In Everything Give Thanks...
In everything give thanks... I have been reminded of these words so many times here in Africa. I have seen smiles on the faces of... children with no shoes, men carrying heavy loads on their backs, families with very little food to eat, children that have been abandoned, and pastors riding bicycles for transportation over many jungle miles.
How much does it take to make a person happy? This question remains in my mind these days. So often we try the accumulation of things to bring joy and happiness. This desire to accumulate drives us to work hard only to discover that things do not bring joy. God has blessed us in so many ways, yet we often take the blessings for granted and do not give thanks.
As we handed out candy, pencils and flip flops, the people were so thankful and appreciative. The big smiles of thanks were such a blessing and conviction at the same time. How often we argue about who has the biggest or the most. Would we be thankful for just one of the aforementioned items?
How joyful the people were, singing many songs of praise! The smiles on their faces indicated that the songs were heart-felt. Yet, some of them did not have a building and were worshiping under a thatched roof construction. Others did have a small structure they had built themselves by making the bricks and then constructing the building. No pews, chairs or carpet can be found in their churches. However, sitting on the ground or maybe a concrete or wooden bench with no back did not alter their joy and happiness in the Lord. They were grateful and joined in the worship of the Lord with smiling faces.
What a great blessing to see God working in lives around the world and observing the trust and happiness in His provisions! Maybe it would be good to stop for a few moments, reflect on the blessings of God in your life, and in everything, give thanks to God.
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Comments
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I know you have never met me Ardy, but I feel like I know you from the wonderful things Stephanie Feathers has told me. Anyway... As I read over this post of yours I couldn't help from crying and being brought back to when I went to Zambia in 2007 with my church. I've never met such joyful and thankful people in all my life. God truly blesses those who love Him. I praise God for the ministry He has blessed you with. And I will continue to pray for His work in your life.
Posted by Becca Silloway, 05/04/2009 7:54pm (3 years ago)
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This blog brings back so many memories from when I ministered in India with the team. I am so thankful for the opportunity to bring joy through the Lord to those who disparately need it, and thankful that you were able to do it again this year. God is good... Thank you for your dedication and faithfulness.
Posted by John McDonald, 04/29/2009 1:05pm (3 years ago)
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This blog is a welcomed reminder to me. I d o thank God every day, but sometimes it seems it's just by habit, albeit a good habit, I need to "be right there with God" as I look at His precious face while prostrate before Him at the same time giving Him more thanks and praises! Thank you for being a conduit of His! God bless you all as you endeavor to serve Him from a heart filled with love, gratitude and devotion!
Prayerfully,
SandyPosted by Sandy Marsala, 04/26/2009 10:47am (3 years ago)
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This was wonderful, Ardy. It is truly amazing how we in America are put to shame by those that have so little, and yet have a deeper relationship with Christ than we can even begin to understand.
Posted by Ashley Cooper, 04/26/2009 10:46am (3 years ago)
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Thanks for the timely message. It meant a lot today.
Posted by Darren, 04/23/2009 10:38am (3 years ago)
