Thursday this week is the day set aside in this country when families all get together and enjoy football and a feast, plus hopefully remember to thank God for all the blessings of the past year and the year to come. While all of us are enjoying the company of our families and friends, let’s remember those in the world who may not be as fortunate as us and are away from home or otherwise separated from friends and family on this family holiday. Let’s say a prayer for them and wish them peace and safety wherever they may be.

Let’s remember those that due to health concerns may be in the hospital or otherwise close by hospital systems and those who are gravely ill and so separated from family this holiday (my niece is one of these). Let’s remember those who may not have any family to be with or are otherwise alone for the holiday (my preacher is one of these, but as an old bachelor he is preparing a feast for himself, I hear).

Let’s remember those who may be overseas or otherwise away from home preaching the gospel in mission fields. They need a special prayer for their work and perhaps for their safety. Let’s remember those who are away from home in the armed services making such a great sacrifice that we may be able to enjoy our holiday in peace and safety. Let’s remember those in school who may be away from home.

Let’s remember those who have lost loved ones and may be in mourning over the holiday. Say a prayer for our country that we may continue to enjoy the peace and freedom that we do enjoy and that terrorism may be kept in check. Also, let’s remember to say a prayer for our enemies as Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:43-45:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Let’s remember all those in third world countries that may not even be aware of the holiday, but may be suffering from poverty or oppressive governments. Let’s remember those in prison cells that may or may not be there for just reasons. Let’s remember them anyway. Let’s remember all those in the world that are struggling without the gospel or the guidance in life that comes from following God’s word and that will lose their souls on the judgment day if they do not repent and turn to God.

Let’s pledge in the coming year to make the world a better place, where it is within our power, by spreading the word and telling others about the hope that is in us. Let’s pray for the opportunity to help others come to a knowledge of the truth and that God’s will may always be done on earth as it is in heaven. Let’s pray for the peace and security, for everyone who desires it, to worship and to serve God as He would be worshiped and served. Most of all, let’s remember others as we enjoy the coming holiday.

May God bless and keep you until next time.