"For every creation of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the Word of God and prayer." ~ Timothy 4:4-5

Cody Bateman had the opportunity of spending several hours with Rifqa Bary - the young Christian teen who fled her Muslim home in search of religious freedom. He is pictured here, with Rifqa at a local Chinese resturant in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Bateman made several trips to Orlando in order to support her at the various court hearings followed by the worldwide news media. We understand that this "Thanksgiving Day" season is the perfect time to offer up "thanks" for the things we richly possess and for the people who enrich our lives; for the food on our tables, the roof over our heads, the clothes on our backs, the vehicles we own and the country we live in.

Depending on the blog read, television channel viewed, web page scanned, music file listened too or talk show observed – we are exposed to a very broad scope of opinions for celebrating this "Thanksgiving Day" season… or not.

In America especially, we have a very skewed way of celebrating the things we "see", feel and otherwise, partake in. We "see" the reason behind "Thanksgiving Day", be it for a religious, secular, political, educational or traditional purpose.

We possess volumes of stories told of a previous individual, family or nation’s sacrifice and gain wrought from tribulation, starvation, oppression, recession, proclamation, restitution, constitution, restoration and more. We "see" all these things plainly enough and remain thankful.

What about giving thanks for the "unseen?"

Should we not carefully consider giving thanks to God for those things generally hid from our eyes; the crippled and maimed war veteran, the faith of a dying loved one, the crushed by hopeful wife of a fallen police officer, the physically extended doctor and nurse, the parent wasting away in some nursing home, the young person scorned for remaining pure, the wanting missionary, that special school teacher, mentor or uncle who cared and still, many others?

fallen1 And, what about God? He remains "unseen" yet all of creation reveals His handiwork.

"For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse." ~ Romans 1:20

And, what of Jesus Christ? Are we thankful for His "unseen" work of faithfulness to die in our place long ago? His resurrection? His coming again? His eternal rule in heaven and coming back to establish His kingdom on earth?

"God is faithful, by whom you were called to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." ~ I Corinthians 1:9

This "Thanksgiving Day" season should hold a much deeper significance for those who follow after Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Are we really thankful for the "unseen" love God has for this world and all of mankind?

Personally, I am thankful for Jesus Christ granting me forgiveness of sin and giving me the promise of eternal life – as indeed, he has toward my wife and most of my children.

What, my friend, are you thankful toward – seen and unseen?

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