My post today quotes Mr. Frank Moore, General Editor, Church of the Nazarene. His words remind us as God's children why we should give thanks every day of our lives:
Most citizens
of the United States and Canada celebrate a special thanks event this time of
year. We get together with friends and family to visit and play. eat and watch parades
and sporting events on television, share a big Thanksgiving meal.
Most folks also take time to recount their
blessings. Some do it publicly around the Thanksgiving Day table; others in private
devotion time. Blessings that usually top the list include family members,
friends, a safe home, health, an education, and a land of freedom. Reflection
time reminds us of some of the great benefits we enjoy daily.
We dare not forget the incredible blessings we
enjoy as God’s children. Ask yourself, “Would I still have anything to be
thankful for if I lost everything I now hold dear?” Some have experienced great
loss this past year, yet even they have much for which to be thankful.
As Christians we have a source for enjoyment in
life and peace of heart that extends far deeper than recounting family
blessings and material possessions. Paul reminds us of this in Romans 8:28-39.
He begins with, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). He
continues by enumerating some of the blessings we enjoy in Christ, such as
God who loves us
unconditionally.
A God who knows us
individually by name.
A God who cares enough
to work all of the events in our lives together for our good.
A God who has
predestined us to become like His Son, Jesus Christ, when we accept His plan of
salvation. Once we accept Christ, He gives us the power to live for Him
daily as He leads us safely to heaven.
A God who loved us
enough to give His Son to minister among us, then die on the cross for our
sins.
A God who is “for
us,” who meets our spiritual needs. If God is for you, what more do you
need?
A shield of
protection around our heart and character that prevents any charges or
condemnation from the evil one to affect us.
A best friend who
sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us.
A God who makes us
more than conquerors. That is, we don’t just squeak by in a photo finish;
we win by a country mile.
A love from God
that keeps finding its way to us. A love that cannot be taken away by
trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death, life,
angels, demons, present, future, powers, height, depth . . . absolutely
nothing. Nothing will ever change God’s everlasting love.
Yes,
we have much for which to be thankful. We are the richest people in the world
because we know the God Paul describes in Romans 8. We find life’s fulfilment
in relationship with God. Be sure this week to stop and thank Him for His
incredible love, then fall in love with Him more completely than ever.
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