Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Technically, it is not Christmas yet.  We are in the in-between time, and what a wonderful time it is.

Two verses come to my mind about this wonderful time.  Psalm 106:1 states: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.”  And John 3:16 states: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  Those two verses remind us of what we should be thinking about: that God deserves our thanks for His love, and that love gave us Jesus.

We are in between the holidays, but we are on the other side of what they celebrate.  God has blessed all of us.  He deserves our thanks.  God has given us Jesus.  He deserves our devotion.

It is one thing to celebrate what the holidays represent and another thing to celebrate the celebration.  I hope you will not get wrapped up in the celebrating and not honor the reason for the celebration.

How about giving thanks?

Sometimes our thanks is based on the “stuff” we have.  But “stuff” gets old, goes out of style, goes out of date, and breaks.  We instead should focus on the amazing gifts that God gives: His faithful love, His presence, His salvation, family, friends…

How about focusing on the reason?

It is easy to get excited about sales and parties, but it is more important to get excited about what God has done for us, is doing for us, and has in store for us.  For those of us who are Christians, we must share the hope that was given to us.  For those of us with the money to have cell phones and frequents drive-through trips, we must share the financial blessings we have with others and especially with our churches.

How about praying to show the same love?

We are surrounded by people who are hurting.  We are connected with many who are struggling.  We could turn a blind eye, or we could ask God to help us see the needs around us and know how we can bless them.

The in-between time gives us a month to enjoy.  The in-between time could give us a month to spread joy.  I hope you will choose to make a difference.

When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question.  I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS.  He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads.  He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.

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