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By Mike Riley
By Mike Riley
By Mike Riley
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages us, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
In this year of our Lord, 2020 (as in all other years), we as Christians should be extremely thankful for the blessings that flow from God’s bountiful hand (Ephesians 1:3; James 1:17; cf. John 3:27). The following are some of the blessings that this writer is thankful for:
1) For the teenager who is washing the dishes and watching TV, because that means that he or she is at home and not on the streets.
2) For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
3) For the mess to clean up after a church luncheon, because it means that I have been surrounded by Christian friends.
4) For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
5) For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
6) For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
7) For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
8) For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
9) For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
10) For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
11) For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
12) For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
13) For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.
14) For too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.
15) And finally ….. for the God of Heaven who cares not only for me but for all mankind (Acts 17:24-28; Philippians 4:19; 2 Peter 3:9).
May the God of heaven abundantly bless each and every reader of this article and web site this year in Jesus’ name, Amen.
During a terrible storm on the ocean, a small passenger ship rolled precariously in the roaring tempest. The furniture and anything else that could move was tied down, and the passengers were confined to their bunks for their own safety. Many on board thought the vessel was doomed.
By David Sproule
By Mike Riley
A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket." His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket." "That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes beneath the branches, and sure enough, there was a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed. "That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!" "No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for." "But that can't be," said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in all this noise."