BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The men of Ephraim, well-equipped with bows and arrows, turned and ran on the day of battle. They had not been faithful to God’s promise. They refused to follow his teachings.
They forgot what he had done—the miracles that he had shown them.” Psalm 78:9-11 GW

These verses are ones that I have referenced over the years of my ministry. However, as I was reading Psalm 78 once again, I noticed the connection to preceding verses, underscoring the psalmists challenge.

Psalm 78, is a seminal passage when it comes to the call to “pass the faith” to the next generation. It is not just what to believe, it is the story of God’s faithfulness, power and trustworthiness.

Take note of these verses with some key words highlighted.

“[The Lord] established written instructions for Jacob’s people. He gave his teachings to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make them known to their children so that the next generation would know them. Children yet to be born would learn them. They will grow up and tell their children to trust God, to remember what he has done, and to obey his commands.” (Psalm 78:5-7 GW)

The stated intent in the verses after these is so the next generation will avoid the failings and idolatry of their ancestors. So their hearts will not be hard. So they will be faithful to the Lord and His commands.

Then the psalmist seems to change his focus. That’s at least how I used to read this psalm. Even with the wording of the verses, I failed to see how the reference to the cowardliness of Ephraim was connect to the whole focus of this psalm. Ephraim’s failure in battle is an example of what happens when the Lord’s instructions are not just ignored, but when they are not passed from one generation to the next.

The history of God’s people reveals how the Lord had won many great victories for His people. Though outnumbered, they were conquerors. But when God’s people forgot that it was the Lord who was, “The Lord of hosts, The Lord mighty in battle”  (Psalm 24:8), when they began to trust in their own resources and strength, they were defeated. Worse than that, they ran even before engaging in the battle.

Forgetting the Lord’s instructions and His provision not only leads to defeat before enemies, it is the road to idolatry and destruction. We see this in Moses’ message as God’s people prepared to enter the promised land in Deuteronomy 8.

“Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God. Don’t fail to obey his commands, rules, and laws that I’m giving you today…be careful that you don’t become arrogant and forget the Lord your God… I warn you today that if you forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, and if you serve them and bow down to them, you will certainly be destroyed.” (Deuteronomy 8:11-19 GW)

And that is what happened as is revealed in the history of God’s people. They became complacent, self-reliant, failed to be a people who kept the Lord in the center of their lives. As a result, the Lord was gradually pushed to out or at least to the periphery of their lives and was viewed like any other god of Canaan.

They failed to remember what Paul in his sermon on Mars Hill reminded his listeners, “…nor is He [God] served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things;” (Acts 17:25)

In the words of the old song of Andre’ Crouch from the 1970’s, we need to remember and pass this truth on to the next generation: “All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory, for the things He has done.” 

I am almost afraid to see how long it has been since I have written a reflection on scripture. Perhaps the reason for a lengthy dissertation below. Debbie and I have been keeping busy. The end of last month we attended a “Grand-parenting Summit” in southern California and then spent an additional week there as a delayed 65th birthday trip for both of us.

I am pleased to report that life for me seems to be taking on a “normal” routine! I am pain free, I am able to return to some fitness workouts and I have lost about 34 pounds since the end of October. I weigh less now than when I was hospitalized with West Nile Virus. However, as friends have reminded me, “when you get older, the weight shifts.”

Finally, Debbie trying to make a job assignment shift, which keeps getting delayed. Also, next month I will teach my first online course with Colorado Christian University in their nonprofit management program. So at this point life is good. Perhaps better than it has been in recent years. For that we praise the Lord and are so grateful for the prayers and support of many friends and family members.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Miriam and Aaron began to criticize Moses because he was married to a woman from Sudan. They asked, “Did the Lord speak only through Moses? Didn’t he also speak through us?” …. Numbers 12:1,2 GW  

“Korah…, Dathan… and Abiram…, and On… dared to challenge Moses…” Numbers 16:1 GW

As I was reading through Numbers recently, the series of attacks on Moses’ leadership had me reflecting on how what we see in these passages is still common today.

Moses undoubtedly had the biggest leadership task any individual could take on. He was powerfully used of the Lord and even in his own humanity, he remained “meek” and demonstrated the proper response to challenging times. Yes, we do see his anger arise but it was more temporary than resulting in bitterness and burnout.

