IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS

Historically, Thanksgiving was a celebration of the hard work and dedication put into reaping a good harvest. It was a community event that typically occurred at the end of harvesting season. Today, Thanksgiving is a nationally recognized holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November; it is a time when people gather to eat good food, fellowship with loved ones and to watch football. Tradition suggests that those celebrating will reflect on all the things that they should be thankful for. But why wait? As followers of Christ, we should always have praise and thanksgiving on our lips for a loving and merciful Savior.

We should give God thanks for all that He does for us. We should give thanks that He offered His only Son as a sacrificial lamb, that we may be saved from eternal damnation. We should give thanks that His mercy is renewed every day. We should give thanks for His never ending grace. We should give thanks for His forgiveness and His unconditional love. We should give thanks that He wants to give us such blessings. God is good and He is worthy of all or our praises and thanksgiving.

To show God just how thankful we are for all He is and all He does, we should follow His example and His advice.  Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Each of us should take some time to bless someone not just during this Thanksgiving celebration, but because it is pleasing to God. We can offer up praises and thanksgiving to God by stepping outside of ourselves and uplifting another. We will find favor and joy in our giving, along with the blessing of eternal life (see Matthew 25:34).

So as we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, please remember those that are less fortunate. 

• Visit someone that is sick or shut-in. 
• Feed the hungry and not just the ones gathered around the dinner table @ 3pm. 
• Offer a spare room to someone who needs it. 
• Spend some time with an elderly person who is lonely.
• Introduce a child to the meaning of giving thanks. 

Whatever we decide to do, we must do unto the glory of God! Let it be our offering of thanks for what He gives us eternally!

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy! We praise and thank you for another day to celebrate the sacrifice that you made on Calvary. We realize that no matter what we do, we cannot compare our giving to what you continue to give to us. Your blessings are without limit. Please be with us as we go about our day, and lead us to bless others as you have been a blessing to us. Let the Holy Spirit fill us with purpose during this holiday season, so that we can go forth and do your will and be the blessing. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray, Amen!

Read Matthew 25:31-46 to see how treatment of God’s people will be judged.