Given and Required

American Thanksgiving has come and gone. We did what most Americans did – slept late, ate big, watched football on TV, took a nap, ate again, watched more football, thanked God for the blessings, and went to bed feeling full. All the while, more than 800 million people in the world did not have enough to eat, and one in nine people on our planet went to bed hungry on Thanksgiving. The majority of the world did not watch TV on Thanksgiving since more people in the world do not own a TV than who do. With two-thirds of the world not claiming to be Christian, the majority did not thank God for Thanksgiving blessings. Approximately 100 million of the world’s population went to bed homeless on Thanksgiving night. While all these statistics might make us feel guilty, we most definitely ought to feel blessed. But a comment from Jesus haunts my Thanksgiving memories. In speaking of those who were blessed and faithful, Jesus said, “To whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Thanksgiving is once again gone. Much was given. The season of giving approaches. Much is required.

Join me in interceding for the following global needs:
• Pray for those who have responded to God’s call to leave their comfort zone, cross cultures, and minister to others. The Thanksgiving/Christmas season is difficult for many of these faithful servants.
• Pray for military Chaplains who minister to those who are far from home as Christmas nears.
• For Southern Baptists, this is the annual Week of Prayer for International Missions. Others can join us as we pray.