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Black Church News in Virginia

Inspirational Message: Praise God With Thanks

gladysmcelmore
We thank God for what He does and for what He gives us. We praise Him for who He is in our world. After assessing our situation, we can always add a note of thanksgiving to our chord of praise! Is it safe for us to think God wants to use us as catalysts for change in our broken society? From ancient times, throughout history to our present existence, God has used His people to impact and influence society. His chosen people are not always greatly known leaders or founders of great movements; God always manages to place a few of His people in strategic positions where their help is visible.

After studying the lives of biblical prophets and being impressed with God’s miracles, it may not be difficult for us to praise and honor Him in our situations. What is applicable to our lives today? When we are anxious, afraid and in need of counseling, we do not need an argument or harassment; we simply need to know that God is always available in our lives. Sometimes God is acting through the lives of our associates, and can give us new opportunities for Christian participation. Do we need insight from God for ourselves and to counsel and comfort others? Yes, because we can do nothing on our own. With God anything is possible.

Do we suffer from living in a culture that is increasingly hostile to our biblical values? We, as believers, know that it takes great courage and faith to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. It is convincingly true that biblical standards are valuable as we daily face fears of health problems, employment, retirement challenges, family situations and other means of oppositions. God has work that can be done regardless of worldly challenges. We may become examples of good works in a dark world and find peace in the certainty that God controls our present and the future without limitations.

Sometimes it is through unstable circumstances in our lives, that we definitely learn to praise and trust God! Finally as a last resort, God is accepted as our means of truth and life saving changes. Trusting in God should be our first priority instead of our last resort. We must remember to praise and thank God for changes and healing in our lives. Why do we sometimes hesitate to be a vessel of help for God’s people? We can be afraid for ourselves and for others. We can continue to ask God for strength to aid others to see Him as sovereign over human affairs. God can help us to see the truth clearly and to speak boldly. Through God’s power, we can be positioned and empowered to influence others to follow His ways.

At the same time, patience is needed for our lasting personal growth and to persuade others to seek God while He may be found! Notice the problems when we arrogantly admire our own power, majesty and accomplishments. The Most High God can reduce any of us to wilted creatures until He decides differently. God makes the final decisions for our lives. Let us ask God for opportunities to share His good news. Our caring and love can make us quick to listen and slow to condemn as we engage in conversations, refer scriptures, engage in group activities, prayers, worship services and meanwhile continue to study God’s word. Praise and thank God for our physical, spiritual, mental, emotional and societal healing and wholeness. Let us recognize God’s absolute control as we try to obey His laws, repent of our sins and appreciate His love and mercy to make us catalysts for godly changes in our world!

Some helpful references:
1 Corinthians 15:57
Psalm 119:175
2 Corinthians 9:15
Ephesians 1:12
Psalm 100:4
1 Chronicles 16:34
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.

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