Count Your Blessings

Most of us at some time in our life have shared this phrase with another, or have had it shared with us. While it is simple, it is powerful. It can lift our vision and it can get us out of a negative mindset, and most importantly can help get our focus on the Lord instead of the circumstances.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, because it always reminds me to focus on the Lord for all that His is and all that He has done. All that we have in this life and in the next is because of Jesus. It is wonderful to just stop and purposely pause – and give Him thanks.

2 Cor 9:10-15

10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

1 Cor 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thess 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

God bless you all.

Making a Positive Difference

A true Christian is a follower of Jesus and is one who will do what the Lord shows. Whether that is not supporting abortion or other issues that are sin.

Yes, the Church in America needs to take a stand against abortion - and many are. At times it does seem like it is only a remnant, but none the less many are taking a stand against the killing of the unborn. After all, who will protect them if we don't.

My thoughts on this subject is that the church is remiss if it, if we are only against things. Yes, we need to be against sin, etc - however, we must support the good. We must lift up the light. Many Christians are right when the talk about education, helping reach those who would do wrong. It is not just condemning and saying no. If that is all we do we become a bunch of modern day pharisees and dis-compassionate legalists.

Instead of just being the "no" church, let us also stand strong for life, for doing good, for rising up and making a positive difference in the world.

In my reading of the Bible a true Christian takes care of and protects the needy, the poor, the fatherless, the widows, etc (James 1:27 and more).

Let us be more like Jesus who went around doing good and having compassion. He was strong against sin and he was strong on love.