrase indicates. It says that we can ENDURE TEMPTATION. ⁠
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If you're like me, this offers great hope. Sometimes temptation sticks around. It doesn't just go away. That’s why it’s so important to wear the Helmet of Salvation and protect our minds with the Truth from God’s Word. ⁠
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Whatever temptation you are facing, God’s “way out” will help you ENDURE your temptation, especially if it is a lingering one. ⁠
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He is present—you don’t face it alone. He strengthens you each step of the way until you are clear of it.⁠
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Drop an emoji if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #HelmetOfSalvation #BeltOfTruth #StandingFirmBibleStudy ⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Oct 21

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS⁠ ⁠protects my heart--which is the core of who I am. ⁠
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May the truth of Your Word guard and protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23).⁠
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On my own, it is impossible to live righteously. ⁠
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As I yield my will to the Holy Spirit, however, You give me the power to live in victory. ⁠
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Give me the courage to surrender the areas of my life You put Your finger on.⁠
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May my time in Your Word work change in my heart so I can live the righteous life You desire.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battle, is there any area of your life where you need to surrender? ⁠
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What do your thoughts, words, and actions reveal about your heart?⁠
⁠
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
⁠
I would consider it a privilege to partner in prayer with you. Feel free to send me a DM!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#BreastplateOfRighteousness⁠ #Proverbs423 #Ephesians 518⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus
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