I'm getting in gear and preparing for my travels to visit family and friends as I know many of you are as well. I wanted to quickly share a few things that I am thankful for, as I won't have my computer in order to make this entry over the holiday. I think it's important to observe not only during Thanksgiving, but daily for the things God has given us. After all, we would have nothing if it weren't for Him (Philippians 4:19)!
I am thankful for...
What I have to eat, clean water to drink, the house I live in and it's location (secluded in the woods), my job, my truck (so that I can get to my job), my boat (it's there if I need it), my family and the love that I receive from them, my friends, my senses (sight, hearing, etc...), the beauty of the outdoors, the time I had with loved ones who have gone to be with Christ (and the memories I have with them), the childhood that I had growing up, the country that I live in, the service men and women who have fought, and fight for our freedom, and waking up with air in my lungs, and a strong heartbeat.
Most of all, I am thankful to Jesus Christ for the gift of salvation that I absolutely do not deserve, that He has given to me by dying in my place so that I can have eternal life with Him and my loved ones who gave their lives to Him (But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8).
People that are...
Suffering from disease, that don't have fresh clean water to drink, that have to eat spoiled food, that don't have heat in their homes, that don't have a roof over their heads, that don't have any family (or their family has turned their backs on them), that can't enjoy the changing of the Autumn leaves, that can't hear the birds singing, that have lost their jobs (and can't find another one), that have lost or are about to loose a loved one here at the holiday season, that are going through troubled marriages, and that are being persecuted in all kinds of ways for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Most of all I feel we should pray for those who haven't come to know the Creator at all. All people from all walks of life need Christ's forgiveness for their rebellion of God's Law and Instruction for life (Romans 3:23). We are ALL created in His image, and He loves us ALL (John 3:16-17).
Happy Thanksgiving!
In Christ,
Kevin-
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -Thessalonians 5:16-18