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Thanksgiving 2023!!! 11/19/23
Lamentations 3:39 (KJV)
39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
It was 3:30 AM this morning when I realized that the above Verse was actually a THANKSGIVING MESSAGE!!!
BTW-HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my oft perusing of the HOLY BIBLE, I stumbled upon Lamentations 3:39. It was underlined in my “preaching” Bible given to me WAY BACK in 1994.
It shocked me in its stark TRUTH as I remembered not ever personalizing that particular Verse.
The last several months I have experienced a lingering medical issue-one among many and the more as I age-that has been very debilitating and discouraging. One that has few optimal options-BACK PROBLEMS.
I am SHOCKED that after 70 plus years to undergo this problem!! I have long lauded the BLESSING of good physical health and reveled in the fact that I could so easily exercise.
Much like the Apostle Paul, I have diligently sought the Lord for His Healing Hand:
2 Corinthians 12:7-8 (KJV)
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
I have watched, “honestly” and humbly confessing, OTHERS forced to ride electric shopping carts and diligently praised God that was not ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But here I sat, in my car, needing to WALK into the grocery store and knowing how painful the walk would be..............................
And so I opened my Bible to:
Lamentations 3:39 (KJV)
39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
“Wherefore doth a LIVING man complain”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????
I have lived a relatively pain free life for 72 years. YES, I have experienced much trial and tribulation, but rarely was it ME-
“STANDING IN THE NEED OF PRAYER!”
It is and was ME suffering PERSONAL physical debilitation and, trust me, I didn't and do NOT like it......................
WHY ME, LORD?????????????????????????
Now, may I PREACH to ME and possibly YOU.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV)
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
All my long life I have prided myself in “my” ability to beat the “odds”.
I could beat various illnesses by diet and exercise, AND “take a licking and keep on ticking!!”
BUT, dearly beloved, NO ONE leaves planet earth alive, and we ALL someday/somehow DIE of something-NO ONE DIES OF NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!! AMEN!!??
The Psalmist David understood the frailty of THIS life:
Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 39:4 (KJV)
4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Our human bodies are not designated to live forever-they gradually wear out.
Try as we might, we all grow old, and try as human beings have, there is no earthly fountain of life.
No reason to harp on this one fact.
TODAY, in this WONDERFUL season-MY FAVORITE-may WE sek to be THANKFUL for TODAY!!
Thank God for what you DO have and what YOU coulda/shoulda have!!!
In that same Chapter I began my message with Jeremiah wrote this:
Lamentations 3:21-26 (KJV)
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!!
Beloved, it COULD be worse!!!!!
Whatever troubles and trial YOU may be undergoing, take time now to be THANKFUL for what you DO have!!!!
AMEN AND AMEN!!!
HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO YOU AND YOURS!!!
Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
God Bless You!!
Pastor Doug
Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected], or by phone:
404-295-5644 or
CHURCH ADDRESS:
70 Stone Rd.
McDonough, GA. 30253
Your tithes and offerings are greatly appreciated and much needed and can be sent to the above CHURCH ADDRESS or by accessing our website:
WWW.GOSPELOUTREACHCHURCH.COM
and/or via pay pal or cash app.
Thank You and God Bless You!!!
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