Cheryl and I want to wish all of you a wonderful “Thanksgiving”! We have so much to b thankful for. We are thankful for family and friends such as the ones we have at Cornerstone! The last few years have been the most difficult years in our lives and ministry. However, God has been so faithful to us and the words of encouragement through all of you have kept us going. I truly believe that the best is yet to come.
One of the common attitudes of the present day is that of entitlement. Nothing erodes a heart of thanksgiving more than that. When we feel that God or anyone else owes us something, it robs us of the gratitude and worship that is owed to Jesus. Focus is on what we don’t have instead of being thankful for what we have. It can lead to bitterness, oppression and long-term depression if not repented of quickly. Living with a heart of thanksgiving is crucial to keep one’s alignment intact with Holy Spirit.
King David who himself knew many of life’s struggles, especially when it came to family issues stated these incredible declarations in Psalm 100. It only as four verses but it can change the course of your day.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Meditating on this Psalm is a sure antidote for the attitude of entitlement. Then there is this Psalm 188:1-24
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.10 All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15 Glad songs of salvation
are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the Lord exalts,
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18 The Lord has disciplined me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord's doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Verse 24 is especially important. Many theologians believe that this verse points to the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. He knew what His death would accomplish for us. So, No matter what difficulties and trials that you might be facing. Instead of focusing on them, begin to give thanks to the Lord in everything. God is using it to conform you into His image.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Happy Thanksgiving!