Be Thankful?

They will know we are Christians by our love.  Really?

Thanksgiving is celebrated this month.  But too many leaders everywhere, in every walk of life, seem to be going astray.  The White House is not the only place where leaders are wreaking havoc.  Wasn't the United States already having way too many people starving?  Did we really need another shutdown stalemate where either side refuses to feed people when it is within their means to do so?

So, what do we have to be thankful for?   No, I'm serious.  I pose this question to you. Why do we have to be thankful?  When will the government pay the people who will provide sustenance?

Why should someone's political party be a reason for the damage that is done during this shutdown?  And yet, we are still asked to be thankful.

Many folks will ask their families to gather around the dinner table and say why they are thankful.  Churches will have Thanksgiving breakfast and/or service.  And what will be the topic, Thanksgiving!?

How do I preach the goodness of Jesus when people can't eat, can't pay bills, can't pay insurance premiums, can't fill their gas tanks, or pay their utilities to avoid going without heat, electricity, or water?  This is the hope we must give all while people sit and watch TV, listen to the radio, check their smart devices as they stand on their last leg of power…  just to see that nothing has changed.

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, had a word of wisdom to share.  The exact time in Christian history is unknown.  Nevertheless, Acts 10:34 tells of an occasion after Jesus’ ascension.  Peter was speaking to a group of Jews and Gentiles.  The Holy Spirit was poured on all gathered.  Having witnessed the pouring of the Holy and understanding by all that led to the praising of the Most High, Peter said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

Back then, the Jews were surprised that the word was for all.  Today, there is no excuse.  We all should be well aware that this message is for all.  The one who was crucified and raised that our sins might be forgiven does not play favoritism.  While we are playing demi-gods that are not to be worshiped, time is being wasted, and people are being hurt.

And yet I say hold fast to Jesus, who is still in the business of saving.  I know that things are hard this year, and we do not see an end to the hardship.  I know it is unsettling when you have built retirement savings and now watch it dwindling to nothing as you try to make ends meet.

It is at these moments when we must band together and let Christ hear from us.  Send prayers all day, every day, asking for deliverance.  Let Jesus know from your lips and your heart that you still have faith and will watch and wait for his marvelous works.

On the days leading up to this Thanksgiving, when so much on earth might be bleak, hold close to a promise that God made to never leave or forsake us.  Keep hope!  And who knows, by that day, I’ll have more to be thankful for than just another birthday.  We can all be thankful that God once again has found a way out of no human way to create change for the better.

In the meantime, give God praise, teach peace.  And because we have Jesus to be thankful for, go ahead and put the capital “T” back on the holiday.  On Thanksgiving Day, let others know you are Christians by your love!