Colossians 2:6-7 English Standard Version

Alive in Christ

⁶ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Following up yet again with yesterday’s traditions, the verse of the day again mentions thanksgiving. For some this will be the focal point, but not for everyone. God brings to us what we need to hear and some will ponder some issue here that are not about Thanksgiving.

“So walk in Him.” What does that look like to each of us as we study God’s Word? Does it feel like putting on a suit of armor for protection because at heart we are warriors? Not everyone thinks that way but some might. Maybe some see an Avatar, an identity to hide behind like an alter-ego. That image is game play and might not fit everyone’s understanding.

Since it is Thanksgiving Day and many are busy preparing for this celebration why even bother mentioning anything other than this holiday?

God is the God of all days and does not stop loving His children just because their attention is focused elsewhere. There will be some that are troubled in various ways and giving thought to other things might be a relief from their troubles.

This is my first Thanksgiving without a home of my own. I am not homeless but living in someone else’s home sort of feels like living in Christ. I am not alone. I have loved ones all around me and I am grateful for the love that is given. I can be myself but I am always mindful of being respectful of my benefactor.

We are establishing ourselves, like being rooted. Living with others is a bonding experience, like being built up in Him. Making my presence known is like establishing my faith. So this Thanksgiving is like the verse of the day in ways I did not expect.

Thanks be to God in my present circumstance.

Psalm 100:4-5 English Standard Version

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

⁵ For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

It is a tradition that verses of the day appear like this just before Thanksgiving. It is a reminder of attitudes of gratitude and what is proper and right. We may agree on the need and this will create a bond of fellowship as we gather this week.

What does this do for us on a personal scale? Does it address any particular concerns we have at the moment? Is it a help in times of trouble?

Look at the word gate and ask ourselves if we have a complete understanding of what that means.

“The Jaffa Gate shows us viscerally that ancient city gates were not just entrances. Instead, they were the natural focal point for public life. 

The Bible itself records that city gates were used in various ways. At the gates people would finalise business deals (Genesis 23), arrange marriages (Ruth 4) and settle disputes in the presence of witnesses (Amos 5). The king used gates to address his subjects (2 Samuel 18).” Quote from firmisrael.org

Have we dealt with the matters of mankind before we come within His courts? If we intend to enter in with thanksgiving, then have we settled our issues with mankind first?

Matthew 5:23-24 English Standard Version

²³ So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Remember that the breaking of bread together began with making peace and a covenant with one another. Then we can be thankful together.