Charlie’s Thanksgiving List
The pastor at the downtown men’s shelter was ready to begin the Thanksgiving service. Everyone was ready for him to begin and finish since the service was before the meal.
After a few hymns were sung, it was time for the pastor’s Thanksgiving sermon. This year he had decided to begin by asking the men what they were thankful for. He knew that it was a little risky, but he thought it would be good for everyone to express their thankfulness.
When he asked the question, there was dead silence. No one was willing to share. He knew then that it was a bad choice. Just as he was about to move on to his message, Charlie stood up. He said, “I am thankful for the 7 Wonders.” The pastor looked a little confused. He wasn’t sure what Charlie was referring to. Thoughts of the Grand Canyon and the Great Wall of China came to his mind.
The pastor asked, “Which 7 Wonders, Charlie? Charlie responded, “You know, pastor, the 7 Wonders of God.” The pastor still had no idea what Charlie was talking about, but he nodded as if he did. He said, “Yes, Charlie, the 7 Wonders of God. Why don’t you share those with us.”
Charlie began. “Well first you have the Wonder of God’s Mercy. He doesn’t give us what we deserve when we rebel and sin against Him. Then, to everyone's surprise, Charlie quoted Psalm 145:8. “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.”
The pastor said, “Yes Charlie, thank God for His mercy.
Charlie continued. “Then there’s the Wonder of God’s Love.” That’s when Charlie quoted John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
The pastor was amazed. “What is number 3 Charlie?" Charlie replied, "Well, that’s the wonder of God’s Forgiveness. That’s in 1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
By this time the pastor was standing in awe of what he was witnessing.
Charlie continued. “Well, number 4 is the Wonder of God’s Forgetfulness. I haven’t figured that one out yet. If God knows everything, how can He forget? But the Bible says in Hebrews 8:12. “For I will forgive them of their sins and will remember their sins no more.”
By this time the pastor had taken a seat up on the platform wondering what number 5 is going to be. Then Charlie said, “Number 5 is the Wonder of God’s Provision. That’s what you do for us here at the shelter.” Then he quoted Philippians 4:19. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Charlie looked at the pastor as if to ask, “Do you want me to go on?” The pastor motioned for Charlie to continue.
Charlie said, “Well number 6 is actually two put together. That’s the Wonder of God’s Presence and Peace. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6, “The Lord is Near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation with prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Then Charlie looked at the pastor and said, “Well, everybody knows number 7.” Charlie paused. Looked around the room. No one responded. Even the pastor wasn’t sure where Charlie was going with the last Wonder of God.
That’s when Charlie looked up and quoted 1 Corinthians 2:9. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Charlie's 7th Wonder of God was Heaven.
Charlie sat down. The pastor stood and moved toward the pulpit. He looked at the sermon he had prepared and knew that Charlie’s message was all they needed to hear. He closed his Bible, asked everyone to stand, and prayed. “God we are thankful for all your blessings today. We thank you especially for Charlie. Amen.”