Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks...

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. - Isaiah 58:6-8 ESV

We got a chance to share an experience yesterday where we were reminded of the things mentioned in verses above; it is easy for us to forget sometimes that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and him crucified is a "social gospel". Knowing the the good news is not enough if we don't share it and apply it. Our prayer is that during this holiday season (Thanksgiving-New Year), as well as the expanse of our lifetime, that we start to understand that there is no greater expression for the love of the gift of faith in Christ than to reflect the love and character of Christ by extending ourselves to do for our fellow man. We indeed have a lot to be thankful for; may those of us that are doing well, seek also to do the good that we are called to do. Share the WHOLE Gospel. Carry the wounded...be salt and light.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." - 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:11 ESV

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Hebrews 13:20-22 ESV

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:14-17 ESV

Grace and Peace,

From the Balcony