giving thanks

with turkey day around the corner, i have been examining my life and thinking about what i have to be thankful for. pastor kevin gave a timely message this past sunday about being thankful. his message was based on philippians 4:1-9;

"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

so how can i be consistently thankful? how can i have true lasting joy?

by basing it on something that never changes!

God's goodness.

the hope that i have in Him.

the love that He demonstrates in Christ.

i can choose to be thankful because of God's presence in my life! because the Lord is near! (vs. 5) He is the one Who is good, lovely, pure, etc. (vs. 8) i just need to remind myself of that!

so besides turkey, sweet potato pie(!!!!!), football, and time with family, what do you have to be thankful for this thanksgiving?