Sinner Saved By Grace-Giving Thanks!
Thanksgiving, the holiday, is upon us. Although the economy is tanking, folks are still finding ways to buy that turkey, with maybe half of the trimmings this year. The scarecrow, the turkey, the fall foliage decorations, are on display. Folks will follow a tradition, whose origins trace back to 1621 when the colonists and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate the harvest. Thanksgiving has always been a time set aside to give thanks to God for His provisions and protection. No Thanksgiving is complete without the turkey as the centerpiece of the meal.
I am not vying for sainthood, but this year I am taking a different approach. I am going to forego the turkey and spend the first three days of the Thanksgiving holidays, fasting. I intend to spend the time focused not on the food, but on the Provider of that food.
Despite the economic downturn, this nation has much for which to be thankful. We just need to focus on what is really important. The big screen television, the latest "must have" gadget or toy, the snazzy car, the hilltop house, are all nice, but they cannot hug you, pat you on the head, or offer comforting words when needed. Friends and family can provide that human need for emotional attachment. So, this Thanksgiving Day, stop and really think about those persons for whom you are grateful to God, for sending into your lives.
During this past week, I have been listening to the Gaither Vocal Band performing "Sinner Saved By Grace," hence the title of this post. The powerful lyrics, the achingly beautiful melody, and the rapturous rendition of those voices, made me stop and realize that I am indeed a sinner, saved from a life of nothingness, by a God Who loves me, unworthy though I am.
I am so grateful that God gave life to me, allowed me to live despite predictions of my demise from birth to past "toddlerhood," has allowed me to travel through a "valley of hardships," and still maintian faith in Him. I am thankful that He has led me to reside in this country, where I have met some really wonderful folks. As a matter of fact, He has sent "angels in earthly apparel," to reach out and rescue me when I floundered. I may not have the snazzy car or the hilltop house, but I have angels "beneath my wings"......and, most importantly, "it is well with my soul."
Norma, Jean, Joan, Carolyn, Joyce, Karin, Kim, Dave, Donna, Tim, Pastor and Linda, Joel, Eloise, Hope, Fred, TK and Mayu, Fay and LeRoy, Lucille and Andre, Judy, Stacia, Dr. F and Toyin, Cindy, Nancy, John, Mr. A, Alvie, Ellarine, Auntie Eulalie, Tyler, Brandon, Sherrie, Felicia, Char, Dayna, Dawn, Evie, Gloria......watch me soar, upheld by your immeasurable contributions to my life!
My Pastor's sermon this past Sunday was "Real Faith Says Thanks." I hope that I never fail to stop and show my gratitude to my Creator. Please share with me two of the hymns that we sang, and also a few passages of Scripture.
Count Your Blessings
When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.
How Great Thou art
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Psalm 24:1
1The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psalm 87:3
3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Psalm 92:1-5
1 IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH:
2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
Psalm 95:2
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalm 100:4
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Philippians 4:6
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
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