Thanksgiving IV ~

1-7 October:  This week, I have been thankful to be among those adopted into the family of God (John 1:12); thankful for a purpose - given by the Savior - to GO, to TELL the good news of the gospel, to support this telling in all the world; and thankful for these words from the lips of Jesus: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11,12; NKJV); thankful for the counsel re entertainment - and grieving for all those who were injured, whose lives were lost in Las Vegas last week, those mourning the loss of family members and friends; thankful for angel guardians who know when to protect, and when to let go; and thankful for the Word of God that tells me this life is only the beginning for all who are friends of God - there's a resurrection coming for those who are sleeping in Jesus, that even the hairs on our heads are numbered, so the promise of Psalm 34:7,8 is for all who have given their lives to Him: " The [angel of the Lord] surrounds everyone who walks with Him and is always there to protect and rescue us. Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is. Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted." (VOICE); thankful for Las Vegas relatives and friends who have posted their "safe" status on fb; thankful for all who are doing their parts to help those hurting after this tragedy; thankful to know that the day is coming when there will be "NO MORE" - "... God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4; NKJV); thankful for every new day of life, well past the three -score and ten allotted human-kind in the Scriptures; thankful to still be able to get around the house on my own; and thankful for the counsel of Proverbs 27:1-2 where we read: "Don’t brag about what will happen tomorrow. You don’t really know what will happen then. Don’t praise yourself. Let someone else do it. Let the praise come from a stranger and not from your own mouth." (ICB); thankful for the promises given in God's Word - promises to ALL and to all believers; thankful for every day beginning with a beautiful sunrise; and thankful for this message from Isaiah 55:6-7: "Seek God while He’s here to be found, pray to Him while He’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to God, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness." (MSG); thankful for healthful recipes available on-line - made a wonderful Cauliflower Pottage for the evening meal with only minimal adaptions required; thankful that my insides seem to be in good-working order - arthritic difficulties are a challenge, but otherwise enjoying good health; and thankful for this promise in Isaiah 26:3,4 where we read: "God, You give true peace to people who depend on You, to those who trust in You. So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord ... you have a place of safety forever." (ERV); thankfully anticipating another Sabbath with our church family - so glad to join sisters and brothers weekly ; thankful for what promises to be a day of sunshine ; and thankful, too, for this promise from Isaiah 56:4,5: "For thus says the Lord: 'To [those] who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold fast My covenant, even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.'" (HCSB).