This is the season of Thanksgiving. Not just the day, but the season. As Americans, we rarely see people walking around giving thanks for everything we possess and enjoy in this wonderful land: Freedom of speech, freedom to own land, freedom to drive a car, freedom to have a job and earn money and freedom not to work.
All these freedoms come as a right granted to us by the Constitution of the United States of America .
I challenge anyone who is unhappy with the way we live in America to visit a third world country and experience first-hand poverty, rule by authoritarian leaders, the lack of food to feed one’s family. I could go on and on with the list.
Rather than beat this point to death, let’s talk about what it takes to please God for the many blessings we are granted here in the good ole’ U.S.A.
First
, we are commanded by Scripture to give continual praise and thanks to God. The ancient peoples sometimes argued that a thank-offering was more acceptable to God than a sin-offering, for when a person offered a sin-offering they were trying to get something for themselves, while a thank-offering was the unconditional offering of the grateful heart. The sacrifice of gratitude is one that all may and should bring.
Second, we can offer public and glad confession of our faith. Regardless of our personal faith, we can offer confession of our beliefs. As Christians, we offer our testimony to Christ, the center of our faith.
Third and lastly, peace is our goal of living together. What better way to offer witness to our character than deeds of kindness. Acts of kindness to our fellow persons takes people by surprise in our very self-centered world. Isn’t it amazing at how selfish we have become in all our glorious abundance?
Take a minute before we rush into the Christmas season, thank God for what we have rather than what we have not.
Take a minute to spend some time with a loved one.
Time is the greatest gift we can give another person. Take time to share a meal or a walk or movie or something with our families.
Make memories that will last an eternity.
Your Friend,
Pastor Don Bremer
First United Methodist Church
310 Douglas St.
New Smyrna Beach , FL 32168