Featured Article – Thankfulness from the core of your soul
by Kandi A. White
It’s hard to believe and it’s almost frightening how fast 2005 is
passing by. I can remember so clearly the beginning of the year
and the aspirations I had for 2005. I am encouraged by many
accomplishments this year and I trust something you have read
in the Hours of Pure Gold newsletter has encouraged and motivated
you to take the first step, to get started on that special
project, to start living your dreams.
But I want to leave that aside right now and consider what
we can truly be thankful for this year. Thankfulness from the
core of our souls. These are the inner blessings, the moments
that that spring forth within us a spirit of gratefulness
and praise. These are the moments that can’t be repaid with
a price, where a mere thank you just isn’t enough.
I think Psalm 100 describes it best.
1. Shout with joy before the Lord, O earth!
2. Obey him gladly; come before him, singing with joy.
3. Try to realize what this means – the Lord is God! He
made us – we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4. Go through his open gates with great thanksgiving;
enter his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and
bless his name.
5. For the Lord is always good. He is always loving
and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each
succeeding generation.
In verses 1 and 2 we are told to shout with joy, to sing with
joy. How many people do you know who live daily without joy
in their lives? Yes, they may be happy sometimes but this is
only temporary, no real everlasting joy. Only God can bring
joy to our very souls, only when we live in him, obey his
word and share the blessings he gives us with others. I’m full
of joy just for having another opportunity to share Hours of
Pure Gold with you and I’m forever thankful for your support.
In verse 3, we are reminded that the Lord is God! The Lord,
not you and not me. Not the leaders of the countries or those
starting wars. When we take our eyes off God and do what we
want, there’s always trouble. Look all around you and you’ll
know this is true.
I’m thankful to the core of my soul that God made me. I am
one of his people, he is my shepherd. How comforting are
these words and how assuring they are of God’s care and love
for us especially in a world that has so much turmoil,
confusion and hate. Jesus is known as the good shepherd. A
shepherd takes care of his flock. If one is lost he will look
for it. Stay in the flock my friends, have joy, encourage
others, show love to your family and friends and in all
things give God thanks.
Verse 4 tells us to go through his open gates with great
thanksgiving; enter his courts with praise. When I think
of this verse, I think of the future when I will meet my Lord
at the gates of heaven. I’m so thankful that a sinner like
me would even be considered to enter his gates. One thing
we can do is practice now, by opening our hearts to
receive all that God has in store for us, to live a life
acceptable to him. A great test is to love our neighbor as
ourselves. We can always measure how good we are doing by
the love your neighbor as yourself test.
And verse 5 is the perfect example of how we should be: good,
loving, kind, and faithful always. The Lord is God, and he
will never change. I trust you can find and remember moments
throughout 2005 to be truly thankful from the core of your
soul. May God continue to richly bless you all.
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Inspiration, Motivation, and Gratitude, a resource to help you
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