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I have been sitting with my computer open in my lap for over an hour. I have typed and deleted. And typed some more—and deleted it again.

Seriously, it’s not that hard! Write something about thankfulness and gratitude—anything about thanksgiving and gratitude. And for the last hour, I’ve got nothing except a title. And I don’t even know where that came from.

I started typing, and that is what came out. I always pray about what I am going to write and ask that God guides my fingers over the keys. It seems at this point that he stopped after the title: Thankfulness is not a feeling.

I know that there is something in there. I am just waiting for him to bring it out. Still waiting. I’ve taken a walk, folded laundry, gone on an ice cream date with my husband, played a game of Solitaire, watched a bit of college football and waited for something amazing to come out onto the page.

Thankful or happy?
The thing is, the only thought that keeps coming through my mind are those five words: thankfulness is not a feeling. I guess that it is good that thankfulness is not a feeling, because sometimes I feel more “thankful” than others.

I was thankful that my son passed his college algebra test. I was not thankful that our puppy ate my daughter’s new shoe. I was thankful that my oldest son called me the other day on his way to class. I was not thankful that I forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw and we had to eat leftovers for the 47th time this week.

Am I the only one who walks through life being both “thankful” and “not thankful” depending on what is going on? It seems like we throw the word “thankful” around and confuse it with “happy.”

Gratitude from deep down
The reality is that thankfulness is not dependent on what is happening around us. Thankfulness is dependent on what is happening inside us. David says in Psalm 100:4, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise” (NIV).

When we enter his gates with thanksgiving that means we are full of gratitude, which is a readiness to show appreciation and return kindness. Gratitude isn’t a flippant, “say thank you” kind of thing. Gratitude comes from deep inside you.

I don’t want to confuse feeling happy with expressing gratitude through thankfulness. I don’t want to raise children who do, either. The opposite of gratitude is a forgetfulness or a poor return to kindness shown to you.

Basically, the opposite of gratitude is acting like you deserve more than what you have. We cannot be thankful and think that we are getting the short end of the stick at the same time.

I have heard this question asked, “What if you woke up tomorrow morning with only the things that you had thanked God for the day before?” That is a question that will stop and make you think, won’t it?

If we live a life entering his gates with thanksgiving in our hearts daily, we don’t have to worry about that because we are living a life of dependency, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from him (James 1:17).

He is enough
When we say we are thankful, we are saying that we recognize that what we have is from him, and through him, and in him. We are saying that without him we are nothing. We are recognizing that the “things” we are thankful for like our family and our friends are gifts from a loving father to his children.

When we enter his gates with thanksgiving in our hearts, we come before the Lord knowing that he is Jehovah Jireh, and he has provided all that we need out of his riches and glory. We go before the Lord knowing that he is enough and because of that, we are enough in him.

When we enter into his gates with thanksgiving in our hearts, it does not matter what is happening around us. What is our response when thanksgiving is in our hearts—we come before him with praise. What else could we do?

We can’t give feelings
During this season of Thanksgiving, when we talk with our children about the things that we are thankful for, let’s put a new spin on what thankfulness really is.

It is not just the things that make us “feel happy.” We can be thankful even when we don’t “feel happy.”

I am glad that I waited for his words to come through my fingers. So, thankfulness is not a feeling. It is living in the fact that we “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). We can give thanks—we can’t give feelings.

So—what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? How are you entering his gates?

Christian Parenting. Thankfulness Is Not a Feeling. November 9, 2021.  Lisa Tyson

https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/thankfulness-is-not-a-feeling/

How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

Few places is this more true than the Amazon jungle of Peru. Here indigenous peoples live in remote villages whose only connection to the outside world is by canoe-like boats that move up and down the network of rivers. While the rest of the world has forgotten these people, Jorge Alvarez has not. He established Asociacion Ministerios Fuentes de Agua (AMFA) to bring fresh drinking water and the Living Water of the Gospel to these people. Over the years AMFA has installed hundreds of water wells and hand pumps, some of which were funded by MCC.

One of our desires for partnering with AMFA was to help extend their evangelistic reach into the jungle. We did this by supporting Pastor Victor to travel along with the AMFA team and focus on evangelism. Specifically, Pastor Victor preaches each evening, performs Gospel-oriented hygiene training, and organizes activities with the youth. Pastor Victor also spends a week each month cruising the rivers and visiting communities where AMFA has previously drilled. In this role, Pastor Victor is able to encourage the remote churches and pastors, as well as help build a sense of community among these scattered Christians. Pastor Victor’s effectiveness is clear, as now his trips are largely scheduled according to the request of villages throughout the jungle. On top of this, Pastor Victor finds time to pastor his home church. MCC was recently able to bless Pastor Victor and his church by providing funds to rebuild their church building when the roof collapsed during a storm.

Three years ago, MCC began supporting two men to attend seminary. These men were from communities where AMFA had previously drilled. Over this time, the men and their families have traveled back and forth from the community to the school. In this way they spent half their time at school and half their time at home applying their new skills. This fall they both graduated—Pastor Fernando and Pastor Edgar. Over this time both men have seeded new churches in their communities. Additionally, Pastor Edgar has been assisting Pastor Victor with his duties. Now, Pastor Fernando is not only pastoring his home community, but has also seeded churches in 10 other local villages. As the only means of travel is by boat, MCC has purchased Pastor Fernando a boat, motor and projector so he is able to spend more time evangelizing than paddling.

Indeed, God is orchestrating Romans 10. Through God’s blessing on our church, we are able to send Jorge, Victor, Fernando, and Edgar to the mission field. They are being equipped as preachers through jungle seminaries focused on the unique needs of these communities. Together we are answering the call—How will they believe if they have not heard, and how shall they call on the one they have not believed. We are in the process of identifying the next families to answer God’s call. Please pray for this process.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Gabe Marquez, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else? 

I was born in Taos, NM and I still have my parents and lots of family up there, so Taos will always be my “hometown”, but home for me, in this life, is where the Lord has me now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream? 

I had aspirations of becoming an artist, a hunting guide, or a fly fishing guide. I spent many years as an artist, so in a sense I did experience that, and lately I’ve been spending a lot of time teaching my kids and others to fly fish and hunt, so even though I don’t get paid for it, I get a lot of satisfaction from teaching others to enjoy the outdoors. God is all too good to me… 

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

I have had many spiritual influences over the years, so choosing one would almost be impossible for me. But early on, Terry Ash, who modeled the strength of Christ in his weakness certainly stands out for me. But again, there were many great men and women who impacted me spiritually, almost too many to choose one. Again, the Lord is all too good to me… 

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

My testimony is long and a bit of a story to tell, so let me just say this; Praise God that He is able to humble the proud and that His hand is not too short to save, even a wretch like me… I was 25 when the Lord quickened my heart to life, but it was a long process that included many faithful saints planting the seeds of the gospel on the infertile soil of my heart, until the Lord brought them to life at His intended time. I know with certainty that His plans for me were set from even before the foundation of the world, and my contribution to it all was a lot of fleeing and rejecting, until He unveiled my eyes to the irresistible grace of the love of Christ for me, while I was lying on the floor of a jail cell. 

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

I don’t know that I have a favorite verse, but I find myself quoting Romans, 1 and 2 Peter, the Psalms, and of course the Gospels more often than most these days. But if there is one verse that motivates me the most to pursue the Lord in His word more than any other, it is 1 Samuel 3:1 “…The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.” This is a bone chilling verse for me to think about, and it reminds me how blessed we are to have full access to God's word, things into which even the angels longed to gaze upon. We can become so near-sighted at times that we are blind, even forgetting that we were once cleansed of our former sins. We have all that the Lord intended for us to know in His word, and somehow we often choose to pursue temporal pleasures…The word became flesh! The person of Jesus Christ epitomized the word of God to us, and no one has ever seen God, but the only God who is at the fathers side, He has made Him known! Every question about who God is, is answered in Jesus! In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us! 

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

A couple years ago I noticed a remarkable increase in my desire for God’s word, and an unquenchable longing for a deeper relationship with Him in prayer. I also couldn’t help but notice a multiplying of grace and peace in my heart, as a result. After six months of this happening, my son Joshua gave me a letter explaining that he had been praying that the Lord would light a blazing fire in my heart for Jesus, and that he was so thankful that the Lord had answered his prayers… Now my prayer is that the Spirit would ever increase that fire all the days of my life, until I see Him face to face. 

What is a blessing and what is a challenge you see will come from serving as a deacon?

I feel blessed to have been called to serve the Lord as a servant to my family at MCC, especially since this is not something that I ever aspired to, so it further proves that the Lord is moving me. I’m challenged at this point to see what benefits I might add to the DC, but also very hopeful that the Lord will do what He wills with me. 

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

As far as hobbies are concerned, I love the outdoors. I particularly love bow hunting, fly fishing, fly tying, and camping. My father was very instrumental in it all since he is an avid outdoorsman himself. I also enjoy exercise, gardening, and cooking.

What is your favorite family tradition?

One of my favorite family traditions is to go to the mountains together to harvest a Christmas tree. We normally do this the weekend after Thanksgiving. We go with friends, and make a day of it, playing in the snow (when there is snow), eating good food, drinking hot cocoa, making a campfire, and hanging out in the mountains for the day as we search for the perfect tree! It’s the best!

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids any chance I get. A perfect day off would be to get up early, spend time in the Word while enjoying coffee with my wife in our living room. Followed by a family gym outing. Followed by a great homemade breakfast, and the rest of the day well spent in the woods together hiking to a great piece of fly fishing water. To be honest, as long as I’m with my family I’m happy.  

What is the perfect meal?

We enjoy anything made with simple but high quality ingredients. It’s better if it’s something we grew, caught, hunted or raised ourselves, but to be honest any meal shared with loved ones is the perfect meal. Oh, and yeah, tacos are good! 

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My wife and I have the best relationship. We love each other deeply and have the best conversations.  At times I’m sure we get under each other's skin, and can have heated debates, but we love to laugh together. She makes me smile, a lot…

We asked Ashley: 

What is your favorite trait of Gabe's?

One of my favorite traits of Gabe is his leadership qualities. He leads our family with grace and humility and leads those around him in Truth. Oh, and his sense of humor!

What does Gabe do that can always make you smile?

I can always count on Gabe’s sense of humor to make me smile. 

“It has been hard for my family because my little sister died. Receiving the shoebox was a sign that God had not forgotten me.”
Ernesto, 10, Mexico

It’s time for Operation Christmas Child (OCC)! We will start thinking about packing boxes full of fun items for children all over the world – children suffering from poverty, war, famine, or natural disasters. We imagine their delight as they open their boxes – screeching with excitement at that soccer ball or stuffed animal. It’s fun to pack the box – selecting each item and perhaps leaving a special note. Did you know that a child will only receive one box in their lifetime? How much more precious is your box knowing it is the one shoebox gift they will receive!
Your shoebox is delivered with a gospel lesson taught by a local and an option to attend a 12-week bible study.

OCC has been delivering boxes to children for more than 30 years now. We’ve had a chance to hear the impact of the boxes – from those children who are now grown.

Vanessa grew up in Honduras. Her father was paralyzed in a car accident and lost everything. She could remember her mother expanding her school uniform waistband to make it fit as she grew. She remembered being embarrassed because she had holes in her socks. She cried when the girls made fun of her – thinking how she wanted new socks but was afraid to ask because she knew they had no money. She was given a shoebox at a local church. In her box was a new pair of pink socks! She was ecstatic – they smelled ‘new’. She laid out everything in her box and counted – 17 presents!!!!

She thought about what she heard – about a God who loved her. She went back to the church and gave her life to Jesus. Her parents thought she was foolish. She asked her father if she could pray over him. He refused. One night he woke up in unbearable pain. She asked if she could pray again, and he finally accepted. They took him to the hospital where the doctors found nothing wrong with him – his paralysis of years was gone! Vanessa brought her family to Christ. Her father is now a pastor of a church in Honduras. She remembers the box with the socks but most especially learning of the love of God.

Remember as we pack our boxes this year that God will use your gift. There are so many stories of God making sure the right gift miraculously gets to the child who needs it. Be sure to pray over your box and know that God reaches the hearts of children and their friends/family through your faith and gift. The real gift in an OCC shoebox is God’s love! What a wonderful way to reach the ends of the earth!

MCC will be collecting shoeboxes – pack yours and bring it to the church by Nov. 17th! We’d like each family to pack at least one box and include a personal note to the child. You may receive a letter or email like we did from Ernesto above! Look for more info coming out in the (L)ink or go to Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan’s Purse.

Acts 1:8 “…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

To compare the current political climate to a dumpster fire would insult dumpster fires everywhere. We all know things are crazy. Our nation is angry. Politicians jockey for positions of power and click-seeking media influencers pump rage into our veins. Many struggle with fear and a genuine sense of despair if their ideal candidates don’t win at the ballot box.

The sentiment isn’t much better among God’s people. We struggle to reconcile our faith in God’s sovereignty with current events: Is this event a sign of God’s providence for our nation . . . or a sign of judgment? Does God know things are this unstable? Does he care? Will God allow his people to perish and the wicked to win?

Politics is important, so it’s good for Christians to be active in an election season. But politics isn’t ultimate, so we shouldn’t be anxious in an election season. Still, in a media climate so oriented around hyperbole and scare tactics, fighting political anxiety is easier said than done.

My weapon of choice has been the second psalm.

Introducing Psalm 2

Even though David wrote the second psalm 3,000 years ago, his Spirit-inspired perspective is as fresh as ever. Nations raged then, and they do today (v. 1). Wicked leaders opposed God and his Christ then (vv. 2–3), and they do so today (although you won’t see that truth in the headlines). Psalm 2 reminds us that our favorite candidate will not usher in a utopian society, nor will our least favorite candidate destroy the world as we know it.

When I meditate on Psalm 2, my perspective zooms out from the current turmoil of the world to see the true eternal drama unfolding. As I see who truly reigns over history, my anxiety turns to worship. This psalm motivates me in three specific ways.

1. Psalm 2 inspires me to rejoice in God’s sovereignty and justice.

How does God respond to the world rulers rebelling against him and his Christ? He doesn’t wring his hands in despair or think, What am I going to do! Verse 4 says bluntly, “He who sits in the heavens laughs” (emphasis added).

God laughs because he has set his King on the throne of the universe—and his rule isn’t challenged by term limits, opposing parties, or voter fraud. He’s the eternal King with “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). Current turmoil doesn’t surprise him. Revelation teaches us that Christ is on his throne through the famines, wars, plagues, and revolutions of history. It was the same for the first two world wars and will be the same if a third breaks out. Christ owns the ends of the earth (v. 8) and will smash the disobedient nations to pieces with a rod of iron in judgment (v. 9).

Christian, don’t let raging nations or rebellious politicians suffocate your faith; they’ll one day be Jesus’s piñata as he ushers in his perfect reign on earth. Because he has a firm grasp on the steering wheel of history, we can hope in him beyond the headlines. And according to this psalm, today’s political leaders can too.

2. Psalm 2 challenges me to pray for the conversion of world leaders.

Verses 10–12 conclude the psalm with a call for rulers to escape the Son’s wrath by “[serving] the LORD with fear, and [rejoicing] with trembling.” Every politician who makes your blood boil can escape Jesus’s wrath by bowing before him in reverent humility.

God, the perfect Judge of the universe, could have skipped this part of the psalm—I’ll dash my enemies to pieces because they deserve it. And yet our God is also merciful, desiring all men to be saved. He calls us to pray for the salvation of “kings and . . . all who are in high positions” (1 Tim. 2:1–4). While many world leaders will continue to rebel against the Lord, some will heed God’s warning and take refuge in Christ.

Do you pray for the conversion of world leaders as if it were possible? Don’t forget, with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). Why would God offer this command in 1 Timothy 2 if he didn’t plan to save some? What a glorious thing it would be to see Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Nayib Bukele, Kim Jong-Un, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin worshiping King Jesus with saints from every tribe and tongue and nation in heaven. Think of the eternal difference you could make by praying for world leaders instead of complaining about them.

As the political temperature rises around us, let our prayers rise as well.

3. Psalm 2 motivates me to rest in Christ, our refuge.

If you’re in a major storm and finally reach shelter, how do you react? You breathe a sigh of relief—and rest. The same is true when we pay homage to the true King of the universe (v. 12). When our sins are covered and we no longer fear his wrath, we rest. When we trust his perfect justice, we rest. When we see his sovereign hand over the past, present, and future, we rest. This is no ordinary rest; it’s a blessed rest (v. 12).

From this place of rest, we can engage our political world with a perspective like that of the early church. Instead of letting politics and injustice derail their mission, they were motivated by Psalm 2 to trust God’s sovereign hand and go on the offense by praying for boldness to proclaim the gospel of God’s Son (Acts 4:23–31). Christ’s blessed rest fueled their mission to advance his kingdom, and it can fuel ours as well.

Call to Worship, Not Worry

Every election cycle gives us a choice (and not just the big one at the ballot box). Will we let sinful anxiety overtake us, or will we battle our political fears with gospel truth? Don’t let the consternation of our day harden your heart so you fail to enter Christ’s rest (Heb. 3:7–4:15).

When political anxieties rise in you, filter the drama through God’s eternal purposes expressed in Psalm 2. Remember who’s on the right side of history: Jesus, God’s anointed King, along with all who take refuge in him by faith. Remember past rulers and kingdoms live now only in history books while the true and living King expands his kingdom with unstoppable force across the continents and millennia (Matt. 16:18). Remember his grace saved a wretch like you and can save the worst of humankind. Instead of worrying, we can worship God for the truth and security found in his Word. These days of distress might present our greatest opportunity to exalt the King of kings in a world desperate for hope.

Kevin Halloran, The Gospel Coalition. Use Psalm 2 to Calm Your Political Anxiety. Sept. 10, 2024

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/psalm-2-political-anxiety/