NOW EVERY DAY IS TURKEY DAY-LET US GIVE THANKS!
Colossians 3:15-17
New International Version (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I highlighted the phrases that jumped out at me in these 3 verses: Be thankful, with gratitude, giving thanks.
Pastor has been talking about shedding my old clothes & my old self. Frankly my old self was not that pretty (especially without my clothes). My old self took things for granted. My old self seemed to always be asking for more money, more fun, more things, more… My old self dealt with what was best for me.
Paul is challenging the Colossians & us to an attitude of thankfulness through all relationships- relationships with each other & in our relationship with God. He wants us to be thankful in everything that we say or do. Now, I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time with this thanking thing. I hate being indebted to someone. I don’t mind giving to or helping someone, but I have a really hard time accepting gifts, praise, help-anything where I am indebted.
Yet Paul tells us to be thankful. Don’t shrug it off. Don’t accept it. BE THANKFUL WITH GRATITUDE IN MY HEART.
So in my new life (& as pastor says it is a growth process that takes time, motivation & incentive) I am going to try to be more appreciative of my fellow man, not take things for granted & THANK GOD from the 1st breath I take each morning when I get up to the last thing that I do in the evening before I close my eyes. I am going to treat every day as THANKSGIVING DAY. Thanksgiving is no longer just in November, it is 24/7 365 days a year. Whether I get turkey or not, I will give THANKS!
I am going to try on this new suit. It may feel tight & itchy & not as comfortable as my old suit, but I am filled with the Holy Spirit & excited about my future with God as the center of my universe. I will give thanks & be glad in it.
How about you? Are you interested in a new suit? I would love to hear from you.
Jerry
Lord I come to you humbled that by Your grace I may have a new life. Please use me as your willing & loving disciple reaching out to all as the light on the hill. Please clear my mind & spirit as I listen to your words so that my words & actions become a symbol to all that I come into contact with today & in the future. Thank You for loving me & forgiving me for my many sins without judging me. I love you. I praise you! I adore you! Amen.