In the heart of Numbers (chapters 12-16) there are three significant challenges Moses’ leadership faced. First was from his own sister, Miriam and brother Aaron. It is one thing to have your leadership, integrity and character called into question, but when it comes from your own family or those closest to you it is even more painful and challenging.

In this situation, I observe that the, “issue isn’t always the issue.” Notice their complaint was, “Did the Lord speak only through Moses? Didn’t he also speak through us?” These siblings were upset with Moses over his selection of a wife, (which we never see God condemning) but their public outcry was Moses’ authority as “the” leader. Perhaps they viewed his actions as a “fatal ” flaw or a disqualification for leadership. In their minds the two were connected, but that is not always the case.

It seems that Miriam was the primary instigator and she talked Aaron into joining her. I say that due to her receiving the Lord’s judgment and not Aaron and observing how, if someone is upset at a leader, the first thing they do is to get some one else to get up set as well and join them.

Next we see the negative report of the ten spies who scouted out the promised land. Joshua and Caleb are known as the two “faith-filled” spies that said, “Let’s go now and take possession of the land. We should be more than able to conquer it.” (Numbers 13:30 GW) But the ten other spies, looked at the obstacles and not the opportunities and gave into fear. As a result, “they began to spread lies among the Israelites about the land they had explored.” (Numbers 13:32 GW)

It is interesting how when a grand goal that requires faith and God’s intervention can be sabotaged when a group of people only consider their own abilities and resources and respond in fear. Some take the approach that is is better to try and fail than to maintain the status quo. Others feel more comfortable in what they know or have than to trust God to give them what they need or take them where they could not go on their own.

Once again we see these spies gaining support for their position, by “spreading lies.” Since fear is a great motivator these former slaves quickly cave into the attitude and fears of the ten spies and begin to exaggerate their situation and destiny. “We are going to die in the dessert” they complain. The Lord responds and says, “have it as you wish.” As a result, the entrance into the promised land was delayed by 40 years as “that” generation died off in the dessert. Those who oppose God’s plan and purpose, always look for allies in for their cause.

Finally, I notice the rebellion of Korah and his followers. Korah is named as the “ringleader” and he gains the support of three others in challenging Moses’ leadership. Look at their complaint,  “You’ve gone far enough! Everyone in the whole community is holy, and the Lord is among them. Why do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:3 GW)

This sounds similar to the complaint of Miriam and Aaron. That leads me to believe that they sowed some seeds of distrust and division that manifested itself at another time, in another situation. We see once again the Lord coming to the defense of Moses and Korah, his followers and their families die when an earthquake swallows them.

This leads to Moses being challenged by the “entire congregation” with the complaint, “You have killed the Lord’s people.” (Numbers 16:41 GW) At this point it would seem that Moses should be asking, “when is enough, enough?” The Lord steps in and sends a plague that kills those rebelling against Moses’ leadership.

Finally some important observations we see from Moses, that do give us some important “leadership lessons.” First, leadership will be questioned. In some form, at some time, in some manner it will happen. It will happen if a leader does nothing. It will happen if a leader does something.

Moses, even dealing with his own human emotions, remained humble. We see him respond, but not retaliate. He prayed for and interceded for those who opposed him. He took quick actions for Aaron to follow to stop the plague that was killing the people after the death of Korah and his followers.

We see God, being Moses’ defender. This is a great challenge. It is easy to be quick to defend ourselves. It is easy to “respond in kind.” But to remain humble, to act wisely and to trust the Lord for the truth to be revealed for the Lord to be our defender is a challenge.

In closing these attacks on Moses and his leadership all find themselves “book ended” around being at the border of the promised land and preparing to move into possess the land the Lord had for them. It is difficult to know the exact timeline of all these events. But the sequence is obvious. Miriam and Aaron’s issue just before the spies are sent out. The return of the spies and the rebellion of the spies and the people about moving forward with the Lord’s plan.  After, God’s verdict that they will wander in the dessert for 40 years, we see the rebellion of Korah and his followers.

Leaders need to remember that “rebellion” and challenges is not necessarily an indication that you are “out of God’s will.” It could be an indication that just the opposite is true.

