Now THANKS be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

II Corthinans 2:14

But THANKS be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:57

THANKS be to God for His indescribable Gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

What are you thankful for this year? As we reflect on the many wonderful Thanksgiving traditions of family, friends fellowhship and food, these memories cause us to be grateful for all of these things and much much more.

We are and can be thankful for things that are eternal and will last throughout eternity.

What does Christ think about on Thanksgiving Day as He is sitting on the right handside of the Heavenly Father?

His goal is the same when He was here on earth walking through the streets of Jersulam.

His goal is that all would come to know and receive.

Christ was thankful for His family. Our heavenly Father and all those that say they are His

"For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven,

the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matt. 12:50

Christ was thankful for His friends

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:14

He was grateful for eating and spending time with His disciples.

"And He said unto them, with desire to eat this passover with you before I suffer:" Luke 22:15

And He is grateful for the food that He offered to all those who would partake of it

"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53

As we gave thanks to God during the month of November, let us

with a full rejoice of praise ring in December....

the month of the wonder birth of our Savior and Lord!

© Copyright 2009 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

"When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

( Hymn-How Firm a Foundation -3rd stanza)

What test and trial are you enduring? Could it be a difficult marriage? A child who is challenging? A hopeless heart? A lost direction? A cranky boss? Devastating news?

Empty wallet? Lonely heart?

Whatever trials of your life that you endure on earth, are considered less than a vapor (James 4:14) when comparing it to the eternal glory that awaits those that call Jesus their Lord.

He is preparing us for that day in which we can see Him face to face.

The servant is not above the master (Matt 10:24), Christ the Lord Himself proved that victory is an obtainable goal because He endured the daily sufferings of this world.

Certainly as He calls us His friends (John 15:12-14), He has equipped us to endure the same.

Remember Jesus said to be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

And not only the daily endurance of the world,

but He overcame the greatest suffering of all-death on the cross.

The greatest sacrifice and gift to all =Salvation

So as the above hymn states...

our earthy flames of situations will not hurt us,

they will purge the dross and make us pure as gold ready to receive our Lord.

Our ultimate joy and satisfaction!

© Copyright 2009 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

GOOD AND EVIL = GOD KNOWS ALL !

In what way would you consider yourself good? Perhaps you might consider yourself good because of...

The good deeds that you do
The fact that you are a good citizen
You are kind and loving

Or maybe your measuring stick is the fact, that you do not do all the “bad” and “horrific” things that you see others do. You know all the hideous crimes and offenses against society that are displayed in the newspapers and the media around the world.

If you are comparing your self with these statements above, not only is this type of reasoning unpromising, it is equally invalid.

A further provoking of this thought is...

How is it that you, a person that always does good things, suffer in this word?
And why is it that those who do evil things appear to have everything work out for them in abundance?
This was the very question that David asked God in several Psalms 10, 37, 73.

When King David, the author of Psalms spoke of good, his definition was a "holy good" in other words it meant following the righteousness of Christ. There is no other good than the good from God's throne. And his holy statues and precepts.

King David had some questions in regards to evil and righteousness. Perhaps some of the very questions you may have.

"Why is it Lord that the wicked in their way is always prospering?" -Ps 10:4-5

This is a question that is relevant today. Why do all these people doing wrong things continue to increase in good things, riches, prosperity? And those who are righteous received suffering of some kind.

It seems unfair until we rest assured with this verse...

"For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish." Ps 1:6

God knows the way of both the evil one and the bad things he does and the righteous one and the good things he does. God will reward each for their deeds.
Be encouraged my friend.

Be strengthen by God's word and promises.

Always looking to Him to cover you with His righteousness.

Praying that you would cling to what is good because of the righteousness of the cross.

With much Christian love,
Simone

© Copyright 2009 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved