How many things do you have to be thankful for? Perhaps it has been a while since you sat down and really considered that question. If so, I would encourage you to take the time–today–to create a list of everything for which you are thankful.
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I am reminded of an old hymn titled “Count Your Blessings”. Allow me to share it with you:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
What types of things will you put on your list? Most people begin with houses, cars, and other possessions. Next on the list might be family and friends. Don’t forget to include important but often-overlooked items such as health, freedom, and even life itself.
IS IT A BLESSING TO BE THANKFUL FOR OR DID YOU DO IT?
If you are struggling over whether or not to include something on your list, perhaps it is good to ask yourself: “Did I earn it, or was it given to me?” Some would say that if you work and earn a paycheck, you have no reason to be thankful for it–after all, you earned it, right? On the other hand, should you not be thankful for your abilities, for health, for the job itself, as well as for everything else which makes your job possible?
Every good thing we receive is a gift from God–a true blessing–for which we owe Him thanks. The Bible says in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father”. Even more than this, according to God’s Word we should be thankful for everything that comes our way–even difficult things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God”.
WHEN COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, DO NOT FORGET THE MOST IMPORTANT BLESSING OF ALL
I hope that when your list is complete, it will contain the most important blessing of all–eternal life. Have you received this gift of God’s grace? If not, let me assure you that you need to receive it, you can receive it, and you may know you have received it.
First of all, why do we need eternal life? We need it because Romans 3:23 tells us we “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. We need it because, due to our disobedience, the only things we have earned from God are death and judgment. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”.
Secondly, we can receive eternal life from God as a gift. Romans 6:23 says, “…The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Salvation from sin and its penalty cannot be bought or earned or achieved. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Many people mistakenly believe they can earn salvation, or if they are “good enough” they can merit a home in Heaven. But God says there is only one way to Heaven–and Jesus is the way. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me”.
Lastly, we can know that we are saved–we can know that we have eternal life. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth to suffer, bleed, and die in our place–as our substitute. Jesus bore the penalty for our sin, and waits to save all who acknowledge their need of Him, turn to Him in repentance, and trust Him as their Savior. 1 John 5:13 says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life”.
Have you turned to God as a guilty sinner in need of a Savior? Have you abandoned any hope of saving yourself and placed your full faith and trust in Jesus Christ, the Savior of sinners? If not, I urge you to do so today. Jesus died for you. He lives for you. He is waiting for you to come to Him. John 6:37 says, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
If you will accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please pray this prayer with all of your heart: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.
It’s a good thing to be thankful. It’s a better thing to thank God for your blessings. But the best thing of all is to know Him personally and experience the joy of Him washing away your sins, making you fit for Heaven, and giving you a brand new life in Him! 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift”.
Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!
Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of fifteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master’s degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-four years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.
Musical Selection
Song: “Count Your Blessings”
Album: “7 Days”
Artist: Deitrick Haddon
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Click here to buy this album >>>
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