There is only one miracle story that is told by all four Gospels.  Do you remember what it is?

It’s not the healing of Lazarus, Jesus walking on water or calming the storm. Here’s a clue: since this is Thanksgiving week think– Big Meal.  

The miracle told by the four Gospel writers is biggest meal in the New Testament (bigger than any of your thanksgiving spreads—although no turkeys were involved).  It’s when Jesus took a boys lunch and catered a fish and bread feast for 5,000 hungry men and their families.  

All four Gospels say something similar to John when he wrote:  “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (John 6:11). 

Notice what Jesus did.  He gave thanks for the miracle before the miracle occurred. 

Notice what he didn’t do.  None of the Gospel writers say that Jesus asked for anything.  He simply gave thanks.  For instance Jesus didn’t ask the Father for enough food to feed the entire town of Davison (population 5,173) or asking for a VG’s truck to breakdown in the neighborhood. He doesn’t even pray for a “manna from heaven” redo.  No requests. None. He simply gave thanks for what He had.   Jesus gave thanks for the little bit, and God multiplied it until there was more than enough.  An argument could be made that the difference between 12 baskets of leftovers (burp) and 4,999 meals too few was a prayer of thanksgiving.

So often people focus on what they don’t have.  Jesus didn’t do that.  He didn’t pray, “O God, what are we going to do?  We are 4,999 meals short. We are in big trouble.”  Instead, he was grateful for the five biscuits and two little fishies and prayed something like:  “O God thank you for this generous boy and his lunch.”    Jesus wasn’t focused on the 4,999 meals he didn’t have; he was focused on the one meal he did have. 

That’s how I want to be– giving thanks for what God has provided and trusting Him for anything that might be lacking.  I tell people all the time—God knows what I need, when I need it.  I can trust Him!  You can too!

This Thanksgiving be thankful for all that you have—whether it’s great or small.  Be thankful.  And trust God for what you don’t have—be faithful.

 

Warm welcomes.

New friends.

Nametags galore.

Enthusiastic singing.

Empowered praying.

Generous giving.

Newly installed.

Thankfully called.

Overwhelmingly blessed.

Don’t trip.

Don’t misspeak.

Avoid blockheadedness.

Communicate relevantly.

Preach Biblically.

Teach truthfully.

Share faithfully.

Hope offered.

Renewal promised.

Commitments made.

Communion shared.

Revival comes.

God honored.

Jesus praised.

Spirit filled!

Great Day!

If you are in Flint this week—please, join us.  Let’s begin this adventure together!