I'm thankful....

[OneAccord]

...for the things the Lord didn't do.

Its odd, isn't it? Maybe its the mood I'm in. I use to love the holidays. Thanksgiving. Christmas. Even Halloween. I use to love them. But, for reasons a few of you may know, the holidays don't mean alot to me now. Even now, I'm suppose to be on the road to spend Thanksgiving with friends in Tennessee. But... well, I'm having to make myself get ready. Not that I don't love and appreciate them. I do, but, well, holidays are just days off from work now. And I'd rather be working.

I remember last Thanksgiving. I declined an invitation to spend Thanksgiving with family. Just couldn't bring myself to pretend to enjoy a holiday meal. So, I stayed home. Alone. Someone offered to bring me a plate, undertsandintg why I just couldn't do the holiday thing. But, they didn't show. I had no Thanksgiving Day meal. Oh, don't feel sad for me, because, in fact, I'm glad they didn't show. Because, well, I was telling someone here on AFF about it, and she prepared a meal and sent it to me by UPS. This kind and thoughtful gesture taught me something about how we, Christians first, Affers second, have God's love for one another in our hearts. We care about each other.

So, maybe its the mood I am. But, I'm thankful for the things God didn't do for me this year. I'm thankful that I didn't win the lottery because the sudden wealth may have corrupted me. But, then again, I didn't play the lottery which may explain why I didn't win.

I'm thankful that God didn't send a special someone into my life yet, because that lets me know shes still out there, and, in spite of who I think I might want to share my life with, He has a better plan for me. Or maybe He has sent someone, and I just don't know it yet.

I'm thankful He didn't make a way for me to take my trip out west. That gives me something to look forward to next year. Or the next. Or....

I'm thankful He didn't answer my every prayer how and when I thought He should have. That taught me maybe I shouldn't be trying to tell God His business. It taught me why I need to have patience, and to trust Him more.

I'm thankful He didn't give me that job I wanted. If He did, I'd be in Minnesota right now. And, rumor has it that Minnesota is no place to be in the winter months.

I'm thankful He didn't provide a job as quickly as I had hoped He would. This taught me that I can be self-reliant. I CAN do some things for myself. I can rely on, not just the God above, but also on the God within.

Oh, I have much to be thankful for. I met Renda, Joe and Teresa. And "Bro. and Sis Cupples" (Thats for you Sherri). I met ForeverBlessed and others. And I attended a church service at Love and Truth Church in Jackson. And we had our very first AFF Gathering. I spent time with Bro. and Sis Raven, and was honored to be present at Bro. Raven's mothers homegoing.

I'm thankful I "reconnected" with friends from long ago. Pastor Malcolm Gardner, my friend Jesse and many others. And I am a part, a small part, but a part nonetheless, of a church family.

Yes, come to think of it, I am thankful for all the Lord has done for me this year. However, maybe its the mood I'm in, but I'm also thankful for what He hasn't done...

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

...for the things the Lord didn't do.

Its odd, isn't it? Maybe its the mood I'm in. I use to love the holidays. Thanksgiving. Christmas. Even Halloween. I use to love them. But, for reasons a few of you may know, the holidays don't mean alot to me now. Even now, I'm suppose to be on the road to spend Thanksgiving with friends in Tennessee. But... well, I'm having to make myself get ready. Not that I don't love and appreciate them. I do, but, well, holidays are just days off from work now. And I'd rather be working.

I remember last Thanksgiving. I declined an invitation to spend Thanksgiving with family. Just couldn't bring myself to pretend to enjoy a holiday meal. So, I stayed home. Alone. Someone offered to bring me a plate, undertsandintg why I just couldn't do the holiday thing. But, they didn't show. I had no Thanksgiving Day meal. Oh, don't feel sad for me, because, in fact, I'm glad they didn't show. Because, well, I was telling someone here on AFF about it, and she prepared a meal and sent it to me by UPS. This kind and thoughtful gesture taught me something about how we, Christians first, Affers second, have God's love for one another in our hearts. We care about each other.

