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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: THANKFUL (11/14/19)
Estella Grigsby lives alone in an elegant house with well-appointed furnishings that speak of a history of opulence. Once shiny and glittery, her lavish decor now appears gaudy — old and faded like a worn out circus act. But for Estella, her once-beloved treasures no longer matter. On-going oral health problems force her to liquify her meals and her world now consists of constant pain and emptiness. As her body deteriorates, so have her material idols.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

Karen Kay resides in a small condo with her husband and two dogs. They have modest furniture and simple decor. Neither are able to work due to their health issues — Karen being the most serious, needing frequent hospitalizations. But they have Jesus Christ in their lives. Although chronically ill, Karen trusts God’s plan for her life and is thankful for each extra day she is alive and for the times when she’s not in the hospital.

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 NIV

Cassie Cooley lives alone in an apartment with adequate furnishings, and decorated with things that make her happy. Although single, having never married, she is content with few material possessions. Now in the winter of her life, she has medical issues, but has always trusted God to take care of her. Jesus is like the husband/father/brother she never had, and Cassie is grateful for all He has done in her life.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV


God never guaranteed that life would be easy, but promised to never abandon those who walk with Him. Jesus warns against placing great value on things of the world; worshipping them instead of the one true God. Material belongings — as well as all things living, will erode, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews13:8) Now that is something to be thankful for.
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This article has been read 466 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanney Uthe 
11/21/19
Gratitude and contentment really do go hand-in-hand. You showed this well.
Corinne Smelker 
11/21/19
Like the tie in of scripture. I have met poor people who do not have Jesus act like the first person described, and very wealthy people who love Jesus and who are happy to trust Him.



Dennis Gallemore
11/21/19
Well said!
Nancy Sullivan 
11/24/19
You offer an unspoken challenge to take stock of our own circumstances and our gratitude in any situation. Thanks for sharing.
Laurie Glass 
11/24/19
On topic, delivered in an original format, and makes a person think. Well done.
Debra Brand 
11/29/19
The stories of lives always teach. Good word.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/01/19
I can definitely relate to this having medical problems for more than half of my life. I've found ways to be thankful that I might never experienced if not for being sick. I can't say how many times I have been in the hospital where God used me to help a roommate, nurse, or even a doctor. It's been pretty cool. I like the verses you attached to each story. Congratulations on ranking 12 overall. Happy Dance!