An Invitation to Dinner

A young boy named Johnny who lived on a farm was invited by his friend Tim to have dinner with their family who lived in the city nearby.  When all was ready, everyone came to the dinner table, sat down together, and began to "dig right in” -  everyone  that is, except for Johnny.  He quietly bowed his head and thanked God for all the many blessings he had received, for opportunities to help those who are less fortunate,   
for the hospitality of this good family and for the food they were about to share.  
He finished by asking God’s continued blessing upon their home and their lives.  
 
Somewhat embarrassed and taken back by this, Tim’s father asked, "Boy, does everyone out on the farm PRAY before they eat food?”  
  

"No sir”   Johnny replied… "The HOGS don’t!”

What about YOU and ME?  Do we STOP and give thanks to the One who has made us and given to us ALL things?  “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).  Do we look UP and give thanks to the Father of lights? 

Or, are WE no better than farm animals?  Do we get so enthralled with the GIFT that we forget the GIVER?  “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8).
 
Let us STOP and give thanks to God for his innumerable blessings, especially for the spiritual blessings that come through His Son, JESUS.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Even though we were separated from God due to our sin (Isaiah 59:1-2) and at enmity with Him (James 4:4), because of His great love for us, God sent His Son into the world to pay the price for our sins through His death on the cross (Ephesians 1:7).  Through Christ, we can be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) and blessed with the hope of living eternally with Him when this life is over (Romans 2:6-10).

Jesus WILL save us from our sins when we respond: in faith (Acts 16:30-31),  repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27).  Jesus will CONTINUE to save those who CONTINUE to walk in the light of His Word 

(1 John 1:7).

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”   (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Let's be MINDFUL of God our Creator and Redeemer, the TRUE source of life and blessing, not only during this holiday season, but each and every day of our lives. 

And let us RESPOND to His kindness with thanksgiving and “thanks-living,”  
in faith and obedience to His divine will.

God bless you!

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

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