As Thanksgiving approaches, most people think about how much turkey and dressing they are going to eat. Some think about how good it will be to see family they haven't seen in a year. Some even think about how to get out of the entire day and just stay at home.
At one time or another, I have been in one of each of these categories, but not this year; this year, I've been thinking about what all I have to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks to our Father in heaven for all He has done for us; allow me to share some of the things I am thankful for with you.
I AM THANKFUL I have a new life in Christ. I AM THANKFUL Christ gave His life for mine. I AM THANKFUL for all the special people God has placed in my path. I AM THANKFUL the last 3 years and 9 months of my life have been absolutely, drug-free (Amen). I AM THANKFUL for my family, especially my husband and 3 beautiful children. I AM THANKFUL for second chances. I AM THANKFUL for Southland Baptist Temple. I AM THANKFUL for my job and a boss who holds me accountable on all levels of life. I AM THANKFUL for God's Word. I AM THANKFUL I can stand strong and tell people, "I am a Christian. I am a child of God." I AM THANKFUL for all the beautiful things God created, like the stars and the clouds, because when I look at them, I have no doubt He is real. I AM THANKFUL for people like Bobby & Theressa Lindsey. I AM THANKFUL God loved me enough that He did not give up on me, when I wouldn’t even consider Him. I AM THANKFUL for all God's blessings, even when they are somebody else's. I could go on and on, but most of all: I AM THANKFUL I AM FORGIVEN!
Matthew 18:21-35 (KJV) 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
It is important to know forgiveness is not only what you receive, but also what you give.
I struggle with this in my Christian walk. I know how hard it is to let go of things when you know you have done wrong, and then to forgive the person who did them. You have to have a forgiving heart, why, because God does! We are supposed to try to be like Jesus.
When you truly forgive someone, it means you have completely let it go. Just like God forgives us.
Psalm 103:12- As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
So ask yourself, "Have I truly forgiven what has been done to me?" If you have, then AMEN!! If not, then you need to pray about it and give it all over to God. Leave it at the altar and don't dwell on it anymore.
Becky's Key for the week: The key to a thankful heart is forgiveness for yourself and to forgive others just like God has forgiven you.
I hope all that read this have a Happy Thanksgiving. Let your friends and family know how thankful you are for them.