NOT QUITE THERE: Thanksgiving message 2020

Thanksgiving is a Christian tradition.

The first Thanksgiving service in America was celebrated by the indigenous people and former refugees from England who were seeking to live for the freedom of religion.

Holidays are the markers of God's grace and are to be celebrated by God's people. Through them we remember God saving acts and our commitment to the Lord.

Numbers 9:2 NIV

“Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time.

God commanded his people to recall the Passover…

Now, the Lord has allowed a disease to shut down large gatherings.

Paul encouraged the church to live in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

The Saints are to live in the constant state of thanksgiving (explain) Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs...

Thanksgiving flows from the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving represents our inner praise unto God.

Deeply Spiritual

Not formal or perfunctory

True genuine love and adoration to God through Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving is powerful enough to overcome sinful behavior

Ephesians 5:4 NIV

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

We have just cause to give thanks unto the Lord.

I cannot imagine life without Jesus. God has done so much for me and kept us in these perilous times.

Paul’s example and encouragement...

I am not quite there.

This is my favorite holiday...I will not be gathering with family this year. It hurts. However, our attention ought to be on the Lord.

I have moments of joy,

Thanksgiving as a way of life still eludes me

I love the holiday, but...I had to hide my favorite piece of meat and desert.

Someone also embarrassed themselves and made me angry

I often needed to isolate because of all the noise in the house.

Now, I am frustrated because I cannot share with the family do to Covid19

I have moments of thanksgiving in the Spirit, but also moments of sorrow and pain. I get angry and impatient...

I want to reach that place in Christ where thanksgiving, joy and peace reside in my inner being...

The Holy Spirit develops us over time.

It is like the process of sanctification… I am sanctified, and being sanctified....

I cannot claim maturity without reaching this place in Christ.

The Lepers were healed as they went...

Jesus touched a man and asked, “What do you see?”

Things in Jesus Christ I still look forward to.

Paul said, “I have not apprehended yet...

Soon, you will be so strong in the Lord...