11 20 07 Thankful
“Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 NET)

As we approach the Thanksgiving Holyday, there is much indeed to be THANKFUL for. Problem is we have so much we neglect to appreciate the basics in life! The most precious gift we have as a Christian is our relationship with the Lord, secured at the moment we asked Him to save us from our sin; the peace and tranquility of knowing that whatever we face, we face it knowing He is with us! It is a heart peace…..a soul peace if you will. It surely goes beyond any human understanding!

As we go through life and all the situations we face, we must allow His word to dwell richly within us and to saturate our hearts and minds. We need to treasure His Word and also treasure the relationships we have because of our fellowship with Christ. In my travels on mission trips and ministry on the streets and in the homes of those in need, I find these joys: God’s love is alive, His church is growing and active, and His plan is unfolding as He desires. How THANKFUL I am that He desires to include you and me in His work! To experience the fellowship and true friendship I have with believers throughout the world is simply amazing: and all because the blood of Christ makes us blood! Do you realize how big God’s family is and how effective we can yet be?

As the Lord’s representative, His ambassadors, we need to be devoted to His service, and trusting in His power. Our belief must relate to our behavior, in all aspects of life. My desire is to live each day with and attitude of gratitude, THANKFUL for one more day to serve Him and “love on people” as friends of mine in New Orleans say!