Choose Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What are you thankful for today?

Sometimes that question is difficult.

Not because we have nothing to be grateful for, but because problems can become louder than our blessings.

We notice what we don't have.

The opportunity we missed.

The prayer that hasn't been answered.

The relationship that ended.

The financial pressure.

The disappointment.

The plans that didn't work out.

And slowly, we can forget everything God has already done.

The Bible says:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that Scripture doesn't say:

“Give thanks only when everything is going well.”

It says:

“In all circumstances.”

That doesn't mean we should pretend that pain isn't painful.

It doesn't mean we have to be happy about suffering.

It means that even in difficult circumstances, we can still find reasons to trust and thank God.

You can be disappointed and grateful.

You can be waiting and grateful.

You can be hurting and still recognize God's goodness.

Gratitude doesn't deny the storm.

It reminds you that God is with you in the storm.

Think about what you already have.

You woke up today.

You have another opportunity to live, learn, grow, and serve.

You have experienced moments of God's protection that you may not even know about.

You have people who care about you.

You have lessons from yesterday.

You have God's promises for today.

And if you belong to Christ, you have something greater than temporary circumstances:

You have salvation.

Jesus gave His life so that we could be reconciled to God.

That gift cannot be measured by money, possessions, success, or circumstances.

When everything else changes, the grace of God remains.

So don't allow your circumstances to determine whether God is good.

God is good even when life is difficult.

Sometimes we become so focused on the next blessing that we fail to appreciate the current one.

We're waiting for the next job.

The next relationship.

The next promotion.

The next opportunity.

The next breakthrough.

And we forget to thank God for what is already in our hands.

Don't let tomorrow steal today's gratitude.

Take a moment today and look around.

What has God already given you?

What prayers has He already answered?

What doors has He already opened?

What difficulties has He already brought you through?

What lessons has He taught you?

What people has He placed in your life?

Write them down.

You may be surprised by how much you have to thank Him for.

And gratitude changes the way we see other people too.

Instead of comparing ourselves with someone who has more, we begin appreciating what we have.

Instead of becoming jealous of another person's success, we can celebrate with them.

Instead of constantly asking, “Why don't I have what they have?”

we can say:

“Thank You, God, for what You have entrusted to me.”

Gratitude doesn't mean we stop pursuing growth.

You can be grateful for where you are while still working toward where God is leading you.

You can desire improvement without despising your current season.

You can have dreams without allowing those dreams to control your happiness.

And most importantly, gratitude should lead us back to God.

Don't just be thankful for the blessing.

Be thankful to the One who blesses.

Today, before you ask God for something new, spend some time thanking Him for what He has already done.

Thank Him for life.

Thank Him for grace.

Thank Him for forgiveness.

Thank Him for family and friends.

Thank Him for opportunities.

Thank Him for lessons.

Thank Him for protection.

Thank Him for Jesus.

Even if today is difficult, find one thing to thank God for.

Then find another.

And another.

Gratitude doesn't change everything around you, but it can change what you see within you.

Don't wait until everything is perfect before you thank God.

Thank Him today.

What are three things you can genuinely thank God for right now?

#ChooseGratitude #1Thessalonians518 #ThankfulHeart #Gratitude #GodIsGood #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #TrustGod #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE"

“Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” is a hymn of steadfast faith, written for Christians facing the uncertainties, joys and trials of everyday life.

The words were written by Nahum Tate (1652–1715) and Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), who were responsible for the influential 1696 New Version of the Psalms of David. The hymn is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 34, particularly its message that those who trust in God can turn to Him in every circumstance.

The opening lines immediately establish its central theme:

“Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.”

The hymn does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it presents a simple Christian response to changing circumstances: whether life brings trouble or joy, God remains worthy of praise. Later verses speak of seeking God in times of distress, finding Him near to those who call upon Him, and trusting His care.

What makes the hymn particularly enduring is its honesty. Life changes, circumstances change, and human strength can fail, but the hymn points to something that does not change, God's faithfulness.

It has therefore become a much-loved hymn of devotion, especially in Anglican and other Christian traditions, and is often sung at services where themes of trust, perseverance, gratitude and God's unfailing presence are central.

The message of the hymn:
Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, sorrow or happiness, uncertainty or peace , we can continue to praise God and place our confidence in Him.

Daily Bible Lesson.
CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

We usually think a lie must be spoken.

But can deception also be displayed?

