Thanks Supreme Giving
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thanksgiving, thanks giving, thanks supreme giving of a mixed marriage immigrant single parent familyThanksgiving brings images of live and well turkeys singing gobble-gobble. And, of course, those dead, legs tied, tummy stuffed, golden-brown, succulent and ready to be feasted butterballs.

 

Thanksgiving Progression

 

Thanksgiving used to bring pressure to me. It’s a family time. Back when I had no family I felt lonely and not sure how to spend the long weekend by myself. After I had a family, I did not know how to cook a turkey. Then, we served in the Thanksgiving King’s Table feast at Vineyard. Now, we host a small Thanksgiving potluck at home to share the Spirit of thanksgiving with those around us. Boy, I’ve even learned how to cook a turkey and stuffing following the recipe, with little nervousness.

 

A Powerful Giving Example?

 

On November 8, a mom asked me in her e-mail for a powerful example of giving to teach her children. My initial reaction was a little frustration. Waroon is from Thailand. The Lord has sent many to share the Good News with her. In her effort to understand the truth, she kept on comparing Jesus’ teaching with Buddha’s. Somewhat irritated, I wasn’t sure of how to respond this time. After praying and asking the Lord to give me more of His love, I replied.

 

One and Two Greatest Givings

 

Two days later, at the end of the Sunday service, Holy Spirit touched my heart. Part of the greatest giving was Heavenly Father’s giving Jesus to us. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) The other part was Jesus’ giving himself to sacrifice on the cross for us. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) The origin of Thanksgiving goes far beyond the pilgrimage and Thanksgiving proclamations since 1621. Oh, how I felt ashamed. John 3:16 is one of the few verses I memorized. Countless many have taught on this truth. Still, when facing a question for a powerful example of giving, I missed it. That afternoon, an updated e-mail about the supreme giving went out to my friend.

 

Few days later, Waroon called.  She was recovering from a bad cold.  Somehow, the two e-mails did not reach her.  Thank God.  Jesus had hidden them from her because neither of us was totally ready.  But that evening on November 15, both were humbled by the Lord.  We had a long discussion about giving, creation of mankind and family needs.  Holy Spirit ‘upgraded’ our surface friendship to heart-to-heart fellowship. Thank You, Lord.  You always give us mercy, grace and love to keep us and call more into Your kingdom.  Thank You for revealing the truth of giving once again.

 

More Revelation of Divine Giving

 

Three days later on the Monday morning, Holy Spirit reminded me again. Father not only gave us Jesus but also gave us the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "6And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17) Holy Spirit teaches us all things and reminds us of everything Jesus has said to us. (John 14:28)  This was the third part of the greatest giving.

 

Thank You All, Lord.

 

Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, thank You for the giving. Because of Your giving, we can go to Father through Jesus. We can have kingdom of heaven from within. Because of your giving, we are more than conquerors through Christ. (Romans 8:37, 1 Cor. 15:57) It was Your grace and mercy the Pilgrims thrived and founded the nation upon the Rock. It is because of You we continue to glorify You with thanksgiving. Well, it is also because of You we love turkeys for Thanksgiving and Jesus’ birthday - Christmas.

 

Now, the images of a turkey seem to carry a brand new meaning. We will thank the Lord and celebrate Thanksgiving 2002 with renewed revelation of giving.