Thanksgiving | Aspiritualnotefromth

THANKSGIVING

"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name:

make known his deeds among the people."

(Psalm 105:1)

God wants Thanksgiving to be our lifestyle, not just a day!

Every year in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving. The "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims following their first harvest in the New World in October of 1621. After that, the New England colonists regularly celebrated "thanksgiving" days of prayer to thank God for different blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. Later, Thanksgiving was celebrated nationally on and off since 1789 when Congress requested a proclamation by President George Washington. Finally, it has been celebrated as a federal holiday every year since 1863, when, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln initiated the first annual National Day of Thanksgiving with the following statement:

" ... I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. ..." Now, Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Sadly, today, for many Americans, THANKSGIVING DAY is a day off, and a day for good food and drinks and not about thanking God for all the blessings He has given to them. Lots of Americans, even Christians, do not use the name of GOD, CHURCH, or CHRISTIANITY publicly because of fear and political correctness. For example, a fourth-grader stood up in his public school class, giving a report concerning the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here's how he began: "The pilgrims came here seeking freedom of you know what. When they landed, they gave thanks to you know who. Because of them, we can worship each Sunday, you know where." — by J. Michael Shannon, Preaching. com

"I have always thought it would be a blessing if each person could be blind and deaf for a few days during his early adult life. Darkness would make him appreciate sight silence would teach him the joys of sound" (Helen Keller, born deaf and blind). Her beautiful words make me think and ask, "Do we really appreciate all the precious gifts and blessings that God gives us each day? Or do we complain and get frustrated by the problems we face without seeing all these are sent from the hand of a loving God?"

As His redeemed children, our lives must overflow daily with gratitude for His gracious salvation, even in the midst of trials. Remember that God rules everything in His creation, such as the sun, moon, stars, wind, and rain. Not even one drop of rain falls without God's command. Jesus reminds us that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's will (Matthew 10:29). Think of how much more He cares for us!

Worship the Lord today with other believers. You have been blessed with the freedom to publicly declare your gratitude and praises. Do not let political correctness keep you from giving credit to whom credit belongs. We have to realize that all our blessings come from God. We have to appreciate and be thankful to Him for meeting our needs. We have to be thankful for His goodness because everything we have comes from His loving hands. It is good and appropriate for us to say on Thanksgiving Day and every day a "THANK YOU" to God for all the material and spiritual blessings He gives to us. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

God does not want Thanksgiving to be an event on our calendar; He wants it to be our lifestyle. If you are not a Christian, this is the best time for you to tell God: "I'm sorry for my sins. I now turn from my sin and, by faith, receive You Jesus as my personal Savior. Come into my life, forgive my sins, and save me. I'm thankful for Your mercy to me. In Your name, I pray. Amen." After your prayer, show your appreciation on Thanksgiving and every day of your life by thankfully living for Jesus Christ. You will be forever thankful that you did.

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all you lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness:

come before his presence with singing.

Know that the LORD he is God:

it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth endures to all generations."

(Psalm 100)

Giving Thanks Always

Ephesians 5:20-21 says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. "

There are four levels of life:

1. There are those people who are constantly complaining and grumbling. Have you met any of these folks? They can brighten up a room just by leaving it. That’s the lowest level.

2. Next, there are people who live an ungrateful life. They don't complain, but they never thank God for His obvious blessings. That's a little better, but not much better.

3. Then, there are people who thank God for obvious blessings. When something good happens, they're grateful. That's a better level.

4. The highest level is to be grateful for all things at all times. That is the secret of a happy and productive life. — Taken from a message by Dr. Adrian Rogers

BIBLE VERSES

"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known among the nations what He has done." (Psalm 105:1)

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:” (Psalms 92:1)

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works.

Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually." (1 Chronicles 16:8-11)

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6)

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1)

"Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen."(Revelation 7:12)

"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving..." (Psalms 147:7)

"...Be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalms 100:4)

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."(Ephesians 1:3)

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

"For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?" (Psalm 6:5)

"Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:12-14)

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." (Psalm 136:1)

"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near..." (Psalm 75:1)

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:21,22)

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods."

(Psalm 95:2-3)

If you are a believer thank God not only for the things which are temporary and you can loose any time,

but especially for what you cannot loose.

Eternal life (John 10:28)

Forgiveness (1 John 1:9)

God's presence (Hebrews 13:5)

Access to the Lord through prayer (Hebrews 4:15-16).