So, maybe its the mood I am. But, I'm thankful for the things God didn't do for me this year. I'm thankful that I didn't win the lottery because the sudden wealth may have corrupted me. But, then again, I didn't play the lottery which may explain why I didn't win.

I'm thankful that God didn't send a special someone into my life yet, because that lets me know shes still out there, and, in spite of who I think I might want to share my life with, He has a better plan for me. Or maybe He has sent someone, and I just don't know it yet.

I'm thankful He didn't make a way for me to take my trip out west. That gives me something to look forward to next year. Or the next. Or....

I'm thankful He didn't answer my every prayer how and when I thought He should have. That taught me maybe I shouldn't be trying to tell God His business. It taught me why I need to have patience, and to trust Him more.

I'm thankful He didn't give me that job I wanted. If He did, I'd be in Minnesota right now. And, rumor has it that Minnesota is no place to be in the winter months.

I'm thankful He didn't provide a job as quickly as I had hoped He would. This taught me that I can be self-reliant. I CAN do some things for myself. I can rely on, not just the God above, but also on the God within.

Oh, I have much to be thankful for. I met Renda, Joe and Teresa. And "Bro. and Sis Cupples" (Thats for you Sherri). I met ForeverBlessed and others. And I attended a church service at Love and Truth Church in Jackson. And we had our very first AFF Gathering. I spent time with Bro. and Sis Raven, and was honored to be present at Bro. Raven's mothers homegoing.

I'm thankful I "reconnected" with friends from long ago. Pastor Malcolm Gardner, my friend Jesse and many others. And I am a part, a small part, but a part nonetheless, of a church family.

Yes, come to think of it, I am thankful for all the Lord has done for me this year. However, maybe its the mood I'm in, but I'm also thankful for what He hasn't done...

Bro. OneAccord,

What an absolutely profound post! I can relate to the fact that some of
the things that were in our plans hasn't worked out yet. Just this past week
the home on a small acreage that we had purchased last year and were in
the process of remodeling to like new, flooded. The water district that ser-
viced this area, had hired a General contractor to lay a new water line along
the road in front of this property. My husband had turned the water off as
he was replacing the shower and tubs in the house. He had taken the tubs
and shower out and left the water turned off until he could get the new tubs
and shower installed. For whatever reason, the company laying the new water
line turned the water on, leaving the water running and flooding the house.

When my husband went out to check the mailbox and check on the house,
he saw water running down the driveway. Running to the front he discovered
water running from the front door. Calling for a camera, the water company,
and with the help of a helpful son in law, and a water vac, was able to get
a lot of the water up. On Monday the contractor called, taking full responsi-
bility for the accident. For five days a company has been running huge fans,
etc. trying to dry out the house. There was no carpet as it had been pulled
up to replace with new. The sheetrock is warping some and a foundation com-
pany, possibly an engineer is being contacted to check foundation damage.
They estimate the water had been running at least three days, possibly
longer, losing thousands of gallons of water.

I said all that to say that in spite of what happened, I have felt such peace.
Didn't panic, didn't fall apart, because I have learned that when God closes
a door, whether temporarily or final, HE has something else in mind for me. I
trust HIM with my life, my soul and my future. He sometimes closes a door too
open an effectual window. I thought for several years that HE was going to
open a door of ministry for me. One day I realized HE had opened a window
instead. I call it my "Windows XP" ministry.

1 Thess 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Falla39

[TJJJ]

Originally Posted by Falla39

Bro. OneAccord,

What an absolutely profound post! I can relate to the fact that some of
the things that were in our plans hasn't worked out yet. Just this past week
the home on a small acreage that we had purchased last year and were in
the process of remodeling to like new, flooded. The water district that ser-
viced this area, had hired a General contractor to lay a new water line along
the road in front of this property. My husband had turned the water off as
he was replacing the shower and tubs in the house. He had taken the tubs
and shower out and left the water turned off until he could get the new tubs
and shower installed. For whatever reason, the company laying the new water
line turned the water on, leaving the water running and flooding the house.

