Have a Thankful Spirit - Devotional Nov. 25, 2009

The following devotional appears in The Connection, a publication of The Bargain Browser in White House, TN.

http://www.browserconnection.com

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Practical Faith with Pastor K

Have a Thankful Spirit

The fifth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians contains some brilliant, practical application of faith.

But putting into practice what the Bible says is often harder than it looks, because real-life situations are both tempting and full of trial that counters everything we know about doing the right thing.

Here, however, Paul gives us insight how we handle those tough situations – with a thankful spirit. In fact, in First Thessalonians 5:18, he says “in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As you read, you may be thinking that sounds good in theory but doesn’t make sense in a tough economic time, during sickness, job loss, a hurtful relationship or uncertainty of purpose or place. To learn to be thankful in the toughest moment is to learn the truth of how blessed we are.

God loves you immensely. Some do not choose to return that love to Him, nor accept the sacrificial gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Others take great boasting in God’s blessing and beg for Him to come through when they need Him most, but seldom take time to thank Him.

I have my share of tough moments, and this week has been a difficult one for a variety of reasons. Everyone has those days, right? But what kind of thankful spirit do we possess when we’re digging our way out of the pity-party pits?

So I have dedicated the next few lines to what I am thankful for: my wonderful wife Jennifer, who works hard every day so our family can have health insurance and is God’s perfect match for me. We have been married over 11 years. I have two incredible children, Madison and Noah, who are smarter than their dad and constantly bring joy to our home.

God has blessed me with 19 years of my health following a diagnosis of type-one diabetes in high school, and I pray every day for the healing He has the power to accomplish. I have a great extended family and God gave me the chance to return home to Sumner County after seven years in another state, and has surrounded us with a great team of people ready to launch a brand new church and reach people for Jesus.

And after writing just two paragraphs of what I’m thankful for, it doesn’t seem this week is as tough after all. Thankfulness will always change your perspective and I challenge you to start making a list, and watch what happens.

Remember, in everything give thanks for this is what God desires for you.

Be blessed!

Pastor Kris Freeman is a church planter with General Baptist National Missions. Revolution Church will launch in White House and Cross Plains in fall, 2010. For more information, visit www.myrevolutionchurch.com .