Thanksgiving VI ~

3-9 November:  In this past week, I have been thankful that ALL the clocks are back on standard time (my bedroom clock never changes,as I try to keep sleep and meals at regular times through the year, but - especially in winter - I wish it were permenantly the hour later); thankful for the promises in God's Word that tell me He's made Himself responsible for making me clean, free from ALL sin, if I abide in Him (Psalm 138:8; Ezekiel 11:19; ch. 36:26; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 1:9); thankful to read this counsel from Romans 13:1 and recognize it as true (until there is a conflict with the law of the Most High): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God." (AMP); thankful for the spirit of gratitude given to me by the Father of us all; thankful for the desire to be of service for His kingdom; thankful to know that, in the language of the Hebrews, repetition of words or phrases added emphasis - so in this passage God makes it very clear that it is HIS thoughts that are being expressed: "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Return to me", says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you", says the Lord of hosts.'" (Zechariah 1:3; NRSV). His heart is still longing for ALL to "return" to Him!  I was thankful for a weekly helper for my eldest D.D. in her own apartment downstairs; thankful for a night of sound sleep and a brain that was alert with all systems "GO!" as I wrote this; thankful for this passage from Revelation 3:20 where we read: “Look! I stand at the door [of your heart] and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." (NLT);  thankful for another new day of life, and the strength that is promised; thankful for all the possibilities remaining to me - even in my eighty-first year; thankful for this message found in Ephesians 1:9-10 where we read: "He [has] made known to us the mystery of His will, in keeping with His good pleasure that He planned in Messiah. The plan of the fullness of times is to bring all things together in the Messiah—both things in heaven and things on earth, all in Him." (TLV); for sunlight streaming through my window - the grass is white with frost, but the sun is warm!  I was thankful for the songs of praise filling my heart; thankful for this counsel from 1 Timothy 2:1-2 where it is written: "... God’s people should make petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings on behalf of all people – on behalf of kings, and all who hold high office, so that we may lead a tranquil and peaceful life, in all godliness and holiness." (NTE); thankful for the spotless "robe of His righteousness" the Savior holds out for me, a marvelous grace indeed; thankful for direction in everyday events of my life; thankful for the choice we are given in worship - as stated by Joshua in Joshua 24:15, where we read: " Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served ... or the gods of the ... land [where] you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (NRSV, adapted);  thankful to see another Sabbath in progress; especially thankful to no longer have any stones threatening to block my common bile duct (no difficulty for ME, but my doctor will be relieved!) VIA an endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) procedure under a fluoroscope - into the hospital at 0800, on my way home by 12:45, PTL! And I was thankful for this promise from the Savior found in Revelation 21:5-6 where it is written: " And He who sat upon the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' Also He said, 'Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.' And he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without payment.'" (RSV).