One of the great challenges for a leader is to continue to love people, remain humble, trust the Lord and seek Him even in the midst of pursuing your God-given call and leading people where the Lord desires them to go.

When it comes to me and my activities, “no news is good news.” I’m glad I continue to be active and pain free! Debbie is a continuing a prolonged transition from being a case manager to being an “R.N. Resource Specialist”. This will lighten her work load and allow her to support and mentor other case managers based on her experience of 25 years of hospice care.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The Israelites had done all the work following the Lord’s instructions to Moses. Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had followed the Lord’s instructions. So Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42,43 GW

When reading through Exodus it is easy to gloss over the final chapters of the book. After all, chapters 37-39 are mostly a repeat of chapters 28-30. I was reading the commentary on Exodus of a Jewish author that I respect highly and he seemed to dismiss these chapters as simply a repeat of the instructions the Lord gave to Moses.

So, why the repetition? Does the Lord delight in redundancy? What we must remember in scripture is what is repeated is of importance. From the beginning to the end of chapter 39 of Exodus you read, “They followed the Lord’s instructions to Moses.” Not just once, but seven times this phrase is repeated. After each aspect of building the tabernacle we find the conclusion, “They followed the Lord’s instructions to Moses.”

Then we have the culmination. Moses inspects the work, ensures everything is done properly according to the Lord’s instructions and then “blesses” the people and the workers. It is not just the effort that is blessed. It is not just the fact the project is completed. It had to be completed exactly as the Lord had instructed.

The true “grand finale” comes at the end of chapter 40 the final chapter in Exodus. Now it is Moses’ turn. As Moses assumes his responsibilities we read, “Moses followed the Lord’s instructions.” Once again we find this phrase repeated seven times, as the Lord instructs Moses to now set up the “tent.” The leader as well as the people are under the same mandate to obey the Lord’s instructions. (This is what later kept Moses from the Promised Land)

Then we read, “Finally, Moses finished the work. Then the column of smoke covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tent. Moses couldn’t go into the tent of meeting, because the smoke settled on it and the glory of the Lord filled the tent.” (Exodus 40:34-35 GW)

For a people who “got is wrong” so often and disobeyed and failed so frequently, it is important to know that they got this right. The instructions of building the tent or tabernacle was exactly as the Lord instructed. They heard and knew what they were to do and they did it. The result was the the blessing of the Lord and the Lord’s presence revealed in a powerful way.

While our obedience does not bring our salvation, it is evidence of our salvation. Paul declared, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9 NIV) But he goes on and reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

Obedience reveals our life in Christ and our love for Christ.. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV)

In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV) If you want to stand firm, withstand the storms of life, then hold on to God’s Word and live by it. “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

In the Upper Room as Jesus washed the disciple’s feet and told them about the importance of servanthood, He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)

Some of Paul’s final words to the Philippians were, “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9 NLT)

Often times we want the peace without the practice. But we realize that the blessing and abiding presence of the Lord comes from the “doing” more than just the “knowing.”

Perhaps the greatest summary comes from the words of the old hymn, “trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Do I need to repeat that???

Greetings friends! I am pleased to be doing much better than anytime in the past two years. Back to working out and losing weight. Debbie is in the process of a job assignment change that will give her, hopefully, a lighter schedule and ease her into retirement. During the time all the family was together we took some family pictures. (Here is a sneak preview)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear,  so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”  Genesis 28:20-22 ESV

The appearance of the Lord to Jacob at Bethel is of great significance. This is the time when the call of God that began with Abraham and then passed to Isaac is now passed to Jacob who would become known as Israel and the father of the twelve sons who would be the fathers of the twelves tribes of Israel.

Jacob’s “vow” is a response to the call and promise of the Lord. The Lord appears to him in a dream at the top of ladder reaching up to heaven and promises to give him the land where he is and to multiply his “seed” like the “dust of the earth” and be blessed of the Lord. The Lord then gives Jacob this reassurance,  “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 29:15 ESV)

This is an amazing promise and future for a man with no wife, no possessions and facing an uncertain future. Yet Jacob recognizes this divine encounter, sets up a stone as a marker of remembrance, pours oil over it and makes his vow to God.

