Issue 2001 #4
THEME: Diamonds Forever
Table of Contents:
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"I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord,
"Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8
Thanksgiving
We in Canada celebrate "Thanksgiving Day" in the month of October, each in
our own way. Many accept this time as just another holiday from their labours.
Others are reminded of the soon coming winter months of cold weather and
shorter daylight hours. Still, others think of the turkey dinners and time
with family and friends. I am thankful to God for a number of things.
I am thankful for my past. Why my past? Because it gives me reason to
focus on where I am spiritually. In the past I was dead in my sins. My
lifestyle was nothing to be admired and I needed a change that would give
me a purpose and hope. (Rev. 2:5a)
Thanksgiving gives me an opportunity to focus on where I am today. Since I
made my commitment to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, I now
look forward to sharing the good news with others. (Heb. 3:13)
The past makes me thankful for the hope I have in the future. With all the
terrible events of September eleventh, I am disturbed only in the fact that
things are going to get even worse. We are encouraged in the Scriptures
to "lift up your heads, because your redemption is near." (Luke 21:28)
Life as we know it is for only a short time. Then what happens after that?
If we have had the privilege of being raised with a spiritual upbringing
where the Word of God was a daily routine, then we can live our lives to the
fullest. Or if, as I have done, we came to make that important decision
mid-point in life, then we find that life has more meaning. From that point
on we must live for the moment, not for retirement or for what we have saved
in our bank accounts, but with what will count for eternity. Scripture also
reminds us that what we sow is what we reap.
I come back to that important question. What are you thankful for? Your answer
may decide where you will spend eternity.
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