Traditionally, this is the season for giving thanks for our many blessings. However, merchants would prefer to help us take our focus off of Thanksgiving, and would love to help us plan our list for Black Friday. God would have us spending our time thanking Him for all he has given to us. This will be my 70th Thanksgiving on this planet; so many I have forgotten most of them. But this year I want to spend more time thanking instead of doing. Kathy and I have started a “giving thanks list.” Our goal is to remind us of the many things for which we are thankful. As I listen to the news about wars and rumor of wars, as we pray for our friends who went through Hurricane Irma, as I reflect on those unable to find work or who are struggling with their addiction to opioids, my heart breaks for all of those in the middle of crisis. But God is in the middle of every one of those crisis to bring hope to those involved. So what is God teaching me this holiday? My God is allowing me to see beyond the fear and the confusion and is encouraging me to stay focused on him. My friend, Tommy Newberry, states it well, “God is positive to everything but sin. If a thought brings about worry, fear or fatigue, it is not from God. After all, the Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.’ If a thought leads you to feel like a victim instead of victor, it’s not from God.” God has given us a spirit of power, love and sound mind? Do we all understand this promise from God is a special gift? I need to get busy! I have so much to give thanks for this year, how about you?
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