Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart, that should be manifest every day of our lives, and celebrated at least once a year. Paul reminds us of 5 specific elements of joy as it is related to others. We must remember that life is spent accumulating things, but the only possession that is eternal is relationships. Let me share with you a couple things for you to be grateful for as you prepare for Thanksgiving on Thursday.1. The joy of Recollection (Philippians 1:3) Having a genuine desire to remember and focus on the goodness, kindness, and successes of others does not involve denying their weaknesses and shortcomings but rather looking past them. The Holy Spirit often prompts us to appreciate other’s love, generosity, and compassion and to forget the rest.2. The joy of intercession (Philippians 1:4) Possessing God-given joy should lead us not to focus on ourselves, but even in the midst of pain or difficult circumstances we should be focused on those we are grateful for. It is our privilege to pray for those that God has brought into our lives.3. The joy of Participation (Philippians 1:5) This is not a natural, man-made fellowship but one sovereignly designed and … READ MORE

The missing ingredient in this country and in the hearts of people is gratitude. You look in the stores, and immediately following Halloween, the marketing people put up the Christmas sales, this week the most anticipated day, is not Thursday, it is Friday’s black Friday’s sales. In the book of Philippians Paul addresses this great concept. Gratitude leads to a joy that should be an unwavering constant in a Spirit filled life, not a transient emotional feeling that comes and goes depending on circumstances. In Philippians 1:3-8 The apostle gives 5 specific elements of his Spirit-engendered joy as it related to other believers. As we prepare for Thanksgiving we need to consider these elements. Let me simply share those elements for your consideration. He speaks of the joy of Recollection in verse 3; The joy of Intercession in verse 4; The joy of participation in verse 5; the joy of Anticipation in verse 6; and the joy of Affection in verses 7-8. As we approach Thanksgiving this week perhaps we need to be challenged to think back and be encouraged by the people God has brought into our lives.… READ MORE

The single most significant decision I can make on a day to day basis is my choice of attitude! It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, My attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream to extreme, no challenge too great for me to tackle. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that “as [a person] thinks in his heart, so is he.” We must admit that we spend more of our time concentrating and fretting over the things that cannot be changed – than we do giving attention to the one that can give us victory over any circumstance. As we approach Thanksgiving this year, why not make a choice to glorify God in all that you say, and do. Life is full of choices, and you are the one that controls the choices of the heart. Trust in the Word of God, and find your peace with the Lord in the midst of life’s events.… READ MORE