QUOTES

"Thou who hast given so much to me, give one more thing- a grateful heart." — Theologian, George Herbert

"Be grateful for all things at all times. That is the secret of a happy and productive life." — Pastor and Author, Dr. Adrian Rogers

"When we are ungrateful, the heart of God is saddened, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and the joy of the Lord is quenched within us." "Thankfulness is not something God gives us. It is not a spiritual gift and it is not a spiritual fruit. We can receive God's peace, joy, and love, but thankfulness is something that we give to God and to others. It is a choice that we make. Let us thank Him today with songs of celebration, hearts of strong devotion and acts of admiration." — Quotes from Co-founder of DaySpring Cards, Roy Lessin

"Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart." — Philoshofer, Lucius

"We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction." — Dr. Harry Ironside

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. Who does not thank for little will not thank for much."— Estonian proverb

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."— Preacher, Scholar, and Author, WT Purkiser

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." "God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you?'" — Quotes from the motivational writer, William Arthur Ward

"To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything." — Monk, Writer and theologian, Thomas Merton

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." — Author, Melody Beattie

"No matter what our circumstance, we can find a reason to be thankful." — Pastor and Author, Dr. David Jeremiah

"Every day is a day to be thankful. Life's abundance has no limit, and gratitude is what keeps that abundance flowing. In every circumstance, there is something for which to be thankful. Even when there seems to be nothing else, there is hope." — Professional Football Player, Ralph Marston

"Thanksgiving is the language of heaven, and we had better start to learn it if we are not to be mere dumb aliens there." — Author, A.J. Gossip

"Let us thank God heartily as often as we pray that we have His Spirit in us to teach us to pray. Thanksgiving will draw our hearts out to God and keep us engaged with Him; it will take our attention from ourselves and give the Spirit room in our hearts." — Pastor and Author, Andrew Murray

"Foolish talking and jesting are not the ways in which Christian cheerfulness should express itself, but rather "giving of thanks" (Eph. 5:4). Religion is the source of joy and gladness, but its joy is expressed in a religious way, in thanksgiving and praise." — Theologian and Author, Charles Hodge

"This way of seeing our Father in everything makes life one long thanksgiving and gives a rest of heart, and, more than that, a gayety of spirit, that is unspeakable." — Author: Hannah Whitall Smith

"All revival begins, and continues, in the prayer meeting. Some have also called prayer the "great fruit of revival." In times of revival, thousands may be found on their knees for hours, lifting up their heartfelt cries, with thanksgiving, to heaven." — Pastor and Author, Henry Blackaby

"Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow." — Clergyman and Author, Henry Ward Beecher

"From David learn to give thanks for everything. Every furrow in the Book of Psalms is sown with the seeds of thanksgiving." — Clergyman and Author, Jeremy Taylor

"I preached on the righteousness of the law and the righteousness of faith. While I was speaking, several dropped down as dead and among the rest such a cry was heard of sinners groaning for the righteousness of faith that it almost drowned my voice. But many of these soon lifted up their heads with joy and broke out into thanksgiving, being assured they now had the desire of their soul - the forgiveness of their sins." — Clergyman, Theologian, Evangelist and Author, John Wesley

"God wants to see prayers that are filled with genuine praise and thanksgiving for what He has done in the past. He wants our hearts to be filled with awe and gratitude for His blessings. He wants us to set up memorials in our hearts testifying to the provisions He has given us." — Pastor and Author, Dr. Michael Youssef

We have to be grateful to the LORD

not just once a year at Thanksgiving time,

but every day, in every incident,

no matter what happens to us!

Christians have a lot to be grateful for:

Jesus Christ suffered and died for their sins.

Have you thanked God lately?

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanks to God

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,

Thanks for all Thou dost provide!

Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,

Thanks for Jesus by my side!

Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,

Thanks for dark and stormy fall!

Thanks for tears by now forgotten,

Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,

Thanks for what Thou dost deny!

Thanks for storms that I have weathered,

Thanks for all Thou dost supply!

Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,

Thanks for comfort in despair!

Thanks for grace that none can measure,

Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,

Thanks for thorns their stems contain!

Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,

Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!

Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,

Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!

Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,

Thanks through all eternity!

— Hymn by Carl E. Backstrom, 1931

Give Thanks

O give thanks, give thanks unto the Lord,

For He is good, and His mercy endureth forever.

To Him which led His people through the wilderness,

For He is good, and His mercy endureth forever.

He turned the wilderness into standing water,

And dry ground into water springs.

Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees,

Say to them that are of a fearful heart,

Be strong, fear not, behold your God will come with a recompense.

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened

And the ears of the deaf, unstopped.

And a highway shall be there,

And it shall be called the way, the way of holiness,

The unclean shall not pass over it,

But the redeemed of the Lord shall walk therein;

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion,

To Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads,

They shall obtain joy and gladness,

And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

— The Cyber Hymnal #1813

Dear Friend, in light of the immense problems this country faces, God has greatly blessed us.

Take a moment to thank God that He cares for us and watches over this nation.

