16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessilonians 5 (NIV)
As November is the month with a special emphasis on expressing gratitude to God for His
blessings, I have begun to reflect on Psalms 92 and 100. Both are good starting places though Psalm 100 is the one more often referenced. Psalms 84:11-12 and Psalm 85:12-13 are also promises for guidance and blessing from the Lord that I like.
During this time of the year, I like to do a self-inventory—I sometimes even journal—about how Godhas blessed me in various ways. Some of those ways are spiritual or physical; others might be social, emotional, mental, or even financial. And some of my blessings this year went in very different directions than they have in the past. For example, the mission’s trip I went on in June to Guatemala with the men’s ministry of my church blessed me in multiple ways: socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
I am so grateful to God for my good health … that I can still work full time and contribute to the workof the Great Commission. Yet I also know that we can’t take anything for granted. I was at a men’s ministry retreat two weeks ago and on the first night, I tripped in the dark and hyperextended my left leg. It took me out of commission for the rest of the weekend and beyond. We know nothing is certain in this life on earth; our only real hope is in heaven.
Another of those blessings I’m always grateful for are friends like you who stand with me and theministry through your prayers and giving. Thank you! And please know this is certainly not something I would ever take for granted so, again, thank you!
I hope your Thanksgiving can also include a time of reflection on God’s goodness. Rejoice in His blessings and hope in the life to come, our ultimate destination, because of what Christ’s life, death and resurrection promise to each of us who believes.
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