“Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.’—Hebrews 13:16 (GNT)
Thanksgiving kind of gets skipped over during the holidays. The store decorations seem to go from Halloween to Christmas. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday celebrated once a year. It is a daily habit I have made a part of my life. I try to thank God throughout my day, but that doesn’t always happen. But each night, I go through my day and thank God for how He provided for me.
The class that I do at the gym asks a daily question. This past week one of them was, what are you most thankful for? The first thing that popped into my head was, my health. If I didn’t have my health, I couldn’t be serving Jesus like I am right now. I can’t imagine not being a part of the ministry I wrote about last week. In fact, this week a few of us delivered the hats/ear warmers and scarves to an organization the helps the homeless in Fort Worth Texas called, When We Love.
It was founded by one of our church members. He recently had a child die after years of a drug addiction as well having another daughter still battling hers. It was his children’s circumstances that gave him the desire to minister to others in similar situations. He was able to look beyond his own heartache and founded a faith-based organization that ministers to those who are one the streets looking for help. The love of Jesus was evident in his eyes as he shared what they are doing.
Each person on the streets without a home is someone’s son or daughter. When We Love, is how our world is changed one person at a time, which is exactly what they are doing. This is also the purpose of being a follower of Jesus. Imagine how our world would change if each of us loved others like this every day.
The woman from our group who felt led for us to make items for the homeless has two brothers who are living on the streets and may even benefit from When We Love. It is possible that one or both of them will be gifted one of the hats or scarves that our group made. With the cold weather we are having in Texas, we were told what we brought will be gone in 4 days. I was definitely convicted to try and do more for them this next year. While 211 items seemed like a lot, I had no idea how quickly they would be gone.
I don’t know about you, but after hearing stories from those who have loved ones living on the streets, I know I haven’t thanked God enough for my family life. While not perfect by any means, I thank God that both of my children and their spouses are healthy and walking with the Lord. I also know where both of my brothers are. I can pick up the phone to talk and check on them anytime. They are healthy and so are all their children and grandchildren.
Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that small acts of kindness can go a long way. Remember the gifts that you give do not have to be physical. Being kind or encouraging others is a gift to be shared. We are to steward our gifts to glorify and serve others. What are some creative ways you can use your gifts and love others this week?
Father God,
Forgive me when I take this life and my loved ones for granted. I thank You for my health as well as my family members, but most of all , I give You thanks for Your Son and the gift of eternal life given to me through Him. I lift those up to You who are having health issues as well as those who have loved ones that are far from You. For those who have family members who are dealing with addiction, homelessness or both, I ask that they be led to an organization that can help them get back on their feet or get them the needed help to treat their addiction/mental illness. I pray for prodigal children to be led back to You. It is in the mighty name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen
November Verse
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”—Colossians 4:2
If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.