GIVE THANKS

By: Stacy Book

            I would just like to share with you from my heart things that I am thankful for.  Thanksgiving is coming soon.  It's a time we all stop and think about those things we are thankful for, but we should give thanks everyday of the year for how much God has done for us and all the gifts he has given us.

            Most importantly, I am thankful for God and sending his son, Jesus, into the world. John 3:16 says- For God so loved the world that he sent his only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.  Without Jesus, we are nothing. 

            I'm thankful for salvation.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.

            I'm thankful that nothing can separate me from God.  Romans 8:38 says- For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

            I'm thankful for the freedom that we have God's Word to read- the Bible.  I'm thankful that I have a church to go to and a church family.  There are people in other countries that don't have these freedoms.  I'm thankful for prayer.  I know God hears me and listens to me.  And yes, there are many other things that I am thankful for.  I'm thankful for my family, friends, health and for all my needs being provided.  Philippians 4:19 says-And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  If I made a list, it would go on and on and on.  When things happen in my life that I don't understand or I don't get things that I want, I try to remember this verse- I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:12-13. 

            As you go through this Thanksgiving season, remember all that God has done for you.

            Psalm 136:1 says- Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever.

            1Thessalonians 5:18 says- give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

            HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!