For so many of us here we have so much more than many others,most here have roofs over their heads,food in their belly,toys and gadgets,transportation that is often more than ones own feet,a closet full of clothes and many we don't even wear anymore,pets and so much other stuff. We truly have been granted many privileges and freedoms that many other in the world do not have.


Thanksgiving should be an an attitude of the heart. Gratitude for the abundance that has been granted us. It should be a daily occurrence from a grateful heart to the one who has provided so much.

[yt=425,350]_Nhy6_gjCpk[/yt]

Amen.

Very well stated. What we consider basic many will never have. Hugs, Devlyn

There is a rather well known evangelist that helps the homeless and those in between jobs. When he attempted to open another place the county shut him down. The rich people surrounding these areas consider these people a nuisance and a threat.

I was given the opportunity to visit his studio and shelter. It was very humbling.

It's saddening to see people on television that dwell in the streets and underpasses and such. It takes it to another level when you see them in person.

I watched as people with nothing but the clothes on their backs sat on folding chairs praying and reading along in their Bible as this man did a televised service. I wished I had more money for the ones that were honest and sincere yet homeless. There were a few scammers but that's everywhere.

The sight of these people really made me thankful for all I have and really made me think about faith more so than ever. All they had was some clothing and a Bible. They were probably closer to what scripture shows the original church to be than anyone I know. If anyone understands receiving the word in great poverty and affliction some of these folk do.

When I saw these people worshipping and attempting to praise God in such dreary circumstances it made me wonder how I would do. A sort of honest soul searching. I would hope that I would do well.

It also made me wonder about what Christianity has become.
How would the preacher feel if he lost his parsonage and high pay?
How would the prosperity preachers and name it and claim it preachers fare?
How can a man make millions supposedly preaching and sleep at night knowing a poor brother is laying in a cardboard box under an interstate fighting to stay warm?

I know the Lord told his disciples they would always have the poor with them and they could always do good for them but he they wouldn't. So why don't these who are rich follow the word and do good for these poor if they are so holy and highly esteemed of God? Since they have reaped much why don't they give to him that has reaped little so that he has none over and his brother has no lack? After all, the original church had all things common.

If they do not have the power to walk away from wealth to bring a brother out of poverty in this world how can they expect to endure unto the end when the beast arises and they have the choice of the mark to buy and sell or die? Maybe it just shows how much of Christianity no longer has the Spirit of God they claim to have.

I am thankful for all that I have. There is an old saying there but for the grace of God go I.

I have been blessed.

Perhaps we can learn a lesson from a group of school children. A little over a week ago one of my pastors had received plea for help from a single mother. On Tuesday he brought that need to the children at the school,(not a public school for clarification),one of the children said what if we raise $1,000,the pastor said that would be great,another said $2,000,again he said that would be great,the third child asked what if we raise $5,000,the pastor was taken by surprise and had to mull that over a bit. Please understand that these  kids go from kindergarten through eighth grade. These children started talking about using their birthday money,Christmas and gift money and other savings that they had. The very next day during chapel when the love offering was collected it came to over $6,100,along with it came foodstuffs and others items.

Part of it was being used to provide for transportation for the lady. Along with that another member of the church,would provide a one year maintenance package for the car at no charge to the lady. Perhaps this is a picture of true love in action. Meeting the needs of another.