Thankful

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Col 3:12-17 (NKJV)

"OK...I hear you...It's true...America has been going through a difficult time." I would still contend that all of us, regardless of the condition of our country, have a lot to be thankful for! As Believers in Jesus Christ, it all starts with the wonderful transforming work that Christ is doing on our behalf. He is literally making us new--cleaning us up--changing the way we think--giving us strength to overcome temptation--calling us to a greater purpose--sending us peace that passes understanding--surrounding us with His love... WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED!!!

In writing about the "last days," the Apostle Paul stated that a characteristic of that time would be the problem of people being ungrateful. Let that never be the case in the lives of Believers. Let us swim against the current of ungratefulness by rejoicing in the grace of God. Let us continually lift up worship for Who He Is. Let us continually rejoice for What He Has Done. Let us continually be thankful for What He Has Provided. Let us continually speak of His greatness, so that the whole world knows that there is hope for all who call upon Jesus.

As a child we used to sing a hymn at church called, "Count Your Blessings."

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 hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath 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 keep singing as the days go by.

Wow...where would I start? (Jesus, Jody, family, provision, music, beauty, trees, friends, Pizza, mountains, camping, cars, Church, health, money, turkeys, air conditioning, colors, salvation, books, inspiration, coffee, children...it is endless!)

Prayer: "Dear Father, I have much to be thankful for. I could not possible count every blessing, they have been too numerous to keep track of. Thank you for being a wonderful Father, and for receiving me with huge doses of love, mercy and grace. Please guard my heart against the kind of discontentment that would lead me to be ungrateful; and may I look to You for that which is truly satisfying. You are a good God, a kind Lord, and worthy of all praise!" Amen