Have you ever been visiting with someone and you could tell he/she wasn’t listening to a word you were saying? By the look in the individual’s eyes, you can tell he/she was a million miles away in thought. That’s when you’re tempted to ask, “What are you thinking about?“ So, are you tuned in or are you somewhere else?
As we near the celebration of Thanksgiving with our loved ones, we begin to think about our numerous blessings. Thinking is good, but God wants to hear our thanks come out of our mouths. Maybe you’ve had a rough time lately and you’re not feeling especially thankful. Let’s take a few moments to focus our thoughts on God’s truth from the Bible:
God loves you as much as He loves Jesus! That’s a “wow” truth, and a lot of people don’t even know it. When Jesus prayed for His disciples and all believers, right before He was betrayed and arrested, He said: ”I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me” (John 17:23 NLT). It’s awesome to know and believe that your heavenly Father loves you as much as His only-begotten Son! When you accept this truth, your life will never be the same. Think about it…and be thankful!
Are you fully persuaded that what God has promised He is able to perform? If your answer is yes, then you should give thanks. “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways (Psalm 128:1 NKJV). If that’s you, then believe you’re blessed and be thankful. Can you give glory to God and praise Him? “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!” (Psalm 104:33 NLT). Be determined to praise God and be thankful all the days of your life.
During the autumn season, farmers harvest the crops they have planted. In the natural, we all understand that you reap what you sow. There are natural laws and spiritual laws that cannot be revoked. If you sow corn, you’ll harvest corn. If you sow kindness, you’ll reap kindness. If you sow hostility, you’ll reap hostility. If you want love, then sow it. If you give, it will be given to you. “God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:7,8 NLT). Think about that…and be thankful!
“Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:21,22 KJV).
The Bottom Line: The goodness and love of God is something to think about, talk about, and receive with thanksgiving every day.
Pastor Jimmy Tucker
(620) 223-1483
Diamond Community Church
2591 Jayhawk Road
10:45 a.m. Worship