Thankful Anticipation

Thankfulness opens the windows of Heaven. It's no accident that our holiday season begins with Thanksgiving. We, however, have lost our vision. Instead of anticipating spiritual blessings, we can't wait for the Black Friday sales which start on Thanksgiving Day and end on Cyber Monday. Whether we shop in stores or in the comfort of our homes on the Internet, our thoughts are on spending money, too often money we don't have.

Gratefulness, on the other hand, is the language of love. It enables open communication with our God. I am thankful for the love of the Father, the love that brought forgiveness of my sins and hope of living in eternity with Him. His love for me inspires me to show love to others. Giving gifts is one way, but we can share God's love every day of the year, by giving a helping hand, a smile or an encouraging word.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

You are God's Masterpiece

Have you ever been so busy serving God that you wondered if what you did destroyed His work in you or reflected His work in you? Be encouraged. God conceived and began a good work in each of us. He created us to do good works and He continues to work in us. We are laborers together with God.

Maybe we should look to Christ and stop trying so hard to be like Him. If we spend time with Him, listen and pray, we will become like Him without all the strife and struggle. By rejoicing in God we will carry out His plan in exciting ways with things He has prepared for us to do.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Ephesians 2:9-11

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for trusting us with your work. Help us to understand that we are your masterpiece and that you find favor in us. Let that be our confidence and encouragement to keep on keeping on. Amen.