Thanksgiving

I am grateful that our country still pauses for Thanksgiving Day. I know many just call it Turkey Day but the majority of our nation still gives thanks for their blessings. Thankfulness is one of the responses that is required in all of God's covenants with man. Even nature is required to praise God and is faithful to do so. Jesus said that the rocks cry out their praise. I think it would be wonderful to not only see creation's granduer but hear the harmonious praise it raises to God. It certainly inspires my praise as I wonder at the vast diversity God has created for us.

There is a verse I have often contemplated as an expression of God's infinite provision for fulfilling His purpose. Colossians 3:15 (NLT) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Jesus said "My peace I leave with you." God gives us His peace to rule (control, overshadow, reign) in our hearts or the essence of our being. Worry, fear and manipulation are the result of not having an abiding peace that comes from God. But this peace is connected to the position we have in the Body of Christ. That position is held and maintained by the faith we have in the completed work of Jesus. We learn (as we yield to the teaching of the Holy Spirit) to not only have faith in where we stand in Jesus, but where each member stands. Our respect for what God has done in them and what He has destined for each one, gives us peace that God is in control and what He says, He will accomplish. The flesh we yet see in our own selves and in each other is a temporary condition that God will lead us to be victorious in overcoming. Repentance for our own condition and for each problem we see in another is a response that leads to peace.

For peace to reign in the Body, there must be peace in our own heart. Our peace with God leads to peace with each other. Religious acceptance of the Word we hear does not deliver us from criticism, gossip or backbiting. Jesus said this was evidence of poor soil. Only when we let the Word abide in us richly, creating worship and praise and thanksgiving, do we see the seed planted to bring forth an abundant harvest.