It’s the weekend and we’re back sharing some honest thoughts.

Thanksgiving has passed, but we’re still overwhelmed by gratitude.  Brother John Shepard is showing us how to not risk overlooking what really matters by letting our thankfulness slip.

The neighbor’s grass is always greener until you figure out that the problem is NEVER circumstances, but it’s our hearts and perceptions.  When we’re truly thankful, none of our circumstances have the power to define the quality of our lives.  Thankfulness–along with our joy–is found on the inside.

The Church at Onslow is bringing the Word this weekend–you don’t want to miss out!

Share this with a friend who’s grateful for ALL He’s done for them.

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By Brother John Shepard

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

When it comes to things to be thankful to God for, our minds should go into rapid-fire mode.  If you have to ponder for very long to find something, it might be a perfect opportunity to really take inventory and consider a change of heart.

It’s Not (Always) What You Think

You might think:  “I’m definitely not at the place in my career where I wished I would be.”

But . . . God may be keeping you from the level of stress that would accompany such a place.

You might think:  “I don’t have as much money as I’d like.”

But . . . maybe you haven’t considered how much more peaceful that living a simple lifestyle can be.

You might think:  “The Joneses have everything and they’ve got it made.”

But . . . you failed to realize how little time they have to truly enjoy all the material things.

You might think:  “The Lord hasn’t blessed me with much.”

But . . . maybe you haven’t thought about the fact that He has even greater blessings waiting for you when he sees you correctly handle what he’s already given you.

Speaking Words of Wisdom

Be completely honest with yourself for a moment, what is the very first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word “blessings”?  Is it money, or something to do with finances?

It is very true that you come into this world without a dime and when it’s time to go, you’ll leave it all behind.  It’s what happens in the middle that really makes all the difference.

When the time comes for me, I don’t want to look back and see that I spent every waking moment chasing the dollar and every sleeping moment dreaming about it, and totally forget God and miss out on what He had for me.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  -Matthew 24:35

Since we know that these material things that we put so much value in are eventually going to perish, wouldn’t it make sense that we don’t attach our souls (intellects, emotions, and wills) to them?

There might be a small key in this scripture🤔

His “words” will never pass away . . . wouldn’t you rather attach your soul to those instead?

Believe me, I know it’s hard, but realizing that much of the things we work so tirelessly for and consume so much of our time for, aren’t as important or as valuable as we make them after all.

Now, I’m not so foolish to think that there’s no need at all for money or material things.  After all, He does want us to live and enjoy this good life he’s given us, but to forget Him and completely leave Him out of it would be rather offensive to Him.

If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.  -Psalms 62:10

Back to All That Really Matters:  Gratitude and Being Thankful

Because of all the things he’s already given us, we have this opportunity to be a part of something HUGE and eternal.

He put His own wants, desires, will, and ultimately His life to death to give us this opportunity.  He left the splendor of being with His Father to come and bring us these “words” of life.  The only thing He asked for in return was for us to correctly use them and live in such a way to show that we’re grateful for His sacrifice.

If that’s not something to live gratefully and thankfully for, then I don’t know what else could be.

As if we needed more to be thankful for, He called us to this wonderful family where we can share our experiences, hardships, struggles, burdens, blessings, successes, and great times with others who are working to do the same.

I’m thankful for what He’s done for me personally.

I’m thankful for each one of you that are part of my life.

I’m thankful for my family.

I’ll continue to work on living the kind of life that proves that I’m grateful!

Love to all!