(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Scott Riling, Pastor of Missions and Ministry, Champion Forest Baptist Church) “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV) Families and friends come together on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy one of the most incredible meals all year. Even many families who would not consider themselves particularly religious will most likely begin with some sort of an acknowledgment of the Divine One before going after the turkey or ham. When that time comes, I am sure the Lord will hear some very interesting prayers. Many will probably contain the all-inclusive statement, “Thank You for our many blessings!” However, the Lord will hear other prayers that will be a little more specific and will include actually naming some of those blessings. Can you name some specific things that you know God has brought into your life? In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells about an occasion that taught her to always be thankful. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been taken to the worst concentration camp in Germany in WWII—Ravensbruck. The barracks were cold, overcrowded and flea-infested. Early one morning, they read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which reminds Christians to always rejoice, pray, and be thankful. Betsy told Corrie to stop for a moment and give thanks to the Lord for all of their circumstances. At first Corrie refused, but then Betsy insisted. As the months passed in the camp, they were a little surprised at how they could openly hold Bible studies in the barracks without guard interference. They finally learned why—the guards did not want to enter the barracks because of the fleas! Let’s be truly thankful to God for how richly He has blessed us—even for the little things! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Category: Blessings
(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Adam Watson, Associate Pastor of Worship Ministries, Champion Forest Baptist Church) “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:11-13 (NIV) How many of us can honestly agree with Paul and say that we have learned to be content whatever the circumstances? Around Thanksgiving, many of us gather a list of things to be thankful for, and speak them as a reminder of God’s blessings. This is a great exercise and a discipline that we should practice all year round. But what is it that keeps us from living in a lifestyle of constant thanksgiving for every circumstance? Personally, I let life’s big and little annoyances crowd out the things for which I should be thankful. If you’re a problem solver like me, you focus on how to fix all the tough things going on before you feel like you can rest and really be thankful for the good things. That’s not how Paul approached his life. He was thankful all along the way. Sure, Paul still faced more than his share of challenges, but he didn’t wait to start his thanksgiving until things got better. The choice we have today is to see our lives in spiritual terms. The physical things we can thank God for will come and go. The spiritual aspects of our lives are what last. Abundant life with Christ is the secret to constant contentment. What worldly and physical things are keeping you from seeing God’s blessings in your life? What problems are postponing your life of thankfulness? Ask the Lord for help to see your life through spiritual eyes. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell