Thankful All Through the Year

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).

Soon, people everywhere will gather around the table for a time of celebration. They will sit with loved ones, reflect on memories, and eat a feast of favorites. For many it will be a joyous occasion filled with fun and excitement. For some, a time of deep reflection. For others, a time of sadness or loneliness.

No matter what Thanksgiving brings, we all have reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving season. Let’s take a moment and reflect on what each of us, as sons and daughters of the King, can be thankful for on this day and every day.

First, be thankful that you’re breathing…your heart’s beating. Be thankful for the beautiful world around you, God’s amazing canvas that stretches the earth, made for your enjoyment. Praise Him for the pretty sunsets; the changing seasons; the refreshing rain; the drifting clouds; and the nice, cool breezes. Say thank you for the many fascinating creatures that roam the earth…all part of His marvelous creation.

Enjoy and give praise for a God that whispers His love in everything He’s designed.

Now, give thanks for those who have helped you and supported you along the way, for those who have blessed you in some way and for the opportunities you’ve had to bless others. Be appreciative for the gift of today and the time given to live it.

Pause and give praise for past experiences which have shaped you, educated you, and given you a bit more wisdom. Be appreciative for the trials in your life, knowing that trials have a way of shaping your character, fine-tuning your heart, and drawing you closer to your heavenly Father, all so you can be a better witness and reflection of Christ’s love to those around you.

Take inventory and smile as you think about everything you’ve been given…every blessing, large and small that has touched your life. There are so many reasons to shout and sing His praises…so many opportunities to simply say thank you for the blessings none of us deserve, but are graciously given because of His unconditional love.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Giving thanks in all circumstances is how we each can be a light to those around us. Praising when all is not going perfectly perplexes people and brings an opportunity to be a positive and consistent witness regardless of what’s happening in life. It’s an opportunity to let Jesus shine through!

When counting all your blessings, the one that stands out most (the cherry on the top), is your salvation! Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

God’s Word promises if we believe and accept Jesus into our hearts we are saved! Praise God!

Webster’s dictionary defines “saved” as: to deliver from sin… to rescue or deliver from danger or harm… to preserve or guard from injury, destruction, or loss.

Because Jesus said “YES” to the cross, you have freedom, a bright future, a new beginning—a fresh start! Your sins (all of them) are completely forgiven…washed clean! Your mistakes are wiped away by God’s mercies when you humbly come before Him and ask for His forgiveness. Psalm 103:11-12 reminds of this miraculous gift:

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

His suffering gave YOU forgiveness, salvation, and an eternal home in heaven…all things no one in this life can ever take from you… ever!

If that isn’t awesome enough, the realization that one day you, along with all believers, will reside in heaven forever with the Father and will never ever again experience suffering, sadness, sickness, stress, or sin is something that should bring a smile to your face and a lift to your spirit! It should also motivate you to share the good news with others so they too can receive the remarkable gift of salvation and be set free.

Sing praises as you remember the incredible promise that He’s preparing a place for you, and every seed you sow here and now for the kingdom will be safely stored in heaven awaiting your arrival. Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

As you prepare your heart for this holiday season, I challenge you to do two things:

First, take a moment and make a “Grateful List.” Write down everything God brings to your mind for which to be grateful. It’s a worthwhile exercise and a wonderful way to keep you focused and thankful.

Second, make it your goal to look at all of life from an eternal perspective. While we live in this world, we’re called to remember our future and look to Him, not our circumstances. We’re called to think about our heavenly home and to continually be mindful of what’s really important in the day-to-day. An eternal perspective keeps us focused on being active for the kingdom and encourages our hearts to sow seeds that will cultivate a harvest of blessing, both now and for all eternity.

No matter what’s going on in your life today, a heart of gratitude should be what drives your actions and directs your day. In ALL things you’re called to give thanks.

No matter your circumstances, as a child of God you have so much to be thankful for, not just at Thanksgiving, but all through the year!

hspate@verizon.net

 

When it comes to living as a Christian, we are called to carry out God’s commands as we venture through this life. But, one thing we’re never called to as we journey is a season of retirement. As long as we have breath, as long as we’re here, we’re called to live out our lives as fully as possible…no excuses.

Our heavenly Father expects us to keep going, to keep persevering, to keep utilizing our gifts and talents. He wants us to continue being a blessing, to consistently speak words of encouragement, and to help those less fortunate. He desires us to keep opening His Word, applying His truths, and seeking His ways. And we’re to continue all these things until we breathe our last breath on this fallen, broken earth.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 says, “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is right.”

The word “never” means NEVER!

I’m not a Bible scholar, but I’ve never read a verse in the scriptures or heard a sermon which gave permission to stop being an effective witness for Christ. We’re not called to invest a portion of our lives serving Him, and then hunker down, get cozy and retire. We’re not given permission to simply sit back, do our own thing, and become ineffective because we’ve reached a certain age or don’t feel we have the gusto to keep going. God expects each of us to stay tuned into Him and to actively be about our Father’s business.

We’re called to serve, to keep going and to be effective regardless of our health, our circumstances, or our place in life. Retirement in the spiritual sense is simply not an option for those in God’s army. We act because we’re called to act. We use the blessings of our resources because those blessings reach far and wide and are used for the good of others and for God’s glory. We never give up, give in, or stop being used in the service of loving and giving to others.

We each experience different seasons in our lives, and God has blessed each of us with various talents and gifts that can be shared with others. The reality is that God has a special plan and purpose for each of us. We just have to choose to be willing participants and to be available.

There may be some reading this today who are experiencing health problems or who are  physically unable to leave their homes and minister to others, yet God can still use their lives to be a blessing right where they are. If they are able to give financially to further the kingdom, they can give from the comfort of their home, sending to organizations that are meeting the physical and spiritual needs of those hurting and in need of the Savior’s hope and love.

God still calls them to be prayer warriors and to take time to bow their heads each day and grow closer in their relationship with Him. James 5:16 reminds us of the power that comes from praying: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Even with physical limitations, one can make a positive impact and be a powerful prayer warrior for those who are out on the mission field.

Others viewing this may be young and physically able to rush out into the world with intense energy and share the good news face-to-face. They may be able to go on mission trips or volunteer their time at their local church. Others may be so financially blessed and successful in business that they’re able to fund big projects that could potentially touch many, many lives for the good of the Kingdom.

No matter what season you may find yourself in, God simply asks each of us, no matter what’s going on in our lives, to be willing participants…instruments available for use to further God’s kingdom. He always desires us to be open to giving, to serving, to blessing…right where we are…right in the middle of our circumstances.

It’s not about physical or financial limitations; it’s about being available for service and answering the call. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 21:3-4? He said, “Truly I tell you…this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

In other words, God saw her willing heart and her desire to serve and be effective despite the season she was in. She acted out of obedience and love. God calls us to do the same. He wants each of us to have a heartfelt cry that says, “God, I’m available. Please show me what to do. Accomplish your will through my life…right here, right now, as I am.” It’s about keeping our hearts open to His will in our lives and persevering till the last breath is taken. It’s a command, not an option.

John 14:15 drives the point home: “If you love me, keep my commands.”

May we, as Christians, never sit back and “retire” from the call on our lives, but instead keep persevering till He calls us home.

Let these additional verses stir your heart to be God’s continual instrument today and every day after:

Hebrews 6:11 “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.”

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Hebrews 10:36 “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

Romans 2:7 “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

hspate@verizon.net