A Thanks Giving Heart

Mea e 'ai e tatau ma le aso

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20)

Thanks giving should be on our lips every day for the blessings He so freely bestows upon us daily.  The blessings He gives so unselfishly in different ways and forms we sometimes forget to recognize and acknowledge to give Him the glory.  

It would please the Lord if you would make an effort to forget yourself. Begin to thank the Lord for your  home, family, friends and your pleasant surroundings, and the many more blessings He gives you. 

By returning thanks to the Lord for His goodness, you can do something for the One who has done everything for you. Think on the depths of compassion that the Saviour felt for you when He hung on that tree. 

For you He gave His life, suffering agony and cruelty of death on the cross.  Can you not praise the Lord in earnest thankfulness for this? If you will hide your life in Christ, He will receive you openly.

If you will show that you have a working faith, by trying every day to exercise your will power, you will gain strength in faith.  I know this by experience. Put your trust in Jesus.  Have faith in Him, and leave all in His hands. You will receive great blessing by making these changes in your habits....

These past few Months, I lost my son, my nephew and my brother in-law, all within a span of a few weeks apart.  Earlier this year, I lost two of my best and dearest friends.  The pain, the agony and the rush of emotions you go through, with a helpless feeling of you not being able to do anything to stop the cycle of death.  It makes you feel so weak inside and you realize in your heart an empty sense of worthlessness.

But to all this there is a cheerful side.  My Saviour seemed to be ever so close by my side.  I can feel His sacred presence in my heart lifting me up, and I was so thankful for it.  These past few months of mental and emotional tribulations were some of the most agonizing and at the same time the most happiest months of my life.   

The ever present companionship of my Saviour.... His love filled my heart.   All through my trials, His love, His tender compassion, was with me, His soothing presence was my comforter....He walked with me, He talked with me, He held me when I felt alone.

When we look unto Jesus,  our pitying, loving Saviour, you can feel Him sympathize with your every emotional roller coaster ride.  If you cast your helpless soul on Christ, He will bring joy and peace to your soul.  He will be your crown of rejoicing, your exceeding great reward.  Your Blessed Hope.

That's why thankfulness ought to be a major ingredient in all our relationships from the time that we awake to when we go to sleep.  Learn to appreciate the gifts he bestows upon you, and treasure the moments with every opportunity you have with those you dearly love.  God Bless and have a Happy Thanks Giving to all.

Ia manuia,

failauga p. anoa'i

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