For This I Am Thankful

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good for His mercy endure forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

"GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, for this God's will for you in Christ Jesus," wrote a man who had known more than his fair share of difficulties, His name? We know him as Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ.
   No matter where you live, every day should be a day of Thanksgiving, For what should you be thankful? Don't limit your gratitude To my list, but may I mention some of the things for which I give thanks?
   First, I give thank for the assurance that I am God's child, that He has forgiven me and brought me into the kingdom of His dear Son not because of the Father's great love for me.
    I also thank God for the bumps on the road, challenges that brings me face to face with my weakness and cause me to cry out for God's help and provision that come in such s way that tells me He has provided as opposed to something "just happening." What He has withheld, I haven't, and what He has given me is a stewardship to be used widely for His work.
   I'm thankful that in a world of turmoil, our great God will allow nothing to happen that escapes His attention or ability to prevent. That's why Paul Wrote, "In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18KJV).
   And what of the future? It will arrive just one day at a time, and when tomorrow comes, God's Son will be there to take my hand and walk me through the valley one step at a time. Yes, be thankful, friend. Give thanks to the Lord. . . for His love truly endures forever.

A PROFILE of PURITY

Everyone who has this hope in him purify himself, just as he is pure.
1 John 3:3

MATTHEW TELLS US that Jesus took Peter, James and John and went up a mountain where "he was transfigured before them. Hus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2).
     The face of Jesus undoubtedly reflected the purity of s newborn infant, untainted by the corruption and guile that so often are stamped on our faces. He confronted His detractors, saying, "Which of you can prove me guilty of sin?"
     When He smiled, God smiled, and when He frowned (and, on occasion. He did just that). Fire flashesbin His eyes. But most of the time, day the Gospels, His eyes spoke the language of love.
     I have often tried to imagine what Jesus eyed looked like probably dark eyed that could vary their expression from an electric storm with lightening flashing to a peaceful, beautiful meadow full of flowers and laughing children.
     His gaze penetrated the veneer of external respectability that makes us comfortable and saw through the hearts of people. Hebrew 4:13 tells us that all of our actions are visible and naked unto the eyes of Him who ruled the universe.
     When I was a lad, the ultimate test of truthfulnedd that I had to pass was when my dad would say, "Son, look at me in the eye!" Peter had boasted that he would never deny Christ, yet three timed he attempted to distance himself from Jesus, even swearing. He never deny Christ, yet three times he attempted to distance himself from Jesus, even swearing he never knew Him. Then Luke recorded, "The Loird turned and looked straight st Peter" (Liked 22:61). Their eyes  connected. Was it a look of censure an I told you so" sort of look? I don't thinkdo, otherwise Peter liked Judas, would have totally despaired of life.
     Look full in His wonderful face. You'll see His love and purity

Walking Worthy

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 1:27

Paul never lost his wonder at having been called by God. He understood that the way he lived ought to be worthy of the king who had chosen him. He knew that the mystery of the gospel had been hidden for generation and only been revealed in the day through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:26-27). Paul also understood that until people accept the gospel, they are spiritually dead and therefore without hope (Col.2:13). As a result of God's plan of salvation, those who trust in Jesus are not only made alive in Christ but are also adapted as the Father"s children (Rom. 8:16-17). Paul recognized that though the gospel sounds like foolishness to the world, it is the power of God that bring eternal life to those who accept it.
      Because Paul's life had been radically transformed by the gospel he was intent on living to honor the gospel that gave him life. It would have been tragic to receive the riches of the gospel and then to live as a spiritually pauper. It would have been disgraceful to be saved from death by the blood of Christ and then show no reverence for that sacrifice. It would have been foolish to accept such love from Christ and then to recent what He asked in return.
     The way you live your life ought to be a tribute to the matchless grace that your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has bestowed upon us.

WHEN ANGER BECOMES A KILLER

If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace.
Romans 12:18

MEN AND WOMEN handle anger differently Recent findings of researchers who studied 1,769men and 1,913 women show that hothead men are at risk of developing heart disease in ways that seemingly do not affect women. Men with fiery tempers have a10% greater risk of heart flutter, which leads to strokes, which can lead to the back door of the mortuary.
      Many believe that it is healthy to get anger out of your system by venting your emotions, A recent study demonstrated that this notion is totally inaccurate. Blowing off steam by telling people what you think damages our health more than you realize. Living with anger actually shorten the lives of people
      There is a big difference between getting anger out of your system by yelling and screaming and releasing anger in such a way that there is no steam to blow off.
       It is no wonder that the apostle Paul advised us to live at peace with everyone, if is possible. There is a disclaimer that you find in that conditional phrase, " if is possible."
Yes there are tines when peace is not a possibility However, you can still deal with issues in such a way your blood pressure doesn't go off the charts.
      Anger is a killer. If you want to enjoy life learn to walk away from anger and let God deal with the person who angers you. It"s the key to living longer and enjoying life more.
Living at peace with those who annoy you is a decision that turn your heart into a refuge regardless of what happens.

Through the year

I Remember the days of old Psalm. 143:

Sometimes our minds run back through the years and yearn for that better time and place the "good old days."
     But for some, the past harbors only bitter memories. Deep in the night they ponder their own failures, disillusionments, and fantasies, and think of the cruel hand life has dealt them.
     It's better to remember the past as David did, by  contemplating the good that God has done, to mediate on all [His] works:. . .  muse on the work of [His] hands" (Psalm 143:5). . As we call to mind the lovingkindness of the Lord, we can see His blessings through the years. These are the memories that foster the highest good. They evoke a deep longing for more of God and more of His render care. They transform the past into a place of familiarity and fellowship with Lord.
       I heard a story an elder women who wouldn't be in silence for hours in her rocking chair, hands folded in her lao, eyed gazed off into the far distance. One day her daughter asked: " Mother what do you think about when you sit there so quietly? " Her mother softly with a twinkle in her eye. "That's just between Jesus and me."
        I pray that our memories and meditations would draw us into His presence.
I have promised you My presence with you everywhere you go; i will never leaves you As you travel here below

HEART ATTITUDE

Not with eyeservice, as man pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Ephesians 6:6

I love watching the skill of great athletes as they give their all on the field. It shows their love for the game. Conversely, when a long season is winding down and team is already eliminated from the opportunity for championship or playoff games, sometimes it seems that the players are merely "going through the motions." Their lack of passion can be disappointing to fans who have paid to watch a good game.
       Passion is a key aspect of our personal lives as well. Our heart attitude toward the Lord is revealed in how we serve Him. The apostle Paul said that our service includes the way we go about our daily work. In Ephesians 6:6-7 we read that we are to approach our work, not with eyeservice, as men pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ  doing the will of God from the heart with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord and not men."
      For me, the key in that verse is "from the heart."  I have a heavenly Father who loves me deeply and sacrificed His Son for me. How can I do anything less than give my very best for Him? The passion to love for God that comes from the heart"  Provides our best response to the One who has done so much for us.
Father every day offers opportunities for me to express my love for You. May the passion with which I live, work, serve, and relate to others be a fitting expression of my gratitude for Your love for me.
In Jesus name, amen.

Gabe the movie

https://youtu.be/-YZMvuPLpmg