• Eph. 5:20 – “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• 1 Thes. 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
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These two verses strike a crushing blow to self-pity, self indulgence, well, just SELF in general. My youngest son was preparing a sermon on this subject and he called and asked me if I was thankful for his eldest brother’s stroke and subsequent permanent paralysis. To be honest I don’t know if I have been thankful, but I have heard my son, Jordan, express his gratefulness to God for his circumstances.

The first time my father, my son and I all preached together, the congregation closed the unique service with the song “ Thank you Lord for saving my soul. Thank you Lord for making me whole . . . ” Jordan, with tears flowing down his face, said, “Dad, I sing it differently‘ Thank you Lord for making me SO!’” I think we shouted a while!

We have much to be thankful for and all of it is not positive. I thank God for all of you that help me in this work, but I need to also be thankful for those who have seen fit to redirect their giving and ceased their support, even though it hurts.

I have friends facing terrible family situations; divorce, disease, debt, debilitating, injuries and so on. May God help each of us to rise up with thankful hearts and express our appreciation to Him for the seeming, on the surface negatives in our lives. It is easy to grouse, grumble, and hold a grudge, but it is better to lift one’s voice in praise to God for the grace extended that proves we are God’s child.

God bless you all in the hectic holidays ahead and keep you gently resting in His will for your life.

Your companion in grace,

Tim Green