Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

Thanksgiving Day


Dr. Shaun Rajan
St. Andrew's MTC, NY

1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
 

Recently, my daughter and I went to a movie night held at her school. Though it was our second time watching "The Lego Movie," we were both ecstatic to see it all over again. Clearly, though, our sentiments were not shared by many others who came to "watch" the film. You can imagine a gymnasium full of elementary school children, full of wild, untamed energy, talking with each other and not staying in one position ... and that was exactly the atmosphere that evening (I thank God for the fruit of the Spirit that is patience, let me tell ya...). What caught my eye (not shockingly) were 9 and 10-year-olds with smartphones in hand, focused fully on the content on the phone screen or taking selfies with their friends, oblivious to the main event or anything else around them. Despite an epic movie being shown in the background, requiring no cost from them whatsoever, these young ones were choosing a satisfaction option that may be more costly to them than they realize.

Regardless of age, mobile technology has changed the way we all interact with our world. I walk through college hallways and city streets, and all I see are people with their heads buried in their screens, all the while missing out on the things that are happening around them live - missing out on life! Some see life as a set of routines that cycles day after day. When you look deeper, you realize that every moment of life comes, goes, and is gone forever. And each of these moments is a gift from God. Despite the lack of certainty of life’s next moment, if God gives it, then why should we be afraid? We, who were destined for death because of sin, have a Jesus Christ who gifted us everlasting life by His acts of sacrificial love. And, it is this Jesus that says, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 NKJV). God gives life to us in such great abundance! He lavishes (gives profusely) His great, unending love on us day after day, because we are His children. His compassions and mercies are new every morning! His provisions are never-ending! His grace rains on us so freely! And, yet … we insist still on looking down and holding on to things that satisfy temporarily and weigh down burdensomely. Break free, God says! The power of God can break those shackles in your life and unlock this life in ways beyond your comprehension. Look past your problems and look to God, the molder of this beautiful life of yours and the finisher of your faith!

Imagine if Moses did not look upon the burning bush - how different history would be. Imagine if Jesus did not look up and tell Zacchaeus to come down from the sycamore tree - how different Zacchaeus’ life would be. Such defining moments have happened in our lives and will continue to happen - live in anticipation, be ready, and give thanks for these moments, for they are given by God, crafted especially for you. Experience the fullness of this God-given life by removing what distracts you from seeing Him clearly in all things. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). What a blessed assurance that, even though our vision is imperfect and finite, God’s gaze never wavers: “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18).

PRAYER

Oh loving Father, thank You for lavishing us with Your love and gifting us this life. May we not take any moment for granted, for every moment is given by You. For as long as we live and breathe and are able, empower us to love others as You have loved us, forgive others as You have forgiven us, and serve others as You have shown us how. Open up our eyes, Father, so that we see what You see. You are all we need, Jesus!! AMEN!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The next time you participate in a church service or sit down to partake of a meal with family and friends, do yourself a favor: put the phone away, look up and give thanks for where God has placed you and whom God has placed you with. Appreciate the moment. Undeserving as we are, the Lord and Giver of Life lavishes on us anyway … because we are His.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND GOD BLESS!
-CEF

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more