OUR THANKFULNESS (10-09-13)

Psalms 9:2

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds.

In my college days, the environment in which I live finally caught up with me.  I momentarily forgot about God.  The pressure of college (having to study hard to maintain the grades needed to continue scholarship) and peer pressure (hanging out, going out with drinking buddies), I was running my own life and ignoring God.  It would continue until my working years. 

But God did not gave up on me.  He gave me a wonderful wife that would mend my ways and straighten the path I am taking.  Our first five years was really tumultuous up to a brink of separating.  But, we made it through because of her patience and understanding.  Since that time, I have gone through other trials that, although not pleasant, have made me grow in faith and reliance upon God – my father’s and mother’s death, illnesses in the family, etc.  The reality of life's fleeting existence has been a constant reminder to me and caused me to focus on the more important things of life.

Giving thanks to God is not an optional thing for the Christian.  Thankfulness should flow naturally from the Christian who realizes the great gift of salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.  Jesus Christ suffered the penalty for what He did not deserve (all my sin), then freely offered to us the reward of eternal life that we do not even deserve. What an awesome God!

Hear the message of salvation and be ready to accept it.  Be even grateful for the suffering and the blessings from God.  For He alone causes all things to work together for good to those who love, follow and thank Him.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, My God, I love You with all my heart.  I thank You for having kept me safe this day.  Pardon me the evil I have done, and accept the good I have done.  Take care of me throughout this day and deliver me from all danger. May Your grace be always with me and with all my loved ones.

Amen +

The Lord will judge the world with justice.