Let’s get this thing back on track. This is not supposed to be a mostly political blog. We have been delving too deep into feelings and reactions. On this week of Thanksgiving, let’s just pause and get into that mode – a mode of thankfulness. Can we do that please? We will just let the LORD deal with all the social mess in His timing.
Halloween has become a very big deal, and right after Halloween we go straight into Christmas mode as a society. Backup – we go into Xmas mode (Christ is not involved much in this mess). We bypass Thanksgiving and go straight to Xmas.
In 1941 Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday to commemorate the Pilgrims and natives getting together for a feast celebrating the abundant harvest they had yielded that year (in cooperation together, I might add). On that day they prayed and thanked God for all they had been given. So, in 1941 President Roosevelt signed into law a day to be thankful to God for all this country had been given.
What happened to this holiday? I have not heard one word from anyone this year about Thanksgiving. We are already in Christmas mode, buying stuff right and left, not stopping to be thankful for what we already have been given but going right into the mode of getting more stuff not to actually be thankful for (because half of the items that are given out, the recipient didn’t want it anyway, we just like having more stuff).
In this Thanksgiving week, stop! Take some time to be grateful and yes, thankful for your life, your situation. Always remember that everything here is temporary, that the only things that will last are the things you do that honor God. Be thankful for what you have. I will leave you with this poem by C.T. Studd, Only One Life.
Only One Life
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat; Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”; Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
AE
and continuing…
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed. When you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings name them one by one.And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings every doubt will fly. And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold. Count your many blessings money cannot buy, Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict whether great of small, Do not be discouraged God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend, Help and comfort give you till your journey’s end.
Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your blessing, see what God hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God that done.
-Johnson Oatman Jr.
Have you ever stopped to read the words of one of the most popular hymns ever written? We often sing these songs without ever stopping to think about what they actually mean. It’s very difficult to fully appreciate all that God had done for us because our finite minds don’t quite comprehend the magnitude of his all-encompassing love. First of all he created the world that is capable of sustaining us, then he created us in his own image. It took Adam and Eve no time at all to reject God’ truth and follow after their own desires. Then because of sin God followed through with his plan to save the world. He sent his son Jesus to die on the cross placing upon him the burden of our sins. Then he conquered death and Hell by rising again the third day, and giving us the victory. We now have access to God the Father through his son Jesus Christ. God in his mercy gave us salvation from our own sin. If we cannot think of one other thing to be thankful for this year we can at least list that.
Last year about this time my family took a challenge throughout November. Each night every person was required to list three things they were thankful for. But, you could not list anything twice, and you also couldn’t say something someone else had already said. By the time out list was complete we had 360 blessings listed. I challenge everyone to try this over the course of a 30 day period. It’s exciting to see how many things we have for which we can be grateful.
Let’s remember to have a gratitude attitude not just throughout this Thanksgiving season, but throughout our lives.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4
GA
Voice of the Introverts 