Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
As we approach this Thanksgiving things are looking quite a bit different than in years past. By that, I mean they are suggesting that we limit gatherings and make sure that masks and distancing are a part of the time we spend together.
This past Sunday evening we held our yearly Festival of Praise. It is always a time when we gather to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done in our lives. We had some that didn’t come because of precautions they are taking at this time. Others are in quarantine because they’ve been exposed and others have tested positive.
While we are going through such a difficult time, being thankful is not something that we quickly turn to. We are so focused on what all is taking place that we spend our time placing barriers around us so that we are ‘safe’ in the midst of this time.
I truly believe that safety is key in this time. We must seek to do all that we can to ensure that we are safely accomplishing the work that needs to be done. Protecting ourselves and others is not an option, but our responsibility.
As we go through these times I believe we must remain thankful for all that God has given us and all He is doing. While I was thinking about this my question was – ‘What is it that I am thankful for in my life?’
I’m thankful God gave me parents who not only believed in Jesus, but taught their children how to live. I’m thankful for a Christian upbringing that I was able to look to in a dark hour. I’m thankful for parents that not only taught us what was right, but exampled that before their family.
I’m thankful a godly wife that was raised by godly parents. I thankful they taught her the way to live life in a manner that is pleasing to God and pleasant to others. I’m thankful that she continues to teach her family the ways of the Lord. I’m thankful that our 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild are healthy. I entrust them to the Lord.
I’m thankful for my children. They’re not perfect but they are a blessing. Sometimes they don’t do what Dad thinks they should, but I’m thankful that God is a part of their lives. I’m also thankful that I can pray for them whatever they may be going through. I’m thankful that God has promised to keep them safely in His hands.
I’m thankful for my church family. They are absolutely wonderful. They treat me better than I deserve. I’m thankful for their kind words as well as their words of guidance. I’m thankful that God has allowed me to walk the many miles with them for all these years. I’m thankful that although our paths sometimes move in different directions, they always come together at the cross of Christ.
I’m thankful that I live in this great nation. I’m thankful that even though we have a lot of problems, this is still the greatest country in the world. I’m thankful for the men and women who have fought in past wars to defend our nation. I’m also thankful for those who are currently serving our nation. I’m thankful for the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms we have in America.
I’m thankful for each person who will read this. I’m thankful you took the time to read what I’ve shared today. It is my prayer that you will allow a spirit of thankfulness touch your heart and you will give thanks in all things in the coming days.
Above all I am thankful for Jesus. He loved me enough to come to the earth, give His life on Calvary. I am thankful that He arose on the third day and lives forever. I am thankful for the salvation that He offers to all who will call upon Him.
1 Thess. 5:18 says – “in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Are you giving thanks?
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
