1 Thessalonians 5:18 (GNV)
In all things, give thanks,
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus toward you.
“Yes, give thanks for ‘all things’ for, as it has been well said ‘Our disappointments are but His appointments.'”
A. W. Pink (1886-1952)
Thank You, Lord, for my disappointments and your divine appointments. Forgive my doubts. Do away with my distress.
Fill me with faith.
Arthur Pink’s writings speak to larger audiences than he ever did. He is better known in death than in life.
Here in the US, it’s the week of Thanksgiving. I’m looking to minds wiser than mine to jumpstart my thankful thinking.
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”
G. K. Chesterton (1874-1935)
Gratitude, Lord! Give me a thankful heart.
Gilbert Chesterton had a way with words. He wrote a hundred books, 200 short stories, more than 4000 newspaper essays, lots of poems and a few plays. He’s known for his commons sense, humor, and eloquence.
Lots of people find reading to be hard work. I call them “reluctant readers.” Many of them lack the ability to scan. They start at the top and work their way down the page, reading every word.
I scan without thinking. I search for a specific Bible verse, barely noticing the surrounding text. Imagine reading every word between the top of the page and the verse you’re looking for. Imagine that every word is hard work.
Now you know why they’re reluctant.
We are saved by grace, not our vote–
by God, not a politician.
Isaiah 12:2 (AMP)
Behold, God, my salvation!
I will trust and not be afraid,
For the Lord God is my strength and song;
Yes, He has become my salvation.
Election Day, 2000: I skipped lunch and went to a nearby park. I sensed the Spirit’s nudge to pray for the candidates’ peace as the votes were tallied.
I pictured the candidates and their wives (George and Laura Bush, Al and Tipper Gore) heading to bed while the votes were counted. I prayed that they would sleep well in the midst of the unknown. I asked God to grant them peace of mind.
I thought this would be a one-night project. 2000 was the longest count in US history. I prayed this for more than a month. 
Candidates who lose don’t automatically drop off my prayer list. Scripture guides my prayers for them too.
Come to think of it, these prayers could apply to everyone I know — including me.
I look to Scripture to guide my prayers. Here are some of my favorites for the candidates who won — including those who did and did not get my vote:
May it be so, Lord.
I used to pray,
Lord, make my candidate win!
I’m learning to pray,
Lord, who would You have me vote for?
My vote is an act of obedience, not a guarantee of the candidate’s victory.
Romans 13:1 (ESV)
And all those who rule now were given that power by God.
God’s power is at work in my life. God’s power is at work in government. At any moment in time, the two may not look the same. God still has it under control.
“54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old – about 130 million people – lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level.”
Forbes, 9/9/2020
Writers, Bible study leaders, pastors,
Remember this: for millions of folks, reading is not fun. It’s hard work. Make each word worth the effort. Keep it short and simple.
My car comes equipped with a lane departure warning system. When I cross the lane line, a light on my dashboard flashes, and I hear a warning alarm.
God has given me a boundary warning system. The Bible is my boundary departure light. The Holy Spirit sounds the alarm.
Do I ignore these warning systems? You bet.
Are the systems set up for my own good? Yep.
Should I pay closer attention? Absolutely.