When my husband went out to check the mailbox and check on the house,
he saw water running down the driveway. Running to the front he discovered
water running from the front door. Calling for a camera, the water company,
and with the help of a helpful son in law, and a water vac, was able to get
a lot of the water up. On Monday the contractor called, taking full responsi-
bility for the accident. For five days a company has been running huge fans,
etc. trying to dry out the house. There was no carpet as it had been pulled
up to replace with new. The sheetrock is warping some and a foundation com-
pany, possibly an engineer is being contacted to check foundation damage.
They estimate the water had been running at least three days, possibly
longer, losing thousands of gallons of water.

I said all that to say that in spite of what happened, I have felt such peace.
Didn't panic, didn't fall apart, because I have learned that when God closes
a door, whether temporarily or final, HE has something else in mind for me. I
trust HIM with my life, my soul and my future. He sometimes closes a door too
open an effectual window. I thought for several years that HE was going to
open a door of ministry for me. One day I realized HE had opened a window
instead. I call it my "Windows XP" ministry.

1 Thess 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Falla39

Good to see you Falla!

[OneAccord]

Originally Posted by Falla39

Bro. OneAccord,

What an absolutely profound post! I can relate to the fact that some of
the things that were in our plans hasn't worked out yet. Just this past week
the home on a small acreage that we had purchased last year and were in
the process of remodeling to like new, flooded. The water district that ser-
viced this area, had hired a General contractor to lay a new water line along
the road in front of this property. My husband had turned the water off as
he was replacing the shower and tubs in the house. He had taken the tubs
and shower out and left the water turned off until he could get the new tubs
and shower installed. For whatever reason, the company laying the new water
line turned the water on, leaving the water running and flooding the house.

When my husband went out to check the mailbox and check on the house,
he saw water running down the driveway. Running to the front he discovered
water running from the front door. Calling for a camera, the water company,
and with the help of a helpful son in law, and a water vac, was able to get
a lot of the water up. On Monday the contractor called, taking full responsi-
bility for the accident. For five days a company has been running huge fans,
etc. trying to dry out the house. There was no carpet as it had been pulled
up to replace with new. The sheetrock is warping some and a foundation com-
pany, possibly an engineer is being contacted to check foundation damage.
They estimate the water had been running at least three days, possibly
longer, losing thousands of gallons of water.

I said all that to say that in spite of what happened, I have felt such peace.
Didn't panic, didn't fall apart, because I have learned that when God closes
a door, whether temporarily or final, HE has something else in mind for me. I
trust HIM with my life, my soul and my future. He sometimes closes a door too
open an effectual window. I thought for several years that HE was going to
open a door of ministry for me. One day I realized HE had opened a window
instead. I call it my "Windows XP" ministry.

1 Thess 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Falla39

And what a ministry He has given you. By giving you your Windows XP ministry, He has given to us as well. I can't count the times that I have been uplifted and encouraged by your words. I'm sure I speak for others, but we are so blessed to have you on AFF. I'm very sorry for your troubles, but God certainly has a way of turning our troubles into our advantage. May God bless you and your family.

[freeatlast]

Thankful today for .....friends like you.

[OneAccord]

I wrote the above after thinking about the story of the raising of Lazerus. What if Jesus, upon hearing that his friend was sick, rushed to his side and healed him? What is Lazarus had not died? If so, we would not have this glimpse of a hope of a resurrection. We wouldn't have this hope of the hereafter. And, we wouldn't have this story of God's grace and ability to help when all hope is gone. This is what I wrote after thinking about that story.

Who? What? When? Why? And HOW?

