November’s wind removes the leaves of spring as they fall to earth’s floor. The winter life is coming back and we wonder what is in store for us. We look back and recall times of joy and sorrow as faith consoles us regarding tomorrow. I can be thankful because God is my strength. I can be thankful because if I am properly taught I realize in this world we will have tribulation. Jesus minced no words and told no lies.

“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of “of my salvation; My God will hear me.”

Micah 7:7 KJV

 

Jesus said, ”Ask ,and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door is open.”

Matthew 7:7-8

     The Divine guarantee is what amazes me. There are those who gripe and complain-“O yeah, I asked and He didn’t answer me!”

  God said, ^{11 “}For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

 We live in the day of the “quid pro quo” mentality. The idea of sacrifice is scorned unless, of course, I can get rewarded for it. Even in many Christian churches giving is done to get back. What have I to be thankful for? You have no idea what I am going through. Not to minimize your pain, but I suggest you take an evening and go to the children’s cancer ward at your local hospital.  point is if you change your perspective a bit the pity vanishes. This was Jesus’ way of making a point.

 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  ³ “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4  NIV

     This does not remove our burden but it does put it in perspective. The essence of thanksgiving is being poor in spirit. We deserve nothing. We are not entitled. We are spiritually bankrupt beggars on the road to torment if not for the grace of God. I am thankful that I can be thankful.

       1)     Ask what do I have to be thankful for?

2)     Seek to change the things that have brought unhappiness.

3)     Know that even the worst that befalls us is allowed by God and remember his promise.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose

Romans 8:2  NIV

 

Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so go on living in Him-in simple faith. Grow out of him as a plant grows out of the soil it is planted in, becoming more and more sure of the faith as you were taught it, and your lives will overflow with joy and thankfulness.

Colossians 2:4-8         PHILLIPS 8 NIV

 

When we accept the sovereignty of God we can rest easier. Still we will need to be reminded from time to time to ‘lean on Jesus.” We need to acknowledge that in this world we will have tribulation.

     Ask for the wisdom to know what stresses you can change by simply saying “no”. It may bring on a brief tirade but in the end it will dissipate. Better that than resentfully playing the “we always do it this way game” .Unless the gospel is at stake, why participate at an event that does not glorify Jesus? I know this will take a lot of courage but consider the facts. God wants us to honor these days for his Glory. Do not be coerced into any situation that compromises it.

Many families get together over the holidays because it has always been done. If you find Jesus isn’t welcomed, why go? If your love for Christ is silenced, I doubt you are “witnessing” by being lovingly compliant.

Don’t get me wrong! It is wonderful when families get together in true love. I am not talking about that. You simply do not have to participate in an abusive, condescending atmosphere. If you really think your presence can be a witness, then by all means, put on the whole armor and go.  

    Whatever you do prepare and enjoy the holydays in Christ.

 (More Next Time)