Thanksgiving Day: Remembering God's Faithfulness and the Harvest to Come

This day represents the harvest--an enjoyment of what has been given and worked for all year long.  For many, it is a time to remember all the blessings that are in one's life, yet it is a lonely time for some.

The Lord is reminding us that it is a time to give thanks to His name--the giver of all good things--and to remember that no matter our situation in life, Jesus loves us, is calling us back to a relationship with our Creator, and He is faithful to His promise of eternal life for all who believe.

There is a harvest to come, as the parable of the sower in Matthew 13 shows us.  Seed is down by the road, on rocky places, among thorns and in good soil.  The word of eternal life from the King of kings is offered to all--to "fakers," "flakers," "makers," and "shakers."

The Fakers are those who in their heart still value what God calls evil.  They have not truly turned from the way, or road, which leads to death.

The Flakers are those who lack resolve to follow the Lord, and they do not walk in obedience to Him when things get hard.  They may have a shallow faith.

The Makers are those who think they can make a life for themselves, maybe even earn everlasting life.  Maybe they have even said a prayer of salvation, but Jesus is not enough for them.  These self-centered will not see true fruit despite their efforts.

The shakers are those who rest in God's faithfulness, who experience victory in the eternal life, and they increasingly display Christ to those around them as He causes the growth. They are the ones whom God is using to share His message of hope and to ask the question, "What kind of person are you going to be when God's harvest of souls comes?" We do not know the day or the hour, so let's be ready.  Let us be found faithful as Jesus is faithful.