November 2008 - Giving Thanks Even in Tough Times?

11/01/2008

This month, we look forward to Thanksgiving. It’s a family time for many people, and those who do not have family, I hope you find one to be a part of for this special day....

Giving Thanks Even in Tough Times?

This month, we look forward to Thanksgiving. It’s a family time for many people, and those who do not have family, I hope you find one to be a part of for this special day. Maybe you’ve never thought of it but thanksgiving is really the joining of two words thanks and giving. It’s a time to give thanks. I have much to give thanks for, don’t you? The main thing is my personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He has given me life for now and for eternity.

I have no idea how a person who does not know Him can live without fear. If all we have is what the world is giving us, then, wow, are we in despair, especially during this tough economy, pivotal elections, terrorism, broken homes, and so many things.

I talk with people all the time who have many different views of what the future holds. I am so grateful that I can be assured of what my future holds. My future holds what God says it holds, not what speculations say. BIG DIFFERENCE! I give God thanks that He is my light and my salvation and whom shall I fear. He is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1). These are wonderful words that I believe and speak out in the mist of all the darkness around me! I can then believe and proclaim with a voice of thanksgiving and tell all the wonderful works of my God (Psalm 26:7). With a heart full of thanks, everywhere I go I tell people not to loose hope. The Bible is full of promises that we can stake our lives on. When looking at the world and local news, this is certainly good to know.

People often ask me if I’m going to quit traveling with this ministry because of the economy. I tell them, “Only when God says stop!” To a child of God this is a season of opportunity to see what God is going to do with the mess that SEEMS to be affecting the whole world. The United States of American was founded on Christian principals, but we’ve moved so far from our Christian roots, what do we expect to happen to our economy? But even with all our flaws, we live in the best nation on earth. Travel to almost any other country in the world, especially the developing world, and you’ll see what I mean.

This Thanksgiving, don’t just go through the motions, but take the opportunity when with your loved ones or alone to give thanks to God with your whole heart. He has a purpose for you, and it is good. This might be a tough time for you so take the time to focus on what the word of God says concerning who He is, and His plan for you. He will lift you up and show you how much he loves you and is for your good! If you are not in a tough season, then rejoice and make the time to thank God for all the things He has done. Ask Him how you can help someone who is going through a tough time.

Everyday should be a day of giving thanks to God because He is the one who gave us life. You may be in the valley of decision concerning who to be giving thanks to, but I pray that you choose the one who gave you life, Jesus Christ. This Thanksgiving let’s give thanks for God and for the good things He’s done for us, including giving us this great nation. God Bless America!