“A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart.” – Charles Finney

As we approach another Thanksgiving holiday, let’s be mindful of all we have beyond the material blessings. Looking past the consumerism of things, the food and frivolity, let’s turn our attention to the greatest reason for our thankfulness. If you’ve placed your trust in Christ and have accepted Him into your heart, you have every reason to be thankful.

The Bible teaches a lot of lessons regarding thankfulness and commands us to give thanks consistently. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Chronicles 16:34 continues, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

We’re told in Colossians 4:2 to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

And 1 Corinthians 15:57 encourages us with this truth, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Over and over we’re encouraged to be thankful for all we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Beyond the material blessings for which to give thanks, are spiritual blessings for those who’ve placed their trust in the Savior of the world.

Because of this, our hearts should convey the joy of 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

We’ve been given the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. We have the blessing of salvation that’s rescued us from hell itself. And, placing our trust in Christ gives both a hope and a future as Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The gift of salvation brings with it gifts of purpose, peace, joy, unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and redemption. Because of Jesus, we can put our confidence in the One who knows all, sees all, and holds all in His hands. Because of Jesus we can have a personal relationship enabling us to pray to Him, learn from Him, lean on Him and tell others about Him. This relationship should have every believer in a continued state of thanksgiving and praise for all our Savior’s done and is doing in our lives day-to-day.

Because of Him our hearts can happily look forward to the future as we await with anticipation an eternal, perfect home in heaven where we’ll dwell forever with our Savior.

Because of Him we can rejoice, proclaiming with praise and happy hearts Romans 11:36 and Psalm 30:12 which state:

“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

“That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”

Friends, as you prepare for the festivities this Thanksgiving holiday, let your focus be to cherish all you have because of all He’s given. And remember, with Christ as your Savior, you truly do have every reason to be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

hspate@verizon.net

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31).

As parents, there are so many lessons we want to impress upon our children’s hearts before they’re grown and venture out on their own. As a parent myself, one of the many lessons my husband and I hope to teach is impressing upon our children the importance of simply stopping and taking the time to appreciate everything God’s created for their enjoyment.

Something I do often, especially when we’re on family trips, is to encourage them to look up and admire the beautiful sky and all the fluffy, floating clouds God’s provided. I can quickly become mesmerized and get lost in the clouds myself. I find it so relaxing to just watch them morph one into another while floating gently and effortlessly along. It’s peaceful and calming to my spirit to just sit back and watch each cloud dance across the pristine blue sky. I find it so interesting that something as simple as looking up can bring perspective and a refreshing rush to my soul.

And, while the girls and I are enjoying the fantastic show, I find myself reminding them that most people will never take the time to look up. So many will miss the peaceful calm that comes from simply stopping for a moment and enjoying the beautiful canvas of God’s amazing creation.

Speaking of creation, we were blessed to catch the sun peeking through and lining the clouds in a bright glow the other day. It was simply picture perfect…so beautiful.

When studying the clouds, I often am reminded of something… what I can’t see. I often wonder what marvelous and amazing things lie beyond the clouds…things we’ll experience one day when God calls us to our heavenly home.

1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us of what we have to look forward to: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

And Isaiah 65:17 serves as a reminder of the future that awaits, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”

Amazing! It’s hard to fathom that there are so many wonderful things waiting for us that we can’t even imagine what all is in store. Our minds will never be able to comprehend, this side of heaven, what God has prepared for those who love Him. I think that’s something every believer can and should get excited about!

As our girls grow, my prayer is that these precious moments we share together watching the clouds go by is leaving a lasting impression on their hearts.

I pray when grown they will hold a deep appreciation for the beautiful canvas of God’s creation and will pass that love and lesson onto their own children. I hope that no matter how busy their lives become that they will always continue to simply stop and look up.

No matter how busy your life may become, no matter how crazy the world may seem, let not your heart be distracted. Allow yourself to simply stop and enjoy the beauty and blessed gift of God’s majestic creation. And, while taking it all in, don’t forget to look up and imagine all He has in store beyond the dancing clouds.

hspate@verizon.net