Thanksgiving 2015
2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
I thank God that the eternal is far greater than the temporal
I am thankful that I have a savior that did for me what I could not do.
Yes, I am thankful for eternal life.
I am thankful that my sins have been forgiven.
I am thankful I have a God that is concerned about me.
If your God is too small to be concerned about your life, consider the God of the Bible that has the hairs of your head numbered (Luke 12:6-7)Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Consider the universe, scientists tell us how gigantic it is. Well God's Word created it (John 1:1-3)v.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
We can praise Him for the beauty of the stars, the moon, the clouds and the beauty of a sunset.
He is Sovereign, Almighty, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Infinite, Eternal, Immortal. The list of adjectives falls short of His essence.
Our words cannot completely describe His greatness. How can we as finite humans describe the greatness of the infinite knowledge, love, mercy, and grace He has for us. A love that gave His Son for sinful man.
Consider our position in Christ that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians in chapter 1:13-17
Colossians 1: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Colossians 1: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 1: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 1: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Colossians 1: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
So I say as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
As we look at this Thanksgiving holiday, be thankful and be encouraged by what Paul says in Romans 8.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
sing Amazing Grace and alleluia