This is Thanksgiving week. I’m praying that all of us have much to be grateful for, even for the tough things, because in every situation, God is giving us something. At the first Thanksgiving, the pilgrims, after suffering devastating losses, still gave thanks! An anonymous quote said, “God’s giving deserves our Thanksgiving.” The Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” It’s a good reminder for us that He is blessing us in ALL things; and I pray He blesses you today.
It Will Be Alright
The best is yet to come; it’s a phrase we have all heard. When we face hard times, it is sometimes hard to believe that it will get better. There is no crystal ball to look into. However, we do have the word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us: “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Even in the worst of times, we can trust him to bring us through! May God bless you today.
Two Little Words
Thank you…. two little words; words that acknowledge a kindness someone has done for us. Sadly, society is forgetting to use phrases like this. Psalm 136:1 says, ” Give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: his mercies endureth forever.” Have you said thank you to the one who created and sustains you lately? Let’s make it a point to do so today. Oh, and if I don’t say it enough…thank you. God bless you all!
Where Do I Turn For Help?
Need some help? Those are comforting words when we need extra help lifting something or someone. Unexpected help is a blessing during a financial crisis. Relief is felt when a stranger stops to help fix a flat tire or brings gasoline when you are stranded. Did you know that one of the missions of God’s angels is to help us when no one else can? Even Jesus needed help from an angel in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” Remember that God watches out for us, and angels are one of the ways. God bless you!
HE Is Your Reward
Most people like to be recognized… but is that godly? An anonymous quote says, “He who merits praise he never receives is better off than he who receives praise he never merits.” Sometimes it’s hard not to want the recognition and admiration of others, but we must keep a godly perspective and motivation in everything we do. Matthew 6:18 says, “That thou appear not unto man to fast, but unto thy Father, which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” I can’t wait to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” God bless you!
Protection
The world is falling apart around us. It is becoming more unstable every day. Countries are attacking each other or are threatening to attack. Christians are being threatened, attacked, or killed everywhere. However, we shouldn’t be afraid if we know Jesus as our Savior. Why? Daniel 2:28 tells us, “There is a God in heaven…” If He can protect Daniel in the lion’s den and save others from a fiery furnace, he will take care of you and me because…..he is OUR God in heaven, and may he richly bless you today!
When Is He Coming?
In the Old Testament, many people believed that Christ would return quickly. Believers today may be asking, why is it taking so long for Christ to return? We need to understand that God keeps time by His own clock and keeps to his own schedule. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” We simply need to be patient. Today, the world is a scary place, and perhaps He is giving us one more day to reach someone who needs to hear about the saving grace of Jesus. Let’s be sure to tell them. God bless you!
Mission Minded
Mission minded… hopefully, every church wants to support these brave individuals who travel to foreign countries to spread the gospel. It’s easy to do; we just give gifts to support them. But what about us as individuals? We are called to be missionaries! Matthew 28:19a says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” For some, it is easy, and for others, not so much. Just like people on the mission field, God will give us what we need to be successful, so fear not! God bless you!
Be A Teacher
The train-the-trainer framework turns people into subject matter experts so they are equipped to train others. The Lord has done that for us by giving us the scriptures. Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Through his word, He has taught us what we need to teach others about Christ. God bless you!
Keep No Records
Record keeping… how many of us keep detailed records of our lives? Things like instruction manuals, bills, receipts, etc. What about hurts and offenses? Do we harbor feelings of anger or betrayal? Do we really ever ‘forgive and forget’? In 1 Corinthians 13:7, we are taught exactly how to NOT keep records. The scripture says, ” [Love] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” It’s sometimes hard, but we should want to strive to “keep no records.” Amen? God bless you!
