The Wisdom to be Thankful

Message from Pastor Tom:

I have been sitting here looking out the window watching the rain after a long dry spell here in the Carolinas. I started reflecting on past seasons of my life, in how my schooling, ministry and this blog has come to pass. I hope and pray the blog is being read in a positive way. This inspired me to begin writing November’s blog and wonder how many really do take the time to read it, or even know of its existence. Hopefully, some do. So I pray and leave all this in God's hands, for even if only one person actually reads it, I firmly believe it is well worth the time it takes to share God's wisdom and Good News.

As the days are now getting shorter, the holidays are rapidly coming upon us, and we will be so involved in the holidays we may tend to forget the true meaning of the Holyday. Did you get it, Holyday! (not Holiday). Yes Christmas Day, and even though it's a celebration of the birth of Christ, we will worry more about what others are thinking and saying about us. Will I get the right presents, will the meals be good, and of course, the last biggie, will it fit? Yes, sometimes I don’t even understand where the pieces of our lives will fit together around the holidays, but it should be all about being thankful to God for His many blessings. 

So how do we go about focusing on Jesus and what we are truly thankful for when the holidays can be so stress-filled and busy? I have learned wisdom is of the utmost importance in knowing how to apply the truths God has given us through His Scriptures and understanding the blessings of  His never-ending unconditional Love and Grace. How we can really apply this knowledge to our lives in times of sorrow, pain, and loneliness, let alone how it affects us during the holidays is by having faith in Him. In reading Job 28: 23-28, verse 28 clearly states, “And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’” True wisdom may bring material reward, but its value far exceeds earthly riches. To those who receive it, it opens a path to life and security and equips for leadership and right conduct. Yes, you can find wisdom, by getting your eyes off yourself and look at Jesus. Think of what He did for you. Think about how He went to the cross for you. He’s the one who will give you the strength to endure.

Godly wisdom is the ability to view things as the Lord does and to respond according to biblical principles. The secret to this is to really do it. This discernment isn't automatic. God's Holy Spirit is living inside all believers prompting us to do right. However, each individual chooses whether or not to follow the wise way. To walk wisely, a person must commit to remaining on the right path. That is to determine in our hearts to follow God no matter what. “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:33.  

Pleasing the Lord and conforming to His likeness is always the right thing to do. Yet I find myself falling short, the same as most others do. We cannot stop what is thrown our way in this world, for what we must endure, but we can choose where our focus will be. All we can do is focus on Him, pray and know it is in God's hands, and keep striving to be Christ-like. Love like Jesus loves.

As we prepare this month for Thanksgiving, may our thanksgiving be directed to God for the blessings we have received because He is the source of all good things. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" James 1:17.

Heidi and I pray this will be your most thankful Thanksgiving. May you and yours enjoy happiness, peace, love, joy, and God’s wisdom as you spend time with your family and friends. I thank you for taking the time to read this and hope it spiritually enriches you in some way this thanksgiving.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5