30 Days of Thanks....

For the next thirty days I am going to highlight something for which I am thankful. Too many days go by where I forget to even acknowledge that which I am so blessed to have. I rarely live in the reality that 99% of the world lives on less than what I have. I spend too much time focusing on that material things in life, which will all pass, and not enought on those things that God says are eternal. Today I am thankful for:

My Church

I am thankful that I have the privilege to freely attend church and freely praise God. I am thankful that not once has anyone ever tried to stop me from going, and not once have I felt fear before leaving for church. The idea that so many others in different parts of the world live this way is not as real as it should be to me.

I am thankful that the church I attend truly loves one another. I feel so blessed by the people I get to worship next to each Sunday. I am thankful that I am taught from God word whether it's difficult to hear sometimes or not. I am so thankful that I can trust the leaders God has put in place at my church.

I am thankful that this institution of the Church has withstood 2000 years. I am thankful that the church, the body of Christ, is such a clear demonstration of the Divine nature of God. Nothing else has survived like the Church, and it is only because she is protected by God that she does continue on (Lord knows we would have destroyed a million times by now).

I am thankful that I have a place to go each Sunday not only to see God, but see him in others, too. If you've been missing this incredible blessing in your life, maybe it's time to start partaking again.