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Thanksgiving in troubled times Thanksgiving in troubled times"Whatever we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgement. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw. (I Cor.3:12) The Apostle praised God for teaching him how to build wisely. He warns his congregation that each must be careful how they build their faith. CHRIST IS THE ONLY FOUNDATION. The weeks leading up to Canadian Harvest Thanksgiving were 'spoiled' by the bad news about the American Economic crisis. Not long after -- the European, Asian and Australian Markets also went into a rapid decline. The Icelandic Bank is virtually bankrupt, affecting the Canadian Atlantic Fishery too! With news like this -- who wants to spend time in church giving God praise for 'All His Goodness'? -- Now that our Federal Election is over and the Conservative Party has returned with a minority Government -- some Canadians must still be feeling that 'everything' is going against them! "The End must be nigh!" Greed, the desire to have 'more than others', a sense of power -- that can control everything, false self-confidence ... These have all contributed to our crisis in the economy and in our hearts. News on October 16 stated that computer-assisted trading may also have contributed to the inflated trading & sense of confidence in a precarious market because mistakes were made by computers & not detected until it was too late -- For thousands of years the Christian Gospel has warned us not to put our trust in 'men'. We are to look to Jesus; to God for our salvation. God's Word has a wealth of advice and guidance when we feel enticed 'to make a fast buck', to recklessly profit at the expense of others -- especially the less fortunate etc. The Great commandment and some of its derivatives remind us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves. These are the 'precious jewels' with which to build our lives. The 'wood' mentioned in Paul's letter may even be a reference to the idols of wood of other nations -- already mentioned and rejected in Israels' Holy Scriptures; our 'Old Testament' of the Bible. Wood and straw burn & have no lasting strength. God wants to be remembered any time! We should make a special effort to seek out God in troubled times because, regardless of our past wanderings, God loves us and wants to forgive us. God wants to reassure us and teach us God's ways. It's never too late to give thanks to God. Troubled times may be 'the best of times' to reconnect with God, our compassionate heavenly Father. Amen
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