Every thanksgiving I remember a little 5 year old boy who received $5 for his birthday. $5 is a big deal for a four year old who just turned 5. You can tell the story is old because it was a just $5. When asked what he was going to do with his birthday money. He said I’m going to put into church ‘cause there is so many more people that need it.
I watched and sure enough he did.
There was a lesson for this pastor.
It is the Thanksgivng season. A little guy reminds me while we are grateful recipients we can be grateful givers, too.
How can we give thanks. Hero Noah gave thanks for brand new beginnings. After the flood, everything was bring and clean, a new beginning. What was the first thing that Noah did? He “built an altar to the Lord… and offered burnt offerings on the altar. “ Gen 8:20.
Before he built a house or start farm it was to thank God. Kind of like a boy with $5. We could stop and give God the “sacrifice of praise.”
What has God brought you through they year that is worth a “thank you.?”
Father Abraham, gave thanks for what he could’t see. “There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” Gen 12:8. Abraham didn’t know where God was leading, he just followed in faith. We can, too. Although we don’t know the next steps in life’s journey or what will happen along the way we can jus thank God He is with us. In thanksgiving we can be content with doing as Jesus would do, “For I am the way the truth and the life.” Jesus said. He knows the way when we don’t.
What is an unsure as you look into the future?
Government official Daniel knew he could be thrown into a lions den but still gave thanks. “He went to his room,…Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving to thanks to God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10 Gratitude in the face of lions. What is your lion? I’ve been a pastor long enough that most everyone faces some kind of lion. I still have some difficulty in giving thanks for my lions. But when we do, in a spirit of trust, it honors God, more than about anything else.
What threatening situation do you face?
Pastor Paul learned to be thankful in all circumstances. …”I think my God every time I remember you.” Phil1:3 Pastor Paul wrote these words from prison. He didn’t complain but had a thankful heart for God and the people.
I don’t like confining circumstances. I don’t like prison cells like Paul but he gave thanks in his circumstances. How about you? How about you Rick? —-Uh not so well— I’m still growing.
Another funny thing is that in the end of the letter he pleads with two colleagues Euodia and Syntyche who were having a bit of a fuss. Paul was grateful for them also, even though they may have been a bit hard to get along with.
Who in your life can you give thanks for?
And of course $5 can be thanksgiving. or $10, or $25, or … Happy Thanksgiving!
