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Blessings Recently I recreated a "Facebook" account for the Westside church of Christ with the intention of creating a forum for Biblical discussions. Just last week I asked the question, "What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?" I received a number of responses and they included the following: my family, good health, my brethren, the Word of God, Jesus giving His life on the cross, our jobs, our freedom to practice Christianity, all the good stores that run sales, and there are too many blessings to list them all. Such is a pretty good list of blessings that most of us have received. Obviously our nation faces a number of important issues. Among them are high unemployment, a huge national debt, growing unrest, unrealistic expectations, etc. Let us remember that all of our blessings come either directly or indirectly from God. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1.17). The Apostle Paul said this about God, "Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with good and gladness" (Acts 14.17). Most of us have received great physical blessings but the great blessings are spiritual in nature. Physical blessings are temporary in nature but spiritual blessings are eternal in nature. This is the point Jesus makes after feeding 5,000 people in John 6. Those folks were really impressed for Jesus was able to feed them with just five barley loaves and 2 small fish. Frankly it could have been two large fish and still not have been sufficient. After feeding this crowd Jesus left and went to Capernaum. The multitude followed Him. Jesus knew why they followed Him. He knew they were impressed with the food and not the teaching. "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (John6.26-27). Heaven is worth a lot more than a peanut butter sandwich. We need to realize the greater blessings God has given to us. God sent His Son to die for all of us, John 3.16. This is described as God's grace in Ephesians 2. We need to appreciate those spiritual blessings and use them wisely. One day our time on this earth will be over. Our house, car, clothes, money, and past relationships will be gone. But heaven awaits those who were willing to take up the cross of Christ. Let us not forget this fact as we get ready to eat some turkey, spend time with our families, and go shopping. -- Dennis Tucker |