Thanksgiving is a time to visit family. When our kids were small we would spend Thanksgiving with my parents in St. Louis and Christmas with her parents in Oklahoma. It was a practical thing since St. Louis, in those days, was at least a twelve hour drive from where I was pastoring in Oklahoma. Her parents lived closer and since the weather was more likely to be bad around Christmas we opted to stay closer to home for that holiday. This plan called for a long trip with four small children in a small space every Thanksgiving.
We planned ahead. We would pack the car with our luggage, pillows, and toys for the kids. Then, on Wednesday morning we got up early, carried the sleepy children to the car, and headed down the road. They woke up briefly, and excited, then went back to sleep, for a while. It was an adventure.
When we got to the house we settled in and looked for ways to be helpful preparing the feast for the next day. Since we were the only ones staying at the house Joyce was always asked to put the turkey in the oven. So we had to set an alarm the morning after that long trip to take care of our annual duty. This became a running joke and today when one of our daughters stays with us the night before thanksgiving we remind her that it is her job to get up early and put the turkey in the oven. Of course, with grandkids around no one sleeps in anyway.
The original thanksgiving was a celebration of survival. The Pilgrims had a festival that lasted several days and included feasting and games. Today we celebrate God’s blessings on a different scale. Now we celebrate survival the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is a day of blessings. We are blessed with family, food, a warm home, and lots of laughter. Most of all we remember that all of these blessings come from God who loves us and sent us his Son.
Thanksgiving Day to Christmas should be a season of Thanksgiving. Jesus is the reason for which we have so much to be thankful.
R. Cowin
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Road Trip
Road trips can be fun times for family and friends. Our grown children like to tell stories about our road trips when they get together. We soon forget about the stress and headaches and remember only the fun and laughter.
Jesus traveled everywhere on foot with his disciples. The system of roads maintained by the Romans improved commerce for the public and made it possible for the gospel to be spread all over the known world. Using the roads to spread the gospel was a big part of His plan. In Mark 6:7-13, and 30-32, He gave His disciples some rules of the road to follow as they carried the gospel from place to place.
Take someone with you. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. No matter where you are going, whether you are going to Church, going on a mission trip, or just going through life you should always travel with a friend. In Ecclesiastes 4:9, Solomon tells us that, “Two are better than one.” You need a friend for companionship. While we may enjoy being self-sufficient we do not enjoy being lonely. You need a friend who will tell you what you need to hear, whether you want to hear it or not. You need a friend who will hold you to higher standards, who will pray with you and for you. Do not go alone.
Take a few supplies but travel light. Jesus was practical. He told them to take a staff and sandals but not take extra luggage, food, or money. In other words, take care of your body but remember it is a journey of faith. God promises to take care of us along the way. He also expects us to take care of those things He has already given us. He will feed us and clothe us. We need to eat healthy and wear clothes suitable for the mission. A deacon with a heart for missions once told me that if you say you are willing to go wherever God calls but do not have a passport you are not really ready to go.
Take time to rest when the journey is done. When things got really busy Jesus invited the disciples to come with him to a secluded place to rest, (Mark 6:31). We too should accept hospitality from those who help us along the way. The day of rest is in the law for a reason. We need to take the time to rest and share our experiences, remember our blessings, renew our strength, and return to the road.
Bro. Robin
Jesus traveled everywhere on foot with his disciples. The system of roads maintained by the Romans improved commerce for the public and made it possible for the gospel to be spread all over the known world. Using the roads to spread the gospel was a big part of His plan. In Mark 6:7-13, and 30-32, He gave His disciples some rules of the road to follow as they carried the gospel from place to place.
Take someone with you. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. No matter where you are going, whether you are going to Church, going on a mission trip, or just going through life you should always travel with a friend. In Ecclesiastes 4:9, Solomon tells us that, “Two are better than one.” You need a friend for companionship. While we may enjoy being self-sufficient we do not enjoy being lonely. You need a friend who will tell you what you need to hear, whether you want to hear it or not. You need a friend who will hold you to higher standards, who will pray with you and for you. Do not go alone.
Take a few supplies but travel light. Jesus was practical. He told them to take a staff and sandals but not take extra luggage, food, or money. In other words, take care of your body but remember it is a journey of faith. God promises to take care of us along the way. He also expects us to take care of those things He has already given us. He will feed us and clothe us. We need to eat healthy and wear clothes suitable for the mission. A deacon with a heart for missions once told me that if you say you are willing to go wherever God calls but do not have a passport you are not really ready to go.
Take time to rest when the journey is done. When things got really busy Jesus invited the disciples to come with him to a secluded place to rest, (Mark 6:31). We too should accept hospitality from those who help us along the way. The day of rest is in the law for a reason. We need to take the time to rest and share our experiences, remember our blessings, renew our strength, and return to the road.
Bro. Robin
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