From: B S TURNER Owner
Giving Thanks for the Day and Time 2020
Saying this is a Thanksgiving like no other is probably the most obvious statement that anyone could make - many are told to limit gatherings or not have them at all. Others are told that if you do gather there are "rules' wear this, don't touch that.
I am hopeful that the events of this last year have driven you to read your scriptures more - not just to find prophetic speaking's but to also be aware as to how God has had mercy upon a people that is not only repentant but a people that will stay faithful in all circumstances.
2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
Psalms 30:12 To the end that my soul may give glory to thy name, and sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.
As I read this in Samuel and Psalms I can see that is where we are at, we need to give thanks to the Lord and not be silent about his greatness and mercy but to act. One way to sing praises to his name is to do a work in the name of the Lord, spread the Gospel in deed this day and time so that all can see that your faith is stronger than ever.
There are family, friends and soon to be friends that are in need and are searching during these times. If you were to give thanks in your circumstances and sing praises to the Lord that may be just the thing that is needed to provide a hope that may be lost in many of the lives that you touch.
The Apostle Paul gives us an understanding as he wrote letters to the various Churches of the time:
Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks always, making mention of you all, in our prayers to God for you.
Do you see the theme? Giving thanks always and alwayspraying for others. To appreciate what paul is doing you will have to understand what he went through - there is a guy that could have every reason to NOT be thankful for what he had. Not matter the circumstance he never took his eye off "the cross that is set upon a hill"
The Book of Mormon has great testimonies of a people that traveled in the wilderness, in faith, not knowing for sure where they were going but always thankful for each day they had with God and others that were around them.
1 Nephi 5:41 And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him.
Notice the added ingredient - humility - not just the "thanks God for everything" kind of prayer but when one is in a humble state you know with a clarity from where your blessings originated.
Mosiah 11:149 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one, by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed; being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.
Today let's take a moment to stop and think about all things both good and bad that we have experienced and those things that we have done that have not represented God in our lives as it should be. Ask for forgiveness and in humility give thanks in all things.
Reach out today whether it be a video call an old fashioned phone call, text or email and let others know that you are thankful for them and the blessings that God has given you and that you are praying for them.
I leave you with this scripture given in latter days:
DC 46:9b and ye must give thanks unto God in the spirit for whatever blessing ye are blessed with; and ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Brian Turner
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