Despite our moaning, groaning, and complaining, most of us have many reasons to be thankful this week. Consider this—thousands of people, from many different countries, are hiking across Mexico. They are headed to the United States border. Their hope is that legally, or illegally, they can slip into our country.

What is the Big Deal?

These folks realize that life here is so much better than where they were born. Our worst meal of the week is better than their best meal. In fact, many of them would be thrilled to have the food we threw in our garbage this week. The most decrepit housing in America is probably better than where they lived. I came home from mission trips to Brazil and to Honduras with the realization that the pigs on my Dad’s farm had warmer, drier, safer, places to live than the huts many natives had.

Let’s be Thankful for our food and our homes!

Most of you reading this have heard about Jesus and know Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Even at this moment, your home in Heaven is assured and is being built. Billions have never heard of Jesus and are lost, on their way to an eternal separation from Almighty God.

Let’s be Thankful that we live where Jesus is known and preached! Let’s be Thankful for our salvation.

I am also Thankful to be a part of the Family of God. Christian friends from all over the world bless our lives regularly. At birthdays, anniversaries, and many other times throughout the year, Pamela and I receive calls, texts, emails, cards, and Facebook posts, that remind us of how much we are lovingly connected to the Body of Christ. Some of these we see regularly, some just once-in-a-while. Some we may not see again until we get to Heaven. I am so Thankful for these precious friends. You folks at Barbee’s Grove are a significant part of those special friends.

Let’s be Thankful for our Brothers and Sisters in the Lord.

There is much wrong in our world, but we still have many reasons to be thankful. With hearts full of joy, love, and gratitude, let’s approach our Lord Jesus with Thankful praise this week!!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am. Also available in the parking lot on 99.1 FM
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Bible Study and Prayer is canceled this Wednesday in order that you have time to prepare for Thanksgiving
4. Thank you for continuing to give to the NC Baptist Children’s Homes Thanksgiving Offering. You are blessing needy children with your gifts.
5. The Baptist Men are having a Boston Butt and slaw sale on December 11. See one of the Baptist Men to order the items you need.
6. A Day of Giving—-West Stanly Christian Ministry-December 11. Toys with a minimum value of $25, or money to buy toys, are needed. See Lionel Hahn if you have questions. These toys go to needy children in our own community.

We are blessed to be a blessing!

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church.