Thanksgiving Inventory

Thanksgiving Inventory

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done."-- Psalm 40:5

The verse above is one that we should ponder for today -- and not just for today. Note that it says "Many" are the wonders HE has done in our lives!

Sometimes it is good for us to take a step back and rehearse the goodness of God in our lives. Some of us look at God's goodness in the same way we view everything in life -- looking at life through either a glass that is half full or one that is half empty.

I know friends that no matter what blessings come, it is either never enough. They pray for God to meet their needs and when He does, they say, "Well it could have been more" or "Why didn't He do this or that?"

The hymnwriter, Johnson Oatman, Jr. must have been an optimist ... he penned the words of a very well-known song that too often just gets sung at Thanksgiving. I think we should sing it more often -- and even if you can't sing, reading it often. You will recognize the words:

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all,
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end!

Count your blessings; name them ONE BY ONE!
Count your blessings; see what GOD has done!
Count your blessings; name them ONE BY ONE!
Count your many blessings; see what GOD has done!

I want to encourage you, my brothers, please take some time today and do a quick inventory. Take out a sheet of paper and begin to record God's blessings in your life during 2009. I think you will not only be amazed, but surprised to see what GOD has done in your life. Then take the next step and thank HIM for what He has done for you this year.

I would love to hear from you today. Share what God has done in your life! Drop me a note and let me rejoice with you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 25; Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2

Great Quote: Hunger may drive the runaway child home, and he may or may not be fed at
home; but he needs his mother more than his dinner. Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other need: prayer is the beginning of that communion, and some need is the motive of that prayer...So begins a communion, a talking with God, a coming-to-one with
Him, which is the sole end of prayer, yea, of existence itself in its infinite phases. We must ask that we may receive; but that we should receive what we ask in respect of our lower needs, is not God's end in making us pray, for He could give us everything without that: to bring His child to His knee, God withholds that man may ask. George Macdonald

Check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT from George. It's a good one: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com