Jacob is declaring, “if God does what He has promised, this is how I will respond, this is what I will do.” He vowed that, “the Lord will be my God.”  David declared, “You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.” (Psalm 118:28 NIV)

Embracing the Lord as “your God” is far different than know about Him, or recognizing Him as being identified with a parent or pastor or friend. As we see in David’s words and in Jacobs vow, embracing the Lord as our God calls for an appropriate response. As a result, the Lord became known as “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

The evidence of Jacob fulfilling his pledge to God is “of all that you give me, I will give a full tenth to you.” I noticed that Jacob didn’t say, “of all that I acquire or earn.”  He recognized that all that would come to him in the form of wives, children, livestock, gold, silver, servants, etc. was from God.

Jacob would give a tenth (or a tithe) of all he gained in recognition of God’s blessing, provision and Lordship. He would do it as an act of worship. Even though what he gained would take 20 years and come through hard work, challenges and overcoming obstacles.

These concepts have come to be viewed as principles of stewardship. While that is appropriate, it is important to see how our response to the Lord is a matter of Lordship. It goes beyond “financial management” and involves matters of faith, trust and a commitment to the One who is my God. After Jacob encounter the Lord at Bethel his life was never the same. That is true today when anyone encounters the grace and forgiveness Christ offers and embraces the destiny the Lord has for each of us. It happens when we embrace the Lord as “my God.”

Here we are on day three of a New Year, 2019. We used to live our life when we were young in years, now it seems marked by decades. Although as I get older, I revert to a “year at a time.” We had a good time with all of our family, the cousins connected, made it to the mountains and downtown Denver to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. Our grandchildren also visited Fort Logan National Cemetery where Debbie’s parents are buried.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14 NIV

Paul’s personal commitment to “finish well” is often a cause for reflection when a New Year arrives. Especially verse 13, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”  Our lives, especially our spiritual life is not be lived in the past or rest on what we have “accomplished” or “conquered” as we grow as followers of Christ. We are to remember that we have not yet arrived, but there is a goal that we must keep in focus.

Undoubtedly in Paul’s day, the analogy was most likely to that of a runner getting to the finish line. That is why the God’s Word translation uses the words, “I lengthen my stride” for the NIV phrase, “straining toward what is ahead.”

If Paul lived today perhaps he would use a football analogy. As we watch NFL games and college bowl games, it is impressive to note running backs who refuse to be knocked down and even when hit or “tied up” keep pushing forward to get to the goal line. They provide a vivid present-day  picture of “straining toward what is ahead.”

In football and in our spiritual life, we must remember there is a goal to be attained. But our spiritual life and destiny is far more significant than one touchdown in a game or even a championship victory that is soon forgotten when the next season arrives.

Paul once again makes a point of connection when he writes to the Corinthians about the dedication to “win the prize.” “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV)

We can observe that reaching our goal requires effort. I believe there is an adage about “nothing of value is easily attained.” While our spiritual life is not about what we can do in our own strength, we must remember that our growth doesn’t happen by “accident.” Like gravity, the natural pull on our hearts and minds is “downward.” We must be vigilant we must focused. That is why we speak of “spiritual disciplines” in relationship to spiritual development.

But unlike a runner whose main challenge is himself, in football you have an opponent whose all out effort is to keep you from reaching the goal line. That is something that we often neglect to remember. We do face opposition in our spiritual life. Some of it does come from our own propensities, or unique struggles. Some it comes from the mindset and focus of the world around us. And yes, it does come from spiritual dark forces who are at work in our world.

Just as we have an opponent, we also have a “team on our side.” I like this aspect of the football analogy. No running back faces the opposition on their own. They have teammates who block for them and they learn to “follow their blockers.” We do have the Holy Spirit who helps us. Strengthens us. Guides us. Just was we face unseen dark forces, we must remember there are unseen angelic forces that are for us to help and “cheer us” on.

The key to reaching the goal is to focus on “what is ahead.” Paul says, “forgetting what is behind….” No football player who breaks out on a long run, slows down or stops to look back to see how far they have come. You will often see the frustration and disappointment of a player who is stop just short of the goal line after running for 40 or 50 yards. In our spiritual life we can build on the past, but we don’t live in the the past.

Reaching the goal is a cause for celebration. Touchdown celebrations have become a football tradition and expression of individual creativity and team unity. I think of the “joy in heaven” (Luke 15:7) when an individual commits their life to Christ. I think of the celebration that scripture pictures in our eternal home. Heaven is a place of joy, worship and celebration. And there is no penalty for “excessive celebration!”

