Romans 8:28. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
29. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;
30. and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
We learn in the study of God's word that we are to be thankful for all things. Some of them are tough.
When I served in Viet Nam I did things that disturbed me tremendously. For over 23 years I beat myself up and believed that God didn't love me, I hadn't read the Bible. Were the terrible things that went on in my life and around me for my benefit? Yes! I could not be the man I am today without one of those events.
Am I thankful that God had such a seemingly awful plan for my life? Yes! I have noticed that some do not love God the way I do. You see, God forgave me so much that I could do no less than to totally sell out to Him. God forgave me all of my sin before, during and after Viet Nam. So, do I love God? More than I love my wife and my children combined.
This day will bring new challenges from the enemy. Still, I will praise God because He first loved me enough to suffer the cross I deserve. Just think, no matter how bad it gets, I will never stand in front of the Great White Throne for the judgment of sins. I have more than most to be thankful for.
So, am I perfect now? Positionally, yes. But if you ask my wife or my children they will explain that I have my problems. And God still loves me anyway. Give thanks today for the hard times that God has used to shape you into a stronger Christian.
I apologize for the missed newsletter of jokes this week but I have been busy learning new technology and building a starter web page at Wildwood Baptist Church. As soon as I'm finished with it I'll let go of it and the church will build a good site there. In the mean time watch it for changes.
Happy Thanksgiving and remember to pray.