There were many Lazarus’ living during the time of Jesus. And there were several towns named Bethany in Israel at the time. The writer of the Book of John takes particular pains in identifying exactly who he was referring to. It wasn’t just any old Lazarus It was Lazarus who lived at Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha, the Mary that anointed Jesus with ointment and dried his feet with her hair. It was that Lazarus.

The Bible tells us that “Mary and Martha sent unto Him”. They sent messengers to Jesus telling him that Lazarus was sick. But notice, they didn’t say “Lazarus was sick“. They said “Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick”. They did not call him by name. That’s something isn’t it? They didn’t identify Lazarus by name, yet, Jesus knew who they were talking about.

Another New Testament writer says this: “The Lord knoweth them that are His”. 2Ti 2:19 God knows who you are. He knows where you live and He knows your situation. Sometimes we get anxious, we think we are alone in our troubles and we don’t know what to do. The story of the raising of Lazarus tells us what we should do when we have troubles. Mary and Martha “sent for the Lord”. We can call on the Lord and trust Him to move in our situation. Maybe God won’t move how or when we expect, but if our faith calls out to Him, He will move on our behalf.

Now, John 11:5 tells us that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Yet, when He was told that “he who Thou lovest is sick”, did He spring into action and rush to see about Lazarus? No, he did the unexpected. He stayed where He was for another two days. How would we react if we heard a loved one had a life threatening illness? We’d rush to their side. Jesus, however, did just the opposite. Why? Well, for one, He spoke the Word over the situation. “This sickness is NOT unto death…” Period. That settled the matter. When God’s word is spoken in a matter, we can rest assured that Word is true and the matter is settled. Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. And the good news is this: If you can believe and have faith, God has already spoken over your situation. God knows you, He knows your situation and He has already made provision for your situation to be resolved.

Finally, Jesus told His disciples: “Let us go into Judea again”. But, there was a problem. The Jews hated Jesus and tried to kill Him, and the disciples did not want to go into hostile territory. Jesus, however, would not let threats of death keep Him from Lazarus. And, though Satan tries everything at his disposal to keep God from moving for you, God will face the very gates of hell to move on your behalf. Maybe Jesus didn’t move as quickly as Mary and Martha though He should have (11:21), and maybe He didn’t move in the way the disciples wanted Him to (11:11), but, rest assured, my friend, God will move for you in a way and in a time of His choosing, because He is an “on time” God!

Well you know the story. Jesus came on the scene and raised Lazarus from the dead. Heres my point. Jesus did not love Lazarus one bit more than He loves you. “For God so loved the world…” He knows who you are and He knows your situation. More than anything else, however, He knows HOW to move in your situation. You might think you know WHAT you need. Others will say they know WHY this trouble has come upon you. Some will tell you WHO you should turn to for help. And you might wonder WHEN the Lord is going to move. But, we need to remember He knows HOW to work on our behalf.

Whether we can really believe it or not, God had already spoken over our situation. Sick? God has already said “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Broke? The Lord has already promised to supply our every need. What ever your situation is…God has already spoken His Word and that settles it. If. IF we can take Him at His Word. Mountains can be moved IF we can have faith. All things are possible IF we can believe. “IF God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31 We can live, IF we stand fast in the Lord. 1Th 3:8 “IF ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you“. Jhn 15:7

God doesn’t always move when we think He should. He doesn’t always do what we think He should do. He doesn’t always do it how we think He should, but, He will move when, and how and for those who will trust His Word.

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

I wrote the above after thinking about the story of the raising of Lazerus. What if Jesus, upon hearing that his friend was sick, rushed to his side and healed him? What is Lazarus had not died? If so, we would not have this glimpse of a hope of a resurrection. We wouldn't have this hope of the hereafter. And, we wouldn't have this story of God's grace and ability to help when all hope is gone. This is what I wrote after thinking about that story.

Who? What? When? Why? And HOW?

