TRY THANKSGIVING

When we're going througha difficult time,we may not feel particularly grrateful.
Yet,even in periods of suffering and fear,we can thank God for His abundant promises and unfailing goodness.When we do express our gratitude to God,a wonderful change takes place
within us.
Henry w.fost,veteran missionary to china, discovered this for himself.
He said "I had received sad news from home, and deep shadows had covered my soul.
I prayed, butthe darkness did not vanish. I summoned myself to endure, but the darkness only deepened. Then I went to an inland station and saw on the wall of the mission home these words: TRY THANKSGIVING. I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone, not to return. Yes, psalmist was right. 'It is good to give thanks to the LORD.'
Perhaps you have felt the a shadow come over your spiritual life. Or maybe you're struggling under heavy burdens that seem unbearable. If so, bow your head and thanks to the LORD for all he has done for you. Tell him you know he loves you and has not abandoned you. Express your gratitude for your salvation, for life itself, and for the good things He has given you. then you will begin to experience for your self the blessing of thanksgiving.

if we were thankful for everything the way GOD'S tell us to be,
what a wonderful change in our living we would be able to see!

Their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality

In the province of Mizoram in India lives a group of christians who have discovered a unique way to give to the work of the Lord.As the woman of the house prepares meals for her family,meals that consist primarily of rice,she measures out just enough rice to feed her family.
Then,before she cook that rice,she reaches into the dish,grabs a handful,and takes it out.
This she sets aside until sunday,when she takes it to church and combines it with the rice brougth by the other woman.the church then sells it and uses the proceeds to support missionary projects.
one of the items purchased was a computer that is being used to help the Mizo people complete a translation of the bible in their language.it would be easy for people without much money to look at the little they have and it's not worth giving.likewise,it would have been easy for the widow in Luke 21 to feel inadequate with her two small coins when she saw the large amounts the rich people out in the temple treasury.
GOD isn't interested in the amount as much as He is in a heart of sacrifice.Thats why Jesus said the widow put in more than all the others(v.3).Can we honestly say that our giving is sacrificial?

The gifts we offer to the Lord Are by His standards masured;Our sacrifice and lives of praise such gifts are ighly treasured.