Thanksgiving Message – Blessed and Highly Favored


 1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Thanksgiving has very special meaning for me this year, particularly because there is so much contrast to the last several years.  As I write this message I am filled with love and thankfulness for all of the blessings in my life.  My relationship with God, my renewed relationships with my kids, my beautiful new girlfriend, my stronger family relationships, my awesome job, and my continue “pursuit” of who God made me to be.  Each morning as I prepare for my day I do my best to spend some quality time with God.  As part of that process I read from a devotional called Jesus Calling; a beautifully written daily reminder of what really matters in this life.  Almost every day this week the message was about thankfulness.  Being thankful for all things, even the trials and struggles.  Like many of you might be thinking, I never really understood this too well until just recently.  I now realize that the trials I went through the last several years were laid out for me perfectly; and all I had to do was to finally make a decision to let God lead my life.  The rest would be provided by Him. 

Two years ago this week I was knee deep in depression and back in my gambling addiction.  As a matter of fact, probably the only day I didn’t gamble, do drugs, or drink that week was actually on Thanksgiving Day.  My ex-wife and her husband were gracious enough to invite me over on Thanksgiving Day; but I declined; still too full of myself and too full of pride.  I decided to try and make a good decision that day; and I went to a local church and spent the better part of the day delivering Thanksgiving meals to the homeless.  You see, God was never too far from me, and He gave me a huge heart for people.  So, even in the middle of my altered state, I spent the day doing good.  I wrote about that day; and if you care to dig back into this blog a few years, you can read it.  However, what I didn’t write about during that time was the fact that I was still living a lie, wrapped up in sin, still not able to manage my own life.  I had not even come close yet to surrendering to Jesus; that would come much later.

Fast forward to last year; another difficult Thanksgiving Day.  I was in rehab and only had half of the day to go visit my children.  My ex-wife and husband, again, graciously invited me to dinner and this time I accepted.  I was very happy to see my kids and even my ex-wife’s family.  With a newfound love for Christ; the day went along fine; but there was an underlying tone that was painful and uncomfortable.  For those of you who are divorced; I’m sure you get the picture.  Anyway, the kids enjoyed having me there and I was thankful to be there.  However, when I left I felt so incredibly sad heading back to rehab.  I thought for a second about not going back; but God was pulling me closer and I knew I had to make the right decision.  Thankfully, I did go back and eventually completed my one-year commitment at Fresh Start Ministries to get my life back on track. 
Fast forward again to today.  While I write this note I am getting ready for a fantastic weekend.  My girlfriend is coming to town, my sister and her husband are coming, and I am going to have Thanksgiving with them and my five awesome kids.  On top of that, we are all going to the New York Giants football game to watch them play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.  We are going to tailgate, and I have two field passes for me and my son to actually be on the field before the game. 

A year and a half ago, I was broke and basically homeless.  Suffering from 5 years of financial strife, trying to find my way, very unsuccessfully I might add.  In such a short period of time my life has been blessed beyond measure; and I find myself so incredibly thankful to God for all of my blessings.  One of the councilors in the ministry told me that I would be “quickened” with favor if I headed in the right direction.  He knew that I was close to my path and that all I needed to do was let God take over.  He was right; my life now is awesome; and keeps getting Better.   
So, if you are down or blue this Thanksgiving Holiday; get down on your knees and take a look up.  You ALL have a Lord and Savior who is there for you; who died on a cross for you; he’s always been there.  However, we must do our part. The Bible says; “come near to Him and He will come near to you.”  He wants to see your faith, He wants you to seek Him for answers; not others and certainly not yourself or something you read in a self-help book.  There are miracles in this life as long as we keep focused on God and living our purpose.  We only go off tract when we lose sight of this very simple premise. 

In closing; if you’re questioning your faith this Holiday season; I am offering a helping hand.  You can call me, e-mail me, and/or reach out to me through Facebook.  Part of our purpose in this life is to help others; and I will NEVER lose sight of that again.
God Bless ALL of you during this glorious Holiday season……..Tony

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