There were many Lazarus’ living during the time of Jesus. And there were several towns named Bethany in Israel at the time. The writer of the Book of John takes particular pains in identifying exactly who he was referring to. It wasn’t just any old Lazarus It was Lazarus who lived at Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha, the Mary that anointed Jesus with ointment and dried his feet with her hair. It was that Lazarus.

The Bible tells us that “Mary and Martha sent unto Him”. They sent messengers to Jesus telling him that Lazarus was sick. But notice, they didn’t say “Lazarus was sick“. They said “Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick”. They did not call him by name. That’s something isn’t it? They didn’t identify Lazarus by name, yet, Jesus knew who they were talking about.

Another New Testament writer says this: “The Lord knoweth them that are His”. 2Ti 2:19 God knows who you are. He knows where you live and He knows your situation. Sometimes we get anxious, we think we are alone in our troubles and we don’t know what to do. The story of the raising of Lazarus tells us what we should do when we have troubles. Mary and Martha “sent for the Lord”. We can call on the Lord and trust Him to move in our situation. Maybe God won’t move how or when we expect, but if our faith calls out to Him, He will move on our behalf.

Now, John 11:5 tells us that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Yet, when He was told that “he who Thou lovest is sick”, did He spring into action and rush to see about Lazarus? No, he did the unexpected. He stayed where He was for another two days. How would we react if we heard a loved one had a life threatening illness? We’d rush to their side. Jesus, however, did just the opposite. Why? Well, for one, He spoke the Word over the situation. “This sickness is NOT unto death…” Period. That settled the matter. When God’s word is spoken in a matter, we can rest assured that Word is true and the matter is settled. Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. And the good news is this: If you can believe and have faith, God has already spoken over your situation. God knows you, He knows your situation and He has already made provision for your situation to be resolved.

Finally, Jesus told His disciples: “Let us go into Judea again”. But, there was a problem. The Jews hated Jesus and tried to kill Him, and the disciples did not want to go into hostile territory. Jesus, however, would not let threats of death keep Him from Lazarus. And, though Satan tries everything at his disposal to keep God from moving for you, God will face the very gates of hell to move on your behalf. Maybe Jesus didn’t move as quickly as Mary and Martha though He should have (11:21), and maybe He didn’t move in the way the disciples wanted Him to (11:11), but, rest assured, my friend, God will move for you in a way and in a time of His choosing, because He is an “on time” God!

Well you know the story. Jesus came on the scene and raised Lazarus from the dead. Heres my point. Jesus did not love Lazarus one bit more than He loves you. “For God so loved the world…” He knows who you are and He knows your situation. More than anything else, however, He knows HOW to move in your situation. You might think you know WHAT you need. Others will say they know WHY this trouble has come upon you. Some will tell you WHO you should turn to for help. And you might wonder WHEN the Lord is going to move. But, we need to remember He knows HOW to work on our behalf.

Whether we can really believe it or not, God had already spoken over our situation. Sick? God has already said “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Broke? The Lord has already promised to supply our every need. What ever your situation is…God has already spoken His Word and that settles it. If. IF we can take Him at His Word. Mountains can be moved IF we can have faith. All things are possible IF we can believe. “IF God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31 We can live, IF we stand fast in the Lord. 1Th 3:8 “IF ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you“. Jhn 15:7

God doesn’t always move when we think He should. He doesn’t always do what we think He should do. He doesn’t always do it how we think He should, but, He will move when, and how and for those who will trust His Word.

Right on, Bro. OneAccord!!

[Blubayou]

I am so thankful for my AFF friends- You have ministered to me so many times. Thank you OA and Falla for sharing your thoughts. I am blessed to have a place like AFF to hang out.

[Truthseeker]

One accord

Why don't you love the holidays anymore?/

[Hoovie]

OA, You are correct. God knows best and his timing is right. He is good ALL the time - even when it seems otherwise to us. He sees the entire picture while we often only see a stroke of the brush...

Bless you on this day. I will say a special prayer for you.