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“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 Are you whining and dining this Thanksgiving weekend? Paul wrote the above scripture before he was jailed for his faith. Did his attitude change when he encountered “all circumstances” in life… like jail? The letters commonly known as Paul’s Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon) were all written while the author was in chains, in unspeakable conditions for his faith. Let” s hear from him— “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph 5:19-20) Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Col 1:11)“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col 3:15) “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,” (Philem 4) “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.” (Col 3:16-17) “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Eph 1:16-17) And these are just a few of his “give thanks” directions from prison. However, this doesn’t mean Paul was in denial about his needs. He wrote: “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (Col 4:18) and “May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” (2 Tim 1:16-17) Paul is telling us that thanks and trouble dine at the table together. Chains and cheers can eat together, love together, and refresh each other. Paul invites us to be thankful, ask for help, and remember and refresh those who need us. Friends, this is a vibrant life! The word “vibrant” literally means “full of spirit.” During this season of Thanksgiving, we’re praying you will do just that: whatever you’re facing, live vibrantly and be full of the Holy Spirit at the table and in your corner of the world. Vibrantly and Gratefully, Clare and Scott (updated thoughts from Thanksgiving 2009 <3) |
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