A complexion made to appear different.
Artificial lashes presented as natural.
Artificial nails.
Artificial hair.
Filters that create another face.
An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

Here is the searching question:

IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

God is not against beauty.

HE CREATED BEAUTY.

But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
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① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

“Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

So before the mirror, ask:

“AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

“Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
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② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

Peter redirects our attention:

“Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

Paul adds:

“In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

God moves beauty:

FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

No foundation can produce purity.

No lipstick can create kindness.

No artificial lashes can produce humility.

No wig can manufacture contentment.

No filter can create holiness.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
---

③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

Cover this.

Lengthen that.

Darken this.

Lighten that.

Change the hair.

Reshape the face.

Hide every imperfection.

And tomorrow—

BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

The mirror begins preaching:

“GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

But Scripture answers:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

Your deepest question is not:

“Am I attractive enough for people?”

It is:

“AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
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④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

Science requires honesty.

Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

So the Christian principle of health asks:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
---

⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

“DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

when compliments determine our worth…

when comparison controls our happiness…

when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

The gospel offers another identity:

YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
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⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

MONEY that could bless others.

TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

And potentially—

SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

That makes this deeply personal:

HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
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⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

Not because neglect is holy.

Not because attractiveness is sinful.

Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
MODESTY instead of display.
STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
CHRIST instead of self at the center.

Ellen White wrote:

“God is the author of all beauty.”

Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

“MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

It means:

STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

Be clean.
Be neat.
Be healthy.
Be modest.
Be appropriately dressed.
Be beautifully Christlike.

BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
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⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

Correct the complexion—
while leaving anger untouched.

Arrange the hair—
while neglecting prayer.

Perfect the outward appearance—
while tolerating pride.

Cover blemishes—
while hiding cherished sin.

Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

“Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

**HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
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⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

Is it truthful?
Is it modest?
Is it necessary?
Is it healthful?
Is it good stewardship?

Am I content with how God made me?

Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

Christianity does not merely ask:

“WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

Love asks:

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
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CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

Makeup can change a complexion.

Artificial hair can change an appearance.

A filter can change a photograph.

BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

He replaces—

vanity with humility,
comparison with contentment,
insecurity with identity in Him,
self-display with modesty,
falsehood with truth.

This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

Bring Him the insecurity.
Bring Him the vanity.
Bring Him the craving for approval.
BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

Youthful beauty fades.

BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.

*SEED FOR LIFE*
Avoid shameful and foolish talk and low jesting. They are all alike discreditable and in place of these give thanks.
• Ephesians 5:4

The giddy laugh, the jesting, the joking, sickens the soul that is feeding on Christ... Let no low witticism escape your lips. All frivolous words, all lightness and trifling, are enticements of the enemy to deprive you of spiritual strength... Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in the barrenness of the soul and the loss of the favour of God... Trim your lamps, and keep them burning, that wherever you may go, you may reveal in speech and action precious rays of light.
• Radiant Religion, p.237

*• A Point To Ponder •*
God does not forbid happiness, wholesome laughter, or genuine enjoyment. Rather, Scripture calls us to examine the quality and influence of what we allow into our minds and conversations.
_(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)_

Daily devotion for August 25th
How To Celebrate
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:27
It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful.

There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy.

There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving.

Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.

All happiness and peace are only found in the Holy spirit.
ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN SAVE!

Fresh Monday Manna for 24 August 2026 ::: THE DAY YOU FIND GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE , AND YOU FOLLOW THAT PLAN . HAPPINESS STARTS !!! https://trulightdailymanna.co.za/24-august-2026

Ellen G. White
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.
Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its stead something better. Never let amusements, or the companionship of others, come between you and Jesus, your best Friend.... When natural inclination draws you in the direction of fulfilling some selfish desire, set the Lord before you as your counselor... Christians have many sources of happiness at their command, and they may tell with unerring accuracy what pleasures are lawful and right...If they can take Jesus with them, and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are perfectly safe....An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but instructive....In all our seasons of recreation we may gather from the Divine Source of strength fresh courage and power, that we may the more successfully elevate our lives to purity, true goodness, and holiness....Those who really enjoy the love of God will have joy and peace. Religion was never designed to make one pleasureless. What can be productive of greater happiness than to enjoy the peace of Christ, the bright sunshine of His presence? [ FLB 237.]

Lunch Boxes for Needy orphan Children
We are trying to provide lunch boxes to needy orphan children living with me . so we need Your support it can bring happiness, hope, and a nutritious meal to these precious children. Please come forward and help us bless more children.
God bless you abundantly!
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