..:: Give Thanks ::..

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy one
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ His son

And now let the weak say I am strong
Let the poor say I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give Thanks

On wed I went for a little catch-up with my ex-poly mates, just a simple updating on how each other are doing. While we were chatting & laughing away. I was one that was all the time keeping silent, but i got contribute my share of laugh also la.

Hearing them updating on each other and listening to them complaining about their bosses & work etc. And also how 'successful' they are.
1) One of them is going to graduate by this year-end with a degree.
2) One of them is going to get married.
3) One of them managed to bid down a house 'HDB - The Pinnacle' with her boyfriend. Etc.

There was more also like the current salaries they are drawing, the bonuses they got for this year etc. Seating with them, listening to their so call 'successes' in life. I do sort of feel that kind of little pinch in me. At that point in time I was actually, silently talking to Father; "Oh God what am i doing?" All of us graduate same year as me, yet they are moving forward faster than me? Have i not work hard enough?
To be frank i was a feeling a little eye sore & jealous lor.But at that point in time i just tell myself that God has already chart the path ahead of me, i need only to put my trust in Him

Psalm 139:3
You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
(a promise that i received from Father, beginning of this year 2005)

But you know what, at that point in time, i just can't help feeling jealous lor.
I mean i felt so 'small' in their mist. Just like what P.Dennis shared with us in Rompin camp, when he had a gathering with his ex-uni friends. He also felt so out of place.

On thurs morning when i went back to work, we had a staff devotion. We sang "Give Thanks" as the worship song. While worshipping, Father allowed this song to ministered to me. In other words, He spoke to me.
Father; "Son, you may not be wealthy, but in my eyes you are. Simply because you have Jesus."

Indeed we can give thanks to God, not because of what we have or what we have been blessed or achieved. But for one simple reason that we can thank God for its because He has given us Jesus.
I may be weak, but Jesus is my strength.
I may be poor, but I am rich in Jesus.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

What for pursue after worldly wealth? When eventually all will be gone when you are gone.
Rather pursue after what is eternal

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Indeed because of what the Lord has done for us, we can Give Thanks.
Pursuing after kingdoms rewards is the best deal in this business of life. You are bound to make lots of bonuses. Yet i want to say that, this pursuing is not about you making the effort. All that needs to be done, has already been settled by Jesus Himself on that cross. All we need to do is to put our trust in Jesus. As simple as that. He will be the one that is holding the key to our victory & salvation

Yes the best bonus in this business of life, is SALVATION (aka eternal life with Father God).
Who can offer this other than Jesus?

So friends, at the end am i trying to say that;
1) Am i going to be poor & weak all my life?
2) Am i not going to be successful as compared to others?
3) Does that mean that what i am doing now is in vain?

Well my friends take heart ok. God never leave us where we are. Yes we are everything in Jesus.

Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

God is not against us attaining successes or striving to be someone great. In fact, God does desire us to live in successes; thereby we can give God all the glory. Rather He is praying that you seek His kingdom first, because He loves you. And He wants to give to you the best & what is of eternal value to you. God is the one who is going to give you the success; you do not have to strive hard for it. God will be the one that will provide all that you will ever need. Just simply put your trust in Him.

I know this is hard, I myself at times also find it hard to believe. You know, one of my many prayers now is that; “Father help me to put my trust in you.”

All in all, Father brought much assurance & comfort through the song 'Give Thanks', assuring me that i will never lose out in Him.

P.S: As you can see the above verses are all 10 years series verses. Some of you can even memorize. Yet nonetheless, Father was able to use them to speak & assure me once again. His wisdom never goes outdated. He's so awesome !!!

May all my friends be encouraged!!!
Michael Kee