Pressing toward the goal, gives our life meaning and purpose. If you have “nothing to live for” your life loses its focus and is found “tackled” by (in the words of old hymn) “all the vain things that charm me most.”  A life lived with Christ, for Christ allows us to move forward in life with meaning, purpose and focus regardless of the stage of life or the challenges of life that face us in a New Year.

When I ponder this verse in Philippians, I always think of the words of a song based on the life of the Apostle Paul that Debbie used to sing. The resolve of the Christian life was reflected in the lyric, “In Jesus name I press on!”

We are coming to the end of another year and the Christmas season and a house full of family fun. These are always times that we anticipate for a long time and when they arrive, they seem to fly by. We trust that your holiday season has been filled with memories and special times. We are looking forward to what the coming year holds and trust you are as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Spirit of God was hovering over the water. Then God said, “Let there be light!” So there was light. Genesis 1:2,3 GW

The theme is consistent and not without significance. Darkness represents a world, life and existence devoid of God. Light represents the introduction of God’s presence and creative power into a lifeless and dark existence.

In Genesis we see a dark earth and the first act of creation is light. Light that makes creation and newness possible. In Revelation we read, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” (Revelation 22:5 NIV)

We read in John’s first epistle, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5 NIV) It is no accident and communicates a powerful and meaningful message that Christ’s birth shattered the night skies. Angels appearing to shepherds at night, wise men following a star. John in his gospel declares concerning Christ’s birth, “The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. “ (John 1:9 GW)

This “dark” condition is the description of every life outside of Christ. Paul put it in these words, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 NIV)

God’s light (His truth, love, grace and forgiveness) brings new life and new creation to every heart and life that allows it to shine into the darkness of ones spiritual existence.

God’s light provides the plumb line for our attitudes and actions in life. The question that confronts us is, “are we living our life according the the light of God or the darkness of the world?”

God’s light challenges us to continually to allow the light of God’s truth and work of His Spirit to shine in the “dark corners” of our life.

God’s light provides life, hope, newness and direction. When we receive it and embrace it, we experience the best the Lord has for our life. That might make a good New Year’s resolution. To live full in the light of God’s life.

I am pleased that after more than a year of struggle with pain and issues related to a herniated disc that I am feeling much better. This Christmas for the first time in five years the entire family will gather in Fort Collins. We are looking forward to that taking place.

The past two months, I had the opportunity to speak at Family Worship Center in Centennial and at Lakewood Vineyard (where son, Christian is the pastor). This next year we are looking forward to a change in Debbie’s work schedule which we trust will lighten the load off of her.

May the richest blessings of Christ be yours this Christmas season and in the New Year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. “Elizabeth, your relative, is six months pregnant with a son in her old age. People said she couldn’t have a child. But nothing is impossible for God.”  Luke 1:34-37 GW

How would you respond if an angel appeared to you and told you that the miracle that you hoped for, prayed for was about to happen? Would you be immediately excited and believing? Would you be trying to figure out how it could happen based on your understanding?

I have been thinking about the Gabriel’s appearance to both Mary and Zachariah recorded in Luke 1. They both experienced not just a visit from “an angel” but Gabriel, who is believed to be the highest ranking angel in heaven. Both responded to the announcement of a miracle that was to take place with questions, reservations and unbelief.

ZACHARIAH AND ELIZABETH

Elizabeth, Zachariah’s wife had been barren. In their day this was viewed as a “curse from God.” It seems that this matter had been a continual concern and matter of prayer for Zachariah. One day, he is chosen by “lot” to be “the” priest to enter the temple to burn the incense that was outside of the holy of holies. Incense was a symbol of prayers going up to the Lord.

Undoubtedly Zachariah used this occasion to offer to the Lord the key concern of his life. When the angel appears to tell him his prayers have been answered and his wife would have a baby. Not just any baby, but one who would be a prophet and play and key role in God’s redemptive plan for the world. His “unbelief” is revealed by his asking for proof. (Luke 1:18) The “proof” was not Elizabeth’s obvious pregnancy, but Zachariah becoming mute until the baby was born.

