As children of parents who endured great hardships from the late 1930s and 1940s, we were always taught to give thanks whenever someone made a kind gesture to us. One could say that, when we were children, we were born in a grateful nation. Our parents modeled for us, taking whatever they had and willingly sharing it with those who had less without hesitation. They knew the pains of living life on the edge without the bare necessities.
Today, in the land of plenty, people are being taken advantage of through lies and deceit because leaders seem to prioritize their own needs over others’. We have opened our hearts to believe that they are trustworthy.
These are times when we must guard our hearts against harmful, unproductive things that derail our unity and gratitude as people working together to heal our nation. It is evident to all of us that we are at the crossroads as a nation to bring back “Truth, Justice, and Righteousness.” “Righteousness (morale, spiritual integrity, and virtuous character) exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 Amplified Bible.
During this Thanksgiving time of remembering, stop and give thanks for all that you have been blessed with from the moment of conception to this very day. If each person would take the time to appreciate God’s sustaining grace in their lives, a great wave of hope and thanksgiving would sweep across the country.
This is the state of our country! James 4:2-3 NIV 2. You desire but you do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Join me and others as we initiate a wave of Hope and Thanksgiving across the country, praying and blessing our neighbors. Praying is the appropriate action for us to see God’s hand amid our troubled times.
Lord, bless those who receive, believe, and apply their faith in the simplicity of prayer… Amen!
Please join us in celebrating Life at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium this Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged by the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place where needs are met, faith is affirmed, and new friends are made. You can view our worship services on YouTube at www.villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club