"The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps constant communion with Him will see many reason for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long." – Warren Wiersbe
This is a glorious time of year. It is a time when we pause to give thanks for the many blessings we have received from the Lord’s hand during the past year. In fact, we are exhorted in Scripture to be thankful each and every day, not just on the special day we call "Thanksgiving."
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" (Eph 5:20)
The late Bible scholar, William MacDonald, made this observation about the giving of thanks according to Ephesians 5:20:
"Where the Spirit reigns, there is a gratitude to God, a deep sense of appreciation, and a spontaneous expression of it. It is not occasional, but continual. Not only for the pleasant things, but for all things. Anyone can be thankful for sunshine; it takes the power of the Spirit to be thankful for the storms of life."
Are we letting the Spirit reign in our lives? We should be. The Word commands us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18b) and to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). Then, not only will we experience blessing, but we will be a blessing to those around us.
"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people." (Psalm 105:1)
As believers we have much to be thankful for, especially in spiritual matters. But, what about those around us who have never trusted in Christ and received His free gift of salvation? What about the 40 unreached tribal groups scattered all across Mexico? They represent hundreds of thousands of precious souls who have never heard the Good News that Jesus Christ has paid their sin debt and freely offers them salvation. Sadly, due to the remoteness of where many of these tribal people live, they will never hear the Gospel, unless…
Unless…someone is willing to go where others are not willing to go. Unless…someone is willing to face the increasing dangers posed by the Mexican cartel wars. Unless…someone is willing to communicate the Gospel clearly to the unreached peoples of Mexico in their heart language.
We are very thankful that the Lord has chosen us to be counted among those "someones" who are proclaiming Christ to the nations right here in Mexico. New Tribes Mission has over 120 missionaries working with eight of the forty unreached tribal groups here. We are humbled that the Lord allows us to have a part in helping plant tribal churches in Mexico. And, we are thankful that He has given us faithful friends and partners in the ministry He has called us to South of the Border.
May we echo to you what Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, "…beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 1:7) We pray that you will have a great Thanksgiving Day, and every day of the coming year, as you bring honor and glory to our Father through the life you live by His Spirit reflecting the love of His Son to those around you!
Yours in His Service,
David & Sherri