Thanksgiving VI ~

27 October - 2 November:  This last week, I have been thankful to have the special memory of a dear pastor/friend sharing the verbatim recitation of the book of Hebrews that he had committed to memory - SO much different than hearing those words READ! I was thankful for our Father's willingness to forgive all that we comfess to Him (1 John 1:9); thankful for this affirmation from Hebrews 4:12-13 where it is written: "See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword — it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart. Before God, nothing created is hidden, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account." (CJB); thankful for another beautiful, bright blue morning; thankful for the faithful ministry of Pastor Steve and Becky Rogers among the four churches where they serve; thankful for this song of praise from Psalm 118:15-16: "He is my strength, and He is the reason I sing; He has been there to save me in every situation. In the tents of the righteous soldiers of God, there are shouts of joy and victory. They sing:'The right hand of the Eternal has shown His power.'" (VOICE); thankful for the grace our Lord provides "new, every morning" (Lamentations 3:23); thankful for Jesus - my Creator, Savior, and soon-coming King; thankful for this admonition from Romans 12:1 where it is written: "... In light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship." (VOICE); thankful for the priviledge of prayer, and sins forgiven; thankful for the activity of the Helper as He works in my life and in the lives of others; thankful for this affirmation from Ephesians 2:8 -9 where it is written: "For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing." (VOICE); thankful for a medical community that can provide many services right here, where we live; thankful for D.D.'s help to schedule appointments at places farther away (and that those are rarely needed); thankful for this warning from 1 Peter 5:8-9 where we read: "Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you." (VOICE); thankful to have my internet access restored and THANKSGIVING in process; thankful for the helpful customer-service rep at Land's End;  thankful to read this beautiful prayer from the apostle, Paul, in Ephesians 1:17-19 - "God of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, Father of Glory: I call out to You on behalf of Your people. Give them minds ready to receive wisdom and revelation so they will truly know You. Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power." (VOICE); thankful for the Sabbath and its weekly return, for our Creator knew our human spirits needed the rest from labors the Sabbath provides; thankful for the sisters and brothers in the faith with whom I met for encouragement and fellowship; and I was thankful for this message from 1 Peter 2:9 where it is written: "... You are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called you out of inky darkness into shimmering light." (VOICE).