A Word of Encouragement

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." Jonah 2: 8-9.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  I have had some really good and fond memories of Thanksgiving in Russia, not because of the company or the food we get to eat, but it was introducing the celebration of Thanksgiving to a Russian Community of unsaved souls in Snegiri, a village I had lived in.  I felt the LORD inspiring us to invite our farming neighbors and their families to come for a wholesome good meal and a time of sharing.  Imagine our bible college students sharing why Thanksgiving means so much to them because of Jesus.  So, the Thanksgiving of 2005 was special for that reason.

Last night, my eyes caught and meditated on Jonah 2:8-9.  Really, Thanksgiving could be that appointed time of the year to evaluate if we are still living in the Grace of the Living God.  I would check my heart, and perhaps we should all check ours, and see if we had placed other vain things or idols before HIM.  Our goals, lifestyles and directions are such great indicators of a possible meandering or a continuous life of faith.  Can we be living contrary to his standards, to his virtues, and to his life demonstrated by LOVE?  Surely, but maybe subtly. Can we be living foolishly or like a fool?  Is that a hard question for all?  We must ask and evaluate, so that we would not be foolishly forfeiting the grace given to us for our daily lives.  He is our grace and the sacrificial life of Jesus must become that song on our lips.

Finally, to encourage you to pray and give thanks for even the folks we would soon be meeting and sharing Christ with in Mexico, that we will be that agent of life for those who do not know him.  Salvation belongs to Him...

Love and Happy Thanksgiving..
BEL