thankful

In Between the Holidays

DrJayCook Christmas, Thanksgiving , , , ,

Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Technically, it is not Christmas yet.  We are in the in-between time, and what a wonderful time it is.

Two verses come to my mind about this wonderful time.  Psalm 106:1 states: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.”  And John 3:16 states: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  Those two verses remind us of what we should be thinking about: that God deserves our thanks for His love, and that love gave us Jesus.

We are in between the holidays, but we are on the other side of what they celebrate.  God has blessed all of us.  He deserves our thanks.  God has given us Jesus.  He deserves our devotion.

It is one thing to celebrate what the holidays represent and another thing to celebrate the celebration.  I hope you will not get wrapped up in the celebrating and not honor the reason for the celebration.

How about giving thanks?

Sometimes our thanks is based on the “stuff” we have.  But “stuff” gets old, goes out of style, goes out of date, and breaks.  We instead should focus on the amazing gifts that God gives: His faithful love, His presence, His salvation, family, friends…

How about focusing on the reason?

It is easy to get excited about sales and parties, but it is more important to get excited about what God has done for us, is doing for us, and has in store for us.  For those of us who are Christians, we must share the hope that was given to us.  For those of us with the money to have cell phones and frequents drive-through trips, we must share the financial blessings we have with others and especially with our churches.

How about praying to show the same love?

We are surrounded by people who are hurting.  We are connected with many who are struggling.  We could turn a blind eye, or we could ask God to help us see the needs around us and know how we can bless them.

The in-between time gives us a month to enjoy.  The in-between time could give us a month to spread joy.  I hope you will choose to make a difference.

Check out the following resource to prepare your heart (and mind) for Christmas. Click the picture to find out more…

Yes, You Can Be Thankful!

DrJayCook Thanksgiving , , , ,

I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy a time of rest and celebration.  However, I really hope that you are experiencing a thankful heart.  I also hope that your thankful heart continues to guide you every day.

I realize that continually being grateful is not easy, but it is what God expects of us.  We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  And we are told in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

The story is told of a young boy who did not speak.  Naturally, his parents believed that he could not speak, but one day they discovered the truth.  His mother tried a new recipe for supper and called everyone to the table.  When the boy tasted it, he pushed it away and said, “This is awful.  I won’t eat it.”

The family was overjoyed to hear him speak, and they wanted to know why he had never spoken before.  He told them, “Because up ‘till now, everything has been OK.”

Sometimes it seems like there are people who only speak when they want to complain.  And gratitude is the furthest thing from their mind and their conversations.

Does that describe you?

If you had a good night’s sleep, know that there are millions of people who did not.  If you had a bed, know that there are millions who do not.  If you have a job or a car or a house, know that there are millions of people who do not.

AND – if you have accepted God’s salvation, know that your sins have been forgiven, that He is with you, and that He has a home for you.

Yes, you can be thankful – no matter what.  And we should be thankful – no matter what.  Remember the cry of Psalm 103:2: “My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all His benefits.”

Happy Thanksgiving!  You have more than enough reason to be thankful.

Want to know more? Click the picture below for a great resource…