“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 

 

My wife and I had the opportunity to share Thanksgiving Day with my son and his wife. Our plate was full of delicious food and wonderful conversations. Not too long after dinner, our conversation moved into the other room with a fireplace and comfy sofa. I found myself dozing off half way through the afternoon, for my body was tired from digesting all that food. After a few nods of sleep, I awoke refreshed and provided coffee to awaken my inner self again. Really, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about...food, fellowship and a little rest?  

 

One thing I’ve found in life, our plates are often full with the commitments and obligations to our job, family, church and personal life. Trying to find extra minutes in the day to accomplish more can be a challenge. After trying to fulfil all those obligations, the body can become weary and need rest.  

 

As God’s children, He promises to stand by us 24/7. In Jesus own words: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I personally know that when I am weighted down with the things of life, all I have to do is turn to God for help and He steps in to help carry my burdens. I still have the responsibility over those obligations, but His help through encouragement, inner strength and spiritual rest, is just enough to keep me going. 

 

How full is your plate? Bring your heavy plate to God and trust Him to help you carry that load so you can live out your faith, strong and with joy. God bless!  

 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written. The days fashioned for me. When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:16 

 

Today I celebrate 56 years of life. One thing that continues to amaze me is how God knows my life, even before I’ve lived it. He knew me before He created me in the womb of my birth mother. Although she was not able to care for me, she gave me up for adoption and I was place in the perfect environment and family to raise me to be who I am today. God foresaw my life and had a plan for me.  Although it came with a few bumps and twisty turns, it's my life, and I’m here today because of God’s blessings, love and protection.  

 

Knowing these things, I think it's wise that we put our trust in the Lord to Shepard our life. He already knows what's in store for us, so why not rely on His wisdom and guiding hand as we navigate life. He promises to never leave nor forsake us! I don’t know anyone who can be that dedicated to our care. When we put our faith and trust in Him, we engage in a beautiful relationship that only grows us and sustains us when we need that extra dose of strength and encouragement.  

 

I encourage you today, put your faith and trust in God. Commit your life to Him and experience the blessings of being a child of God. He authored your life with purpose. Find it today in Him. God bless!  

 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and His mother did not know it, but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.  Luke 2:42-45 

 

Can you imagine how panicked Jesus' parents were when they could not find him after a day’s journey? They simply assumed he was with them, when actually He was behind, talking to teachers of God’s law in the temple. What a relief it was to find Him, and from that point on they kept a close eye on Him.  

 

As we enter into the Christmas season, I have one question for you....where is Jesus? 

 

If someone were to walk into your home and observe your Christmas decorations, would they find Jesus amongst the décor? Just like Jesus' parents, we assume He is with us, but sadly He is often left out of the Christmas scenery. Don’t forget Jesus! There should be some representation of Him in your home, such as a nativity scene, to remind you and others of the real reason for this special holiday. God bless!   

 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 

 

Like everyone else, I have lived through great times and times that I felt lowly and floundered in pursuit of joy. Life is no doubt full of peaks and valleys. Nothing ever seems to remain constant. On a positive note, these constant changes keep life interesting and make for memories to carry you through life.  

 

I can assure you one constant in these changing times is God! God promises never to leave your side, He is always there, 24/7, going through “life” with you ever step of the way Deuteronomy 31:8.  As a child of God, you must recognize that He is really in control of your life. Everything you experience has been sifted through His loving hands. And what comes through those hands is meant to strengthen your faith and grow you spiritually, Jeremiah 29:11.  

 

Maybe you are going through one of those low times in your life. Focus your eyes on God and ask Him, in prayer, to guide you and sustain you through this difficult time. Trust Him completely, each and every day, and keep trusting that you will be strengthened through this and come out on the other side with a deeper faith and understanding of the One who holds you in His hands. God bless!  

 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5 

 

There is nothing more troubling than a flat tire when you are on the road. Once that tire goes flat, you are stuck and can’t move until its fixed or you change the tire with a spare. Years ago “fix-a-flat" came out on the market that provided a temporary solution to a flat tire. Simply connect this can of fix a flat to your tire’s valve stem, push the button and your tire fills with a liquid substance that patches the hole and fills the tire with air, just enough to get you going again. .  

 

Our relationship with the Lord is very similar to our travels. We are always moving through life, but when we get caught up in sin, our relationship is hindered and in essence we are halted in our journey until that relationship is mended. How can you get back to smooth sailing with the Lord? Asking the Lord to forgive you. By acknowledging your trespass, you plug the gap between you and Him, and His grace and mercy restores your relationship. It's that simple, yet many people keep trying to move forward thinking things will be ok, and they won't.  

 

If you find your spiritual journey a bit bumpy, fix it with forgiveness and ask the Lord to help you steer away from the trouble you found yourself in so you won't be stranded again by that pothole of sin. The Lord will restore you, ask for forgiveness today! God bless!   

 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1: 3 

 

Happy Thanksgiving friend! Today is a day to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. This day for many will be spent with friends and family as they gather around a table to feast on some great food. I love this holiday and the memories that have been made over the years.  

 

Unfortunately, there will be some gatherings with an empty seat, with the passing of a loved one. I can personally relate to the loss of a loved one, my mother. The void of that loved one makes it difficult to be thankful, but our loss is not in vain when we know they are celebrating in Heaven with Jesus. Many days I have to tell myself she is in a better place, completely healed and walking in glory.  

 

To make this Thanksgiving special, take time to remember those loved ones who have passed and thank God for their life’s impact on you and others. I know my mom was a special lady and she gave so much of herself. I’m so thankful for her in my life. Have a blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving! God bless!   

 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

 

As you approach Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, spend this day reflecting on your blessings and thanking God for all the good things He has brought into your life. Your list might be long or possibly short, but there is always something to be thankful for, even in the most difficult of times.  

 

I personally am thankful for many things, but the one that I treasure is God’s presence with me, every day, everywhere I go. He promises to never leave nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). He is closer than a friend and provides wisdom, protection and encouragement along the way. No matter how farm I might stray from Him, He is always there, waiting for my return and provides the grace and mercy I need to sustain a personal relationship with Him.  

 

What are you thankful for in your life? Take some time throughout the day and pray to God, mentioning those things and yield yourself to honoring Him in your actions and words. Spread the cheer of Thanksgiving to all around you...God’s light shines to the world through your thankfulness! God bless and Happy Thanksgiving friend!