It's that time of the year again... between Halloween and Christmas. The one time we are trained to give thanks. You ever wonder about the people who don't have faith in God... who do they give their "thanks" to? Are they still "thankful"? And what are most people "thankful" for during this season? Their families? Stuff? Situations? People? If you have time to burn... look at this site and see what random people are thankful for everyday... very intriguing.www.43things.com

In Colossians, Paul tells us to give thanks in all that we say and do as we reflect Christ. In Romans 5, He is even so radical as to tell us that in the midst of our adversity that we should rejoice! You will have to ask for wisdom from the Spirit in grasping that truth. Sometimes we can't even put into words our thanks as Paul states in 2 Corinthians.

So let me hear from you... In the comments below, share with us things that you are thankful for. We will be discussing and sharing similar things at our gathering this week (11/18) at the Ward's House.

Caution: Paul warns us that we can even be slammed for the things we give thanks for in 1 Corinthians.

As for me... I am very thankful for the understanding of 1 Corinthians 15:56-57. Knowing where sin comes from and having been given victory over that through Jesus is absolutely great news. I am forever thankful... not just for a couple of weeks a year!

Rusty

His worst fear became reality. Driving 47mph in a 40mph zone, he was pulled over and asked for some identification. As an illegal alien, John had no legitimate identification. Consequently, he began telling the officer, “I am a mechanical engineer. My inventions and efforts have saved humanity time and lives. The bridges and other structures I have designed have been amongst the best in existence. I am a legend in my field.”

Unimpressed, the officer replied, “Congratulations! Can I see some identification?”

Unfortunately, this experience is similar in context to a discussion many Christians would experience if they were asked to spiritually identify themselves. Dependent of their efforts of good works and opinions of others’ view of the Bible, many would begin to describe their perceived identification.

This idea causes many brothers and sisters in the faith to exist with a lack of confidence about their situation much like that of an illegal alien trying to fake their citizenship in our country. The feelings of doubt and disillusionment can become intense. The solution for both is to be a citizen. Just as the illegal alien can pursue proper avenues to become a US citizen, a lost person can become a Christian and a Christian can gain confidence in their true identity.

A primary piece of identification would be love. It is not the fake, superficial love of the world. You know the one, the love that is nice to your face and then stabs you in the back when you disappoint someone. It is a pure and godly unconditional love. It is the love parents normally have for their children. It is the love a kid has for their dog. It is a love that is not waiting and keeping score. It is one that just believes and hopes the best for and from the object of it.

Jesus pointed out that love in John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Think about this verse, I Corinthians 8:3 “But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” Isn’t that cool? If you love God, He knows you! It doesn’t say, “if you act like you love God…”, but it says “if you love Him!” Have you ever acted like you didn’t love God? Surely any honest Christian would answer yes to that question; thankfully the promise is based on our decision and not our actions!

Another piece of identification is straight out of scriptures and not my feelings. I am a new creature! Can you imagine that? I wonder how I became a new creation. Do you think it was the result of my community service or my devotion to Bible study or prayer?

Paul says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) One translation says, “all things have become new”. In other words, my citizenship has changed and I have a whole new identity!

Peter adds a number of other components to your identification in I Peter 2:9. “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!”

Can you imagine the Pharisees if they had identity police? “Sir could I see some identification?” “Well sure, I am a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession and am called to proclaim God’s excellencies. Should that be sufficient for you sir?”

John 10:10 says the “thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” Satan is at war with you. He wants to steal your true identity. He constantly whispers false ideas into your mind crying out that you are an illegal alien and not a true citizen of the Holy Nation. Don’t believe him.

Keith Tyner