MARY

Jewish tradition tells us that every young girl prayed that she might be “the one” who would give birth to the Messiah. When Gabriel appears to Mary, the announcement didn’t make for sense for her what were obvious reasons…she didn’t yet have a husband.

Zachariah viewed advanced age as an impossible obstacle for God to overcome and Mary viewed her lack of a husband as an insurmountable obstacle. Both of these make obvious sense.

But the Lord after hundreds of years of recorded miracles, was about to intervene in the affairs of these lives and the natural order of the world and humanity. The angel uses Elizabeth’s pregnancy to encourage Mary’s faith and then reminders her, “…nothing is impossible for God.”

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Pondering these events challenges my own faith. As I passed the five year mark since my health crisis, the full recovery that I anticipated and have prayed for has not happened. I continue to work and pray and receive prayer for that which has not yet happened. But I am challenged as to my faith in it taking place. It is easy to view my physical limitations as “it has been too long”…”it is what it is”…”at least I am alive.” Perhaps none of these are all that bad, but….what if I had an announcement that what I have prayed for was going to happen? Would I be like Mary and ask, “How can this be?” Would I be like Zachariah and “ask for proof?”

Even though we believe in miracles, we still at times want to fit them into the box of our own understanding. But a miracle is just that. Something that goes against the natural order of science, rationale and human logic or understanding.

It can apply to a prodigal child coming home. It may be the breaking of a “life-long” habit. It can apply to a physical miracle. It can apply to how the Lord will work to bring about His coming kingdom in the midst of political, economic and scientific realities of our world.

Mary’s resolve is seen in her response,  “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.” (Luke 1:38 GW) That is the attitude of trust. That is submission to the Lord’s will. That is a heart ready for a miracle.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV

As we come to another Thanksgiving Day, we are reminded of the fact that we have much for which we can be thankful. An older minister at my Rotary Club this week shared about his memories of the depression that resulted in extended family all occupying the same house.

At times our gratitude is for that which we have “not” experienced as much as for what we do have. “But for the grace of God“, many of us could have a life trajectory and experience that placed us in a circumstance far from where we are. So, as we thank the Lord for what we do have and what have experienced we can be reminded that may stand in sharp contrast to some we know and what could have been our “lot in life.”

Another reason for thanksgiving is when we reflect or respond to that which has come to us through the generosity and goodness of others. As Paul writes to the Corinthians about helping poor believers in Jerusalem, he tells them that “God will take care of them and continue to allow them to be generous and that those who receive their support will give thanksgiving to God.”

Often it can be easy to only look at others for they have done through acts of kindness or generosity, however we must remember that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) As we express thankfulness “for” others, we should also be thankful “to” God.

As I reflect back on five years ago as I experienced my health crisis. I am reminded of the ways the Lord used so many people to come alongside of Debbie and myself to help in what seems to be innumerable ways. We will always be thankful for those people and to the Lord for showing us His love and provision through others.

But thankfulness can be challenging to maintain. At times the miracles of the past become faint or forgotten memories. The busyness and the mundane of life can crowd out time to stop and reflect and to be thankful. It is interesting how often “thanksgiving and prayer” and “thanksgiving and worship” are referenced in scripture. Thanksgiving is possible when we stop, reflect and remember what the Lord has done and is doing for us even in small ways and regardless of our circumstances.

As a pastor I always have found it challenging to find something “fresh” to share about thanksgiving and its importance. I found something that got my attention. It comes from “The Rational Bible” Dennis Prager’s commentary on the Book of Exodus. Dennis Prager is a Jew who is a scholar of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and is a cultural and political commentator as well.

He writes these words, “In many ways, gratitude is the most important of all the good character traits. It is the most indispensable trait to both happiness and goodness. One can neither be a happy person nor a good person without gratitude. The less gratitude one has the more one sees oneself as a victim, and nothing is more likely to produce a bad person or a bad group than defining oneself or one’s group as a victim….As for happiness, if you think of all the people you know, you will not be able to name one who is ungrateful and happy. The two are mutually exclusive.”  ( Prager, D. 2018. “The Rational Bible-Exodus: God, Slavery and Freedom”  [pg 440] Washington, D.C., Regency Faith)

To experience happiness, to possess goodness, be thankful….and eat turkey!