November 22, 2020
In the United States and Canada, a day is set aside each year as Thanksgiving Day. On this day the people give thanks with feasting, football and prayer for the blessings they may have received duringthe year. The first Thanksgiving days were harvest festivals, or days for thanking God for plentiful crops. Although we ae no longer primarily an agrarian nation, as peopld of God we understand the Biblical concept of Thanksgiving.
- First of all, Always give thanks. The Apostle Paul tells us: Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:20). Whatever and whenever, always have an “attitude of gratitude”. In good times and in bad times, no matter what, be thankful: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess. 5:18). Thankfulness is spontaneous: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). This Pastor can certainly relate to thanking God for the wonderful people whose lives have touched me in such a meaningful way. Talk about Thanksgiving Day, every day and at all times, thankfulness.
- Secondly, Come before God with thanksgiving. Hear the Psalmist: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). One of the multi-facets of prayer is thanksgiving, the outpouring of gratitude to God because of His grace, mercy and lovingkindness. Again, hear the Psalmist: For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5) God is good and truly, He is good all the time. It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.
- Lastly, as people of God Offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. I (a child of God) will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:17)
Worship and thanksgiving. Do you see it? Every day is Thanksgiving Day. To the only wise God our Savior be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. A-men.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” (Eccl 3:1). The wise man, Solomon, shares with us a very important lesson for life. Here it is: there is a right time for everything. We know that God has a plan for all people. Timing is important. All of the experiences of life that are outlined in verses one thru eight are certain at some time in life. What we must learn is how to accept and appreciate God’s perfect timing. Our God is omniscient, He is all knowing. He is aware of our ever human experience. He is aware of this horrific pandemic, the toxic political climate, and the systemic racism that is so prevalent at this time. During such times we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plans, these problems should not be a barrier to believing that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God works out all things for our good. This, dear people, does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn it around for our long range good. Our God, who sits outside of time, orchestrates time. To not understand this can result in despair, depression, or moving ahead without His advice or consent. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
should be the position of the believer? May I suggest the following:
Jehovah God spoke through the Prophet Amos many years ago this admonition: “But let judgement (justice) run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Then, as now, justice was perverted and those who try to do right are hated for their justice. The law courts should have been, and should be, places of justice where the poor and oppressed can find relief. The unfortunate, it is as Paul says of the Law of Moses in Romans 8:3: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in flesh:” The basic problem of our society is sin, and our Problem Solver has dealt with this issue once and for all times. When I look at some of the lawsuits being filed today as an example, the Trump administration suing to end the National Census, the Texas GOP suing to end curbside and drive-thru voting, how needful it is for “Justice to run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” We are not now there but this Pastor sees a reason for hope. When I see the all inclusive involvement in the protest of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others, one will note that the moral arc of righteousness is slowly bending toward justice for all. As was spoken by the prophet Amos “the day of the Lord” is coming and it will bring judgement (justice). In spite of everything, GOD HAS SPOKEN. As for you dear people, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9) “The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways” (Deuteronomy 28:7) Amen.