Counting Our Blessings

Not long ago, my sister sent me an e-mail that simply read "I complained about my shoes, until I saw a man with no feet." That was all, nothing else. I closed it as quickly as I opened it. It wasn't until later that day while driving home I passed an old shoe lying on the side of the highway and recalled the words written in that e-mail. My thoughts turned to thankfulness.

So many times in our lives we find ourselves complaining about what we have been given. So often many find themselves wanting the upgrade, the better shoe or better house, car, job, clothes, and so on. Matthew 6:24: says, "No one can serve to masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Jesus shows us there is a vast difference between heavenly values and earthly values when He teaches us our first priority should be faithfulness to the things that do not fade away, can't be taken from us, stored away for future use, and never ever wear out! This lesson is about contentment, but for me it is also about thankfulness. It reminds me I need not worry about the things of this world but to set my mind and heart on eternal things. Easier said than done-at least for me!

I sit in front of my computer clicking away, searching for a particular file only to become frustrated the information isn't producing itself in three seconds or less. Why it wasn't that long ago the Internet wasn't even around and information wasn't at our fingertips. In that moment I lose sight of how thankful I am I live with technology that makes my job so much easier than before. How about you? Do you find yourself losing sight of the things you should be thankful for?

What does your Thanksgiving Day look like? Are you the one who prepares the turkey dinner with all the trimmings for the family? Maybe you're invited over to someone else's home for the meal and your job is to bring the pumpkin pie! Remember these words from Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." As a Christian witness to those in our lives, we have the honor to be the example of how God works in and through us to honor Him.

For several years now, before my family gathers for Thanksgiving, I have an incredible opportunity to serve His people at a local shelter. Each year the line formed at the entrance of the building grows longer and has in it men, women and children of all ages, colors, and sizes. I am blessed beyond measure to make my way down the line and pass the time with them as they wait for the doors to open. Every year I ask them, "So, what are you thankful for?" Their responses fill my heart with joy and usually my eyes with tears!

Annie (a woman I have been feeding on the streets for over ten years) is always near the front of the line. Her response to my question: "Your hugs and your smile and Jesus!" Others say they are thankful for a safe night's sleep, a warm blanket, a hot meal, a God who loves them, soap and water, people who still care about them, family, friends and a full tummy! In my selfishness I find I am thankful for what these people bring to my life. I am the one who is blessed more by their presence than they are by mine. It is not only an honor to serve a hot meal to His people, it is with joy, gladness, and a thankful heart He shows me kindness and mercy and His love through the eyes, actions, and love of those less fortunate than me. In many ways, they have a better understanding of what it is to be truly thankful.

During this season I am once again taking the time to reflect on what I am thankful for. Allow me to share: I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who loves me even when I am unlovable. I am thankful for my family and friends, a home filled with love, and a job that encourages me to share God's love. I am thankful for good health, a warm bed, food when I'm hungry, drink when I'm thirsty and feet that desire to carry the message of hope and love, peace and mercy to those in need of knowing Jesus in a real and personal way.

So what are you thankful for? And with whom will you share it?


Provided by Suzie Sallee
Coordinator, Witness Tools


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Overcoming the Fear of Causing Confrontation

You have likely heard the saying, "You should never discuss religion, politics or sex in polite company." Why is that? Although there is much debate circling these topics, few would argue that all of the above are hot topics. People are sensitive about these issues and, on some points, for good reason.

However, the underlying fear that hinders many Christians from witnessing is upsetting the apple cart or disturbing social etiquette. But while social tradition tells us to steer clear of all of these topics, God calls Christians to go out and actively discuss this "taboo" topic of religion. So how do we do so effectively in a culture that says, "don't"?

Although we want to consider the most effective means for communicating our message so others listen rather than constructing a wall, we cannot allow the concern of confrontation - for social "correctness" - to keep us from sharing altogether. God is not concerned with social correctness. He is concerned with the eternity of His children. And, He calls us to be concerned with their eternity as well - not with being polite.

If we are to follow in Christ's footsteps, we should consider His actions during His ministry. Did He avoid confrontation? No. Was His personal mission to avoid stirring the pot, as many of us have adopted? No. His mission was to spread the Gospel: "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). His mission was to see people repent and be reunited with God. This ministry of reconciliation should also be our mission. The wonderful thing, however, is that God would not send us into a battlefield alone. He does not send us out there to be attacked or to engage in fruitless communication.

In fact, He says, "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11). God would not send us out to share His word only to do so in vain. He is equally concerned with the lost receiving and understanding His message. This is why He tells us to always be prepared to share the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). And He tells us to do so with gentleness and respect.

We should not avoid sharing our faith for fear of confrontation ensuing. Instead we should pray for and consider ways to communicate the message of salvation effectively to avoid confrontation. There are both spiritual and practical ways to do so. See Tips for Sharing below to help you share without causing confrontation.


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Thought of the Day


"We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." - Epictetus


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Tips for Sharing without Causing Confrontation


· To avoid arguments, get to know the person and his or her worldview before bringing up spiritual issues.

· Listen carefully and you can discover a person's hot buttons. What topics are they are most sensitive to?
o Be tactful-and prayful-when around them.
o Before speaking with her or him, choose your words wisely and in love.
o Communicate in a manner and style they are receptive to, but be sincere. If they're in a defensive position, they likely won't get your point.

· If a person begins to argue or debate with you, decide beforehand you will not respond in anger. How can you do this?
o Pray for the Holy Spirit's direction in order for the Lord to work through you. Reacting out of pride and anger will only worsen a situation.
o Follow James 1:19b: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

· Remember:
o Be a good listener.
o Think before you speak.
o Don't get pulled into a debate!


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Prayer


Dear Heavenly Father, Especially at Thanksgiving, we thank You, who has provided every good and perfect gift. We thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for our sins, wiping away our pasts, that we can spend eternity with You. Thank You for being our provider. Thank You for being our comforter. Thank You for being our healer. Help us to live with an attitude of gratitude, giving freely to others as You freely give to us. Show us who to serve and how. We trust You to provide the means. We ask You to use us for Your glory. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.


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Web Resources


Is your church hoping to reach your multicultural community? Find out more about Paral El Camino, Lutheran Hour Ministries' Spanish version of The Lutheran Hour, by visiting http://www.paraelcamino.com/.


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Next Issue


Community Outreach Tips for Christmas


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