A Reminder to our readers: There will be no Jump Start tomorrow. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends and be thankful.

Jump Start # 1483

1 Thessalonians 3:9 “For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account”

This week we have been focusing upon thankfulness. These thoughts lead us to our day we call Thanksgiving. For the child of God, the word “thanksgiving” is more than a Thursday in November, it has become a way of life. Gratitude follows the appreciation for what another has done. Learning to see our blessings, count our blessings and then thank the Lord for these things not only is the right thing to do, they have a way of setting the course for our attitude. The more we see how blessed we are, the more we are thankful, the less we demand and certainly the less we complain. Complaining and thanking usually do not come from the same mouth.

It seems a bit ironic, but let me complain a moment about complainers. Their number seems to be growing. They dampen the spirits of others. They see what’s wrong rather than what’s right. Complaining and negativism live next door to one another. Where you find one, you’ll find the other. I say these things because when we gather with family over the next few days, it is not uncommon to have at least one “party pooper” among them. We certainly do not need dark clouds on an occasion in which we are to be thankful. I have found, at least for me, to ignore the “gloom and doom” speeches and find something delightful, helpful, hopeful and thankful to talk about. We certainly cannot solve the world’s problems sitting around the  Thanksgiving table. So, I suggest, you engage in conversations about each other’s lives. Be helpful and hopeful. Filling the heart and filling the soul is as important, if not more, than just filling our bellies.

Our verse today explores the difficulty of saying “thank you.” The words so often are not enough for the good that has been done. Paul understood this. He simply loved those Thessalonians. What they meant to him was so encouraging and uplifting. He was thankful to God for them. The good that he received from them seemed so much greater than his thanks to God. That’s the point! Saying “thank you,” just doesn’t seem strong enough for what has been done.

For instance:

• Saying “thank you” to parents who sacrificed and paid for your college just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” to a mate who has loved you and put up with your moods, attitudes and failings just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” to your children for their love, obedience and the delight you receive from them just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” for having another day just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” for having health, a mind and opportunity to use those in a productive way just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” to God for giving you the abilities and talents that you have just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” to God for forgiving you and including you in His kingdom just doesn’t seem enough
• Saying “thank you” to a wonderful church family that accepts you and loves you just doesn’t seem enough

I was reading a section of history last night. In 1414, in England, reading Scriptures was forbidden. If caught, the penalty was the forfeiture of your land, cattle and even your life. I am thankful that I do not live in those dark days. We have God’s word. Is saying “Thank you,” enough for the wonderful gift of His word?

Most of us have a long line of people who have helped us through the years. That list would include those who have helped us spiritually. Nearly every preacher that I know, had help in their first few years. I did. So many of us are where we are today, because of those people who pointed us to the Lord. Think about who you would include in your list. Now you understand why simply saying “Thank you,” doesn’t seem enough. Those words do not equal the good we have received.

God is so good. He’s so good to me!

Thank you, Lord!

Roger