On Thanksgiving Day, when you are sitting around the table sharing your blessings, it’s easy to feel thankful. But we all have to work to maintain a grateful spirit every other day. Perhaps it would help to identify these four attitudes that are enemies of thankfulness:

Comparison

This is one of the most ignorant enemies of thankfulness. Comparison tends to make us feel inadequate, boastful, or lacking—all of which kill a spirit of gratefulness. We only see a small portion of the lives of others. It may appear that they have more or better than us, but we do not know all the other aspects of their lives and in what other ways God is working in their lives. It’s far better for us to trust God in His dealings with others and compare ourselves to no one but Christ. (more…)

As I write these thoughts, I am flying home from Seattle where our youngest son, Matthew, was just married. My heart is thrilled to think of how God has blessed him with a new bride. I am excited to know that they are going to serve the Lord with their lives in the days ahead.

While I am glad that each of our four children is married to a godly spouse, I must admit I am a little sad at the passing of time. As I look back over the years of raising our children, I certainly can think of areas in which we could have done better. But I also thank the Lord that our four children went to the wedding altar in purity and with a dedication for the Lord Jesus Christ.

When I was thinking about why I should be glad, twenty-three reasons came to my mind: (more…)

The last few weeks have been memorable and enjoyable as our family was able to take a few weeks vacation together. Most of our trip was centered around visiting with family and extended family in Colorado. The chief attraction of this vacation for me was my grandson Camden! (Click here to see a few more vacation photos.)

Having Camden with us reminded me of how quickly time flies. It seems just yesterday that our own children were his age. It was a joy these past couple of weeks to have all four of our children and their spouses with us. I can wholeheartedly echo the words of Proverbs 23:24: “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.”

Terrie and I thank the Lord for each of our children, and we rejoice in their hearts for the Lord. Our three oldest children who are married are serving the Lord in the ministry. Our youngest son Matthew is preparing to be married this August. He and Katie look forward to serving in ministry together.

I don’t regret any time I’ve invested in my children, and I cherish every moment I’ve been able to spend with my wife. My family is a great treasure from the Lord, and I’m so thankful for every moment I’ve shared with each of them.

This Thanksgiving season, I’ve been meditating on Psalm 100 and finding much encouragement through its basic truths. With Larry’s surgery this past Saturday and these days of waiting for further test results, the Lord has used this Psalm to remind me that the most important time to count blessings is during the difficult times. God remains the same in all seasons, and Psalm 100:3 tells us three truths about God that thankful people continually acknowledge.

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

1. Thankful people trust in God’s sovereignty.

A dear pastor friend in another state called a few days ago to tell me he was praying for our son Larry and our family. I missed his call, but he made a statement on my voice mail that has helped me tremendously. “I don’t always understand our God,” he said—and then quickly added, “but I always trust Him.” (more…)