We bow our heads and hearts in Thanksgiving this day.
May we offer all the Balm of Gilead for all the ways we have "missed" them in our lives. Whatever distinctions, differences we hold for those who sit across the table from us, for those who did not show up, may we offer forgiveness and love and recovery and hope and peace and joy---the Kingdom---which can only come from His Power in us. Our God appeals to our conscience in these verses.Why should we spend our zeal on things that are insignificant, immediate, inconsequential to the Kingdom? The first verse in this reading talks about the controversies they experienced over the "distinctions" in their church life. Romans 14:1. We have faced some distinctions in the churches we have been a part that have evolved into desolation and destruction. No matter what, whatever happens to us, may my focus be fixed on what is going on in my own soul to build not tear down God's Kingdom.
In light of what we have faced, there is a telling question from Matthew Henry: "Why then is not the hurt of the daughter of my people recovered?’’ Is there no balm in Gilead? May the church be the initiator to step up and recover what has been lost in relationships. May we care more about the Kingdom than the building; more about the relationships than the numbers; more about the ministry than our success. The kingdom is not meat. The kingdom is not church growth. The kingdom is not ministry. The kingdom of God is peace and joy and hope.
So, while one person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike, let us all remember this: Not one of us lives for himself. Romans 14:5, 7. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of_________, anything. Romans 14:10.
May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that we will all abound in hope by His Power! Romans 15:13
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 118:1,8
We give thanks to You, O Lord, for You are Good.
Let us take refuge in you this Thanksgiving not in humans.
Psalm 118:1,8
We give thanks to You, O Lord, for You are Good.
Let us take refuge in you this Thanksgiving not in humans.
May each Pearl have most blessed Thanksgiving. May we each focus on what is reaAl and to Whom we should be most grateful to and for.....As I was setting my dining room table, I thought to myself.....this is the smallest number I have ever sat a holiday meal for, brought a lump to my throat. it is what it is and God has His hands all over it. I am thankful for the ones who will come. I am thankful to my Lord for ALL He has done for me and shown me. This is the day the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice in it, for He is here! May each one of us see beyond ourselves and to what He wants and desires and bless His name.
ReplyDeleteOur Thanksgiving was blessed by an abundance of food, a warm home, and family. We are so thankful for God's amazing grace and mercies.
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving blessings to you all. I realized this was my 20th Thanksgiving meal that I cooked this year and a Martha attitude set in yesterday. My mother who was ill passed the baton to me that year to carry on this family tradition the year before she passed away. Sure wish I had come here first to start my day.
ReplyDeleteMy first prayer today as I let the dog run onto the icy grass outside was a smile to my God. I saw all the cars in the drive (a very rare occasion that all three kids are under our roof for the night) and I thought about the young ones in our lives again after those same 20 years.
God fills the holes with new joy, and yet He saves a sacred place for lost loved ones in our hearts. We bless God for all His goodness and the fullness of the bounty He brings to our hearts. May your hearts be full with all that He provides.