Carol J German

Praise the Lord with me. My brother, Dan, went home on Friday night. While there is a big hole in my family, heaven received another gentleman; a strong one. My mother must be beaming from ear to ear having another son home with her. I lost another brother almost nine years ago. Darrel, too, was a gentleman.

God is good. Even in death, God provides.

By the blood of His beloved Son, you and I are able to partake in passing through the valley of death and embracing new life that is eternal. Disease may have taken down both my brothers, but the choice they made to believe and receive Jesus Christ into their lives allowed them to pass through death’s door and embrace God Himself.

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let’s be reminded of why we can be thankful. It starts with God and it ends with God. Life itself would not be possible without Him. Let’s root our thankfulness in Him by recognizing God’s place in our lives.

No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! (Psalm 86:8)

When you let God be God, wonderful things happen within your heart. The Holy Spirit stirs up good things, godly things, eternal things that make a difference today as well as tomorrow. You can go to bed being thankful for His daily provision that you received that day, and wake up in the morning being thankful that He will give you what you need for the day that lies ahead of you; nothing more, nothing less. God’s provision is 24/7/365, but you must receive it daily, see Lamentations 3:23.

I am the Lord, and I do not change. (Malachi 3:6)

It is good to know that God is working within every heart.

I might not see what God is doing within your heart, and you can’t see what He is doing within my heart, but He is there. Most of the work being done is behind closed doors. You cannot see into another’s heart. You only can see into your own. God has it this way so you and I need to rely on Him when it comes to loving others the way Jesus loves. God asks us to follow how His Son lived life, and we know He loved graciously, kindly (unless it was in His Temple where people made it a market place rather than a house of prayer, see Matthew 21:12-13), and lovingly.

Thankfulness requires open hands. You and I are to be surrendered to the will of God. We are to be willing to be humbled and broken so God’s glory can shine through us. He gives ample opportunities in the relationships that we have. Let’s make Him proud.

This Thanksgiving weekend, be thankful for God’s provision. Allow humility and brokenness to take hold of hidden areas within your heart that is keeping you from being fully committed to God. Remember, God gave His all in loving you. He gave you Jesus.

Allow Psalm 145:8-21 to fill you so you can love on those around you. United In Love is going to enjoy family time, so there will be no blogpost this Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving and see you next week.

“The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation. All of Your works will thank you, Lord, and Your faithful followers will praise You. They will speak of the glory of Your Kingdom; they will give examples of Your power. They will tell about Your mighty deeds, and about the majesty and glory of Your reign.

“For Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to You in hope; You give them their food as they need it. When You open Your hand, You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

“The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him. He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him, but He destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord, and may everyone one earth bless His holy name forever and ever.”