Cornerstone

 Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and gifts of appreciation warm our hearts. When we receive gifts we know that it really IS the thought that counts. Yes, some do give out of obligation, but it is because of the gifts of love and remembrance that our hearts enlarge with the desire to say, “Thanks.”

How do you adequately express gratitude? I am not sure. I continually feel that I fall short when I try to tell people how much their prayers, their moral support, their encouragement, and their help means to me. Often the gifts that are wrapped only with love carry much more meaning than those that are hidden behind ribbons, wrapping paper and bows.

I never will forget the telephone conversation with my four-year-old grandson. He excitedly told me about preschool. He counted, sang the ABC song, quoted Psalm 23, and then began to sing song after song. It was sweet music to my ears. One song that I especially liked, however, has been rebounding against the walls of my memory. He sang in his childlike voice, “God is good, God is good, God is “berry,” “berry,” berry,” “berry” good. God is Good” etc. Those few moments on the phone where a gift I will treasure forever.

I can’t say it any better. Because God is “berry,” “berry” good I can say thanks. He is the great gift giver. He set the pattern. To Him I owe the ultimate word of thanks. Because of Him I enjoy family, friends and the bounty of life. He is “berry,” “berry”, “berry”, “berry” good. Since every good and perfect gift comes from Him, every time I say thanks in life I am actually lifting words of gratitude to my Lord.

by Dr. Gayle Woods

Psalm 14:1-7 (2)

 [2] The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

We are so centered on our feelings, our life and our future that we sometimes overlook matters of significance.  For example, we speak of the God of hope.  What do we mean by that?  He is the God who gives me hope.  That is good.  But we must never forget that God also hopes.  The Psalmist realized this when he said, “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.”  God was hoping that He would find someone who was spiritually alert.

November 15, 2010 CBS News reported, “ Ten miles from home, a 13-year-old girl was found bound and gagged but alive four days after disappearing with her family. The whereabouts of her mother, brother and another woman remained a mystery, however.”  This almost sounds like a spiritual saga.  Satan has captured a family.  He has bound and gagged them with the entanglements of sin.  But it is God who takes the initiative.  God is out a search and rescue mission.  He has found one, and is looking for the others.  He is calling to them, longing for them, hoping they will hear His voice and respond.

Dr. Gayle Woods