Happy Thanksgiving to the Brethren in the Lord and in Adam.

Brothers and Sisters, another Thanksgiving Day is upon us.  Let us enjoy it.  But while we are eating turkey, dressing, fried chicken, cranberry sauce, and pecan pie (I just gained five pounds writing that), let us not forget to thank the Lord Jesus for providing for our every need.

We should not only be thankful to God for giving us relative good health, a right mind, beans and rice on the table, and clothes on our backs and shoes on our feet, but we should also be thankful that we live in a relatively free country.  

Here in America we are free to worship the Lord Jesus as we please.  In many countries openly hostile to the Gospel, it is illegal to worship the Lord Jesus.  Christians in those countries risk their lives every day just trying to share the Gospel message with the lost, let alone spending a day giving thanks to the Lord.

America is one of the few countries in the world, if not the only country in the world that has a day dedicated solely to the giving of thanks to God for His providence.  That is truly a great blessing.  Let us not forget this while we are enjoying the fruits of freedom.

We should also not forget the less fortunate.  Let us not forget that there are many hurting people out there who need a material blessing as well as the love of Jesus.  Let us please say a prayer for them.

Let us also not forget to thank those whom God has allowed to come into our lives for a season: those who showed up at just the right time: to help us through a difficult trial, to pray for us, to pray with us, and to pray over us.  Those who listen to us, who cry with us, who grieve with us, and who laugh with us.  And those who simply come with a Word of encouragement at the precise moment that Word was needed.  And, lest we forget, those who bring a warm heart, a quiet spirit, and a love of the Word of God and for the brethren in the Lord: who clothe us with the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. We must certainly be thankful for these.  I am.

Finally, let us take this opportunity to witness to our unsaved family and friends.  This is one of the few times when people’s hearts are supple and open to the truth.  Many who would normally be reluctant to share their troubles and fears may want to confide in a distant relative or total stranger.  This is especially true in this failing economy.  While conversing over a cup of coffee and slice of pie, you may find a perfect opportunity to give your testimony and slip in the Gospel of Reconciliation.  Be open to the possibilities.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I want to say that I am thankful for all of you who have come here for a word of encouragement, a word of admonishment, a word of wisdom (from the Lord), and, yes, even a word of rebuke.  I am grateful for those who have given me information, thanked me for this ministry, and lifted me up in prayer.   This is a ministry of love and your support has encouraged me greatly.  Yes, I am grateful for you.

And to my estranged family and friends, you are in my prayers.  I have not forgotten you. 

So be well, be thankful, and be safe.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day. 

And don’t eat so much that you can’t look up; for our redemption still draweth nigh!

The Still Man