Wednesday, November 18, 2009



We were able to make it to Bible study (and the kids to their respective church doings) tonight because, praise the Lord, our van is not broke down - at the moment, that is. 

I had such a great encouraging evening that it lifted my spirits quite a bit. It is simply amazing how much taking that effort to be with other believers to study the word of God does for us. We are still studying the parables and this week's was the Pharisee and the tax collector. This is the one in which the Pharisee makes a big show of himself by praying loudly, raising his arms high, about what a righteous man he is. He even says, "Thank God I am not like that lowly tax collector!"

The tax collector, though, humbles himself and prays for forgiveness. He knows that he is not even worthy enough to look at God, yet Jesus says that man is more righteous than the Pharisee who has kept every letter of the law.

I love this parable because it is a great reminder to me to keep in mind always that I can easily become puffed up and thinking that I know more, do more, am more righteous than someone else. 

So....I am thankful this week for the Bible. Where would I be without my road map of life? I think I could very well be off on another path that leads where I really don't want to end up.

I am also thankful for:

  • food on the table 
  • friends
  • a great church
  • a warm house
  • the health and ability to care for my family
  • the internet - yes, the internet - because it keeps me connected to family and friends I would otherwise have a difficult time reaching
For what are you thankful? Link your thankful post with Grace Alone and find other posts as well.

9 comments:

Denise said...

Such a sweet thankful list.

Melanie said...

Beautiful list of thankfulness!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

Debbie said...

I'm glad you were able to get to service tonight and that your van is still running....YAY... Your service sounds wonderful as do the rest of your blessings. Have a great week. Blessings to you, Debbie

Holly said...

Rita,
Sounds like a good study group... You are blessed to have a good local church body. I'm still in search of HOME. I agree with you. The word tells us that we WILL have trials and testings.... and count it JOY.... boy, that one gets difficult in our own strength - but praise God he strengthens us through his spirit....

Great list to be thankful for.

Holly

Pia said...

precious lesson from the Bible.

blessings...

Amy's Blah, Blah, Blogging said...

Isn't this time of year great when you finally hear people really reflecting on blessing instead of curses? Thank you for sharing your thank you's with us! Great list!

Secondary Roads said...

The gathering of ourselves together is essential to good spiritual health. And it helps revive the spirits. I'll echo that list of "thankful fors."

There is an award for you today on Secondary Roads. God bless.

na said...

That was a wonderful study that you had last night! There are so many things that each of us has to be thankful for every day...I just wish we could be together for Thanksgiving this year. Maybe next year though!

Unknown said...

Rita,

An excellent post. Girl, I would be lost without my church to plug into at least once a week. Especially living with an unbeliever. I need to be around like-minded people at least once a week.

Also, this parable. this was for me today as well. Thank you.

Great list and I also, always love stoping in to read your Thankful list. Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs.