November 14:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men –
Timothy 2:1
Whenever I think about Thanksgiving, I am always
reminded of the song, “Count Your Blessings”. I find
myself singing:
Count your blessings name them one by one!
Count your blessings see what God has done!
Count your blessings. Name them one by one.
Count your many blessing see what God has done.
I have often heard the blessing of God divided into three
general categories. There is TIME and TALENT, which
we certainly understand as blessings from God. The last,
TREASURE, is where I think we often trip up. Very often,
we assume that to include material possessions…those things
we can place in a list of “assets” on a loan application.
I believe we neglect to include the PEOPLE God has gifted
into our lives and forget that we cannot live without them.
Those relationships are what we should TREASURE the
most, investing and sacrificing, navigating the difficulties
and conflicts that are sure to come, depending on God’s
wisdom to nurture and value those people.
This single verse can have significant impact on our
TREASURE. Intercessions, prayers and supplications is
not a formula for results but an illustration of the intensity
of our prayers for people. We are to “go the extra mile” in
prayer for others. Then…giving of thanks. How gracious,
my God are You for planting these treasured people in my
life! Forget the stuff, it will pass away. People are the real
TREASURE! Give thanks!