We are thankful
November 23, 2011 (Wednesday)
As we approach this wonderful day, anticipating a special time with our families, if possible, we do so with the realization that all may not seem so well for many people. The Bible urges us to be thankful no matter what the circumstances may be. The late R.G. Lee, prince of orators, wrote about the Apostle Paul in his book, “The Sinner’s Savior:”
“Paul was abruptly jailed in Philippi, escaped a plot to kill him in Damascus, stoned and left for dead in Lystra, falsely accused by an unruly crowd in Corinth, threatened by a hateful mob in Ephesus, almost killed by a hate-filled populace in Jerusalem, unjustly jailed for three years in Caesarea, shipwrecked and threatened with execution on the way to his trial at Rome, spent time in a Roman dungeon before being beheaded for being a Christian, yet in none of these was he without his hymn of thanksgiving!”
Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Christians,”Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I am thankful for all the material things God has sent my way, for our country, for food, for strength and health, but I am also grateful for the privilege of prayer, for God’s peace and joy that fill my heart, for love and fellowship with others, and for God’s loving care. Most of all, I am thankful for Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and Savior. Of God’s many blessings, the greatest is eternal salvation, providing a life worth living and a home in Heaven.
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it may surprise you what the Lord has done.”