THANKSGIVING

To me, the national holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. While we are to be thankful each day for the bountiful blessings that flow from the hand of our gracious God, this day is set aside as a time for the entire nation to express its gratitude and to enjoy the fellowship with friends and loved ones. David wrote long ago, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 95:2). “Enter into his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 100:4). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The apostle Paul said “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you ward” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Again, Paul wrote, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). I have many reasons to be thankful. God has washed my sins away by the blood of my Savior. I am able to devote my time to the study and preaching of his Word. I am associated with the best people in the world – Christians. The Almighty has blessed me with health, good parents, a wonderful wife and family, food, shelter and raiment. The providence of God has been prevalent in my life as I look retrospectively over the years. I am grateful for the God-fearing men and women who have influenced me in the field of Christian education. I am also thankful for those preachers who lived before me in this particular area who pioneered the way with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, for all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have been so faithful, suffering hardships, overcoming obstacles in their efforts to build up the various congregations. I am thankful for the memories of departed saints for their good influence on my life. I am among all men most wonderfully blessed. Therefore, it is with deep feelings that I sing: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

"COME BEFORE WINTER"

The apostle Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote the letter of second Timothy to his “son in the faith”, Timothy. This is the last recorded letter Paul ever wrote. In the 4th chapter, verses 9 and 21, there are two statements made by Paul that greatly encouraged the younger evangelist to make every effort possible to come see him before it was too late. Paul wrote, “be diligent to come to me quickly” (V 9); “Do your utmost to come before winter…” (12). There are two reasons implied in these statements for Timothy to make every effort to come to him as soon as possible. One is that winter would not be the time to travel by boat. The wintry storms made it very dangerous to travel on the seas. Paul had experienced shipwreck during that season of the year as recorded in Acts 27. No doubt, the most important reason for Timothy to make haste to come to him as quickly as possible is found in the words of Paul in verses 6-8: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” Should Timothy tarry too long, it would be too late to see Paul alive for his “departure” was at hand, that his death was imminent. In life, there are words we need to express and actions we should take before it is too late, that is, we should do them before “winter” comes. Husbands and wives should express daily their love for one another. There is always the possibility of a heart attack, a stroke or an accident that could take the life of your mate. The last words spoken to your husband/wife could be, “I love you”. Parents need to express their love to their children, regardless of their age. They need to know you care for them, not only by the physical and material you give them, but, a hug and ‘I love you’ will give assurance to them that you really do love them; and, that you desire they live for Jesus Christ so the family can be together with God in eternity. Children need to express their love and appreciation to their parents as well. They should respect and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1, 2). Aged parents, especially, desire to hear from their adult children who live long distances from them. Siblings should stay in contact with one another. Efforts should be made to be together when possible. It is very difficult to give up a brother or sister to death. Wishing that you had expressed your love and care for one another after death has separated you from a loved one is of no avail. That is why you need to do it before “winter” comes, otherwise it will be too late. Also, brothers and sisters in Christ should express their love to one another. We are “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). We are to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 14:12). We are the family of God. Those who have not given their lives to Christ and who have not obeyed the gospel (Romans 1:16; Acts 2:36-38) should no longer tarry because “winter” (death) might overtake them (Hebrews 9:27), and they would pass into eternity without God. “Winter” (death) is coming to us all. Now is the time for us to express our heartfelt feelings to our loved ones; and, to do what we can to help others while we have the time and opportunity (John 9:4, Galatians 6:10). The clock of life is wound but once And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour. Now is the only time you own Live, love toil with a will Place no faith in tomorrow For the hands may then be still. Kenneth L. Fielder

PERFECT PEACE COMES FROM THE PRINCE OF PEACE

In the closing remarks of the second epistle that the apostle Paul wrote to the “church of the Thessalonians in God our Father the Lord Jesus Christ”, he wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thess. 3:16). In all of the trials, tribulations, disappointments and struggles in this life, children of God can find peace in our savior Jesus Christ who is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Edward J. Bickersteth, was on vacation in Harrogate, England and on one Sunday in August, 1875, he listened to a sermon by Canon Gibbon that was based on Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee. ” He was greatly impressed by the thoughts presented on this text. It was then that he took a piece of paper and began to write a poem that would become the moving and beautiful hymn, “Peace, Perfect Peace”. In this hymn, you will observe that in each stanza there is a challenge or a struggle presented for the believer; and, for each struggle, the author provides spiritual answers in the second half of each stanza. “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus—this is rest. Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus call us to heav’ns perfect peace.” “There is no peace, Says my God, “For the wicked” (Isaiah 57:21). But, to His disciples Jesus gave these assuring words: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). The exhortation given by the apostle Paul as found in Philippians 4:6, 7, is also for “all the saints in Christ Jesus” today: “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” One fruit of the Spirit is “peace” (Galatians 5:22). To have this peace, one must be “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Can you truly sing,”It is well, with my soul”, knowing you do not have this blessed peace which is to be found only in Jesus Christ? You are urged to give your life to Jesus in humble obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and trust in the Lord with all your heart, you will then have this perfect peace “which surpasses all understanding”.