Entering His Gates

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;  give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."
         -Psalm 100:45

     I did a lesson for children's church Sunday on Thanksgiving.  Some of it was fun stuff, coloring and painting.  The lesson used the above scripture.  It also told the story of four children who didn't have some of the things the children in church have.  Things like a family, a school, a church, food, health care.  One child in the story had cancer which I could tell really spoke to the children.  I think they got it.  At least they did for the moment.  We have so much to be thankful for.
     Listening to the radio, I heard a story about a Chinese and American missionary meeting in an airport I think it was.  They were discussing their individual ministries, when the American missionary thought he'd be sure and let the other man know people in the United States were praying for the poverty of the Christians in China.  The Chinese missionary started laughing.  He informed the American missionary, "That is funny.  We, in China, pray for the Americans and the effect of their prosperity."
     I thought about that alot.  He's right.  We need prayer about it.  We have so much.  I see my grandchildren sometimes appear unimpressed about gifts.    Just more stuff.  Have you ever had trouble thinking of a gift you would like?  I do sometimes.  We have so much we forget about those who have nothing.  Sometimes we even forget how thankful we should be.
     I know I don't give enough praise to God.  Sometimes my thanks seem so inadequate.  Sometimes they're nonexistant.  I'm too busy petitioning for something to remember to thank Him.  Ridiculous huh?
     Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for family and friends to get together, eat, and celebrate.  But this year, let's spend some time alone with God, seriously examining what we have to be thankful for, and thanking Him for it.  He asks us to.  We owe it to Him. 
     Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!  I wish you much joy, many happy moments with family, and very little indigestion.  And remember to thank Him.....

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