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Blessing

Lord, today I am so truly

thankful for so many things.

You have blessed me in so many ways.

I thank You for the wonderful country

I live in...and for all its many heroes.

I thank You Lord for my wonderful family

and friends. They are my greatest blessing.

Thank You Lord for the creatures you have put

on earth for us all. They teach us so much,

unconditional love, loyalty, and understanding.

I ask You Lord that all who suffer with illness

have this day free from pain.

Thank You Lord for all who have tables filled

with food and someone to share it with.

And for those that have no family or food,

Lord, I ask that You comfort them.

I thank You Lord for the time I had with my

loved ones that have gone on to be with You.

They shall always be loved and greatly missed.

Thank You Lord for allowing me to have love

and understanding in my heart.

It is these many blessings that make my

humble life happy and fulfilled.

Thank You Lord.....Amen....

May your Thanksgiving

be blessed with love and peace.

Dear Friend, this Thanksgiving keep in mind the various ways the Lord has kept you

from evil and sustained you through this last year.

The kind hand of your heavenly Father has compassionately protected you

from more than you can ever know.

Be grateful for what you don't have as well as what you do have!

Giving Thanks in Everything

(Ephesians 5:20, Romans 8:28)

Understanding that God's Word is intricately linked together to provide us a roadmap through life is a cornerstone to obedience and peace. We can learn the key to sincerely giving thanks in all things simply by linking His Word.

For instance, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states: "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 5:20 states: "always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God . . ."

Now flip over to Romans 8:28. You probably know this verse by heart, but have you ever thought about it in light of the aforementioned two versions? First Thessalonians and Ephesians tell us to give thanks for all things, and Romans 8:28 states, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love the Lord . . ."

If God is causing all things in your life to work together for good, then you can thank Him for whatever you're encountering, even when overwhelming heartache seems to crush you to the core. God is in charge. God is in control. And when your life seems but a wasted heap, remember that He works wonders with raw materials.

He is a good God, and there is not one shred of anything but love and goodness in Him. That is His character. — In Touch Ministries

Danger of Taking Your Blessings for Granted

I have felt for a long time that one of the particular temptations of the maturing Christian is the danger of getting accustomed to his blessings. Like the world traveler who has been everywhere and seen everything, the maturing Christian is in danger of taking his blessings for granted and getting so accustomed to them that they fail to excite him as they once did.

Emerson said that if the stars came out only once a year, everybody would stay up all night to behold them. We have seen the stars so often that we don't bother to look at them anymore. We have grown accustomed to our blessings.

The Israelites in the wilderness got accustomed to their blessings, and God had to chasten the people (see Num. 11). God had fed the nation with heavenly manna each morning, and yet the people were getting tired of it. "But now our whole being is dried up," they said, "there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!" (v. 6).

Nothing but manna! They were experiencing a miracle of God's provision every morning; yet they were no longer excited about it. Nothing but manna! One of the evidences that we have grown accustomed to our blessings is this spirit of criticism and complaining. Instead of thanking God for what we have, we complain about it and tell him we wish we had something else. You can be sure that if God did give us what we asked for, we would eventually complain about that. The person who has gotten accustomed to his blessing can never be satisfied.

Another evidence of this malady is the idea that others have a better situation than we do. The Israelites remembered their diet in Egypt and longed to return to the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. They were saying, "The people in Egypt are so much better off than we are!" Obviously, they had forgotten the slavery they had endured in Egypt and the terrible bondage from which God had delivered them. Slavery is a high price to pay for a change in diet. — Warren Wiersbe, God Isn't In a Hurry

God's Listening For The Sound of a Thankful Heart

One day, while paying my electric bill, I decided to thank the company for the service they were providing me. "Thanks for my electricity," I said, "It's really quite a bargain for all the benefits I receive." "What!" said the lady behind the counter, in amazement, "That's the first time anyone has ever thanked us. All I ever hear around here are complaints."

It's a challenge to grow up with a thankful heart. From an early age, we are exposed to a culture of complainers, gripers, grumblers, and critics. We complain about the weather, traffic, food, work, neighbors, bills, the government, church, and life in general. Worst of all, we are ungrateful toward God. It would be hard to count the number of complaints and criticisms that are daily spoken before Him and against Him. How can we, who have received so much, be thankful for so little?

One of the great indicators of true spirituality is not measured by how many times we go to church, how big our Bibles are, or how long we pray, but it is measured by the level of gratitude that is in our hearts. When we are ungrateful, the heart of God is saddened, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and the joy of the Lord is quenched within us.

Being thankful sweetens you, grumbling sours you; being thankful brings sunshine to your countenance, being ungrateful casts a shadow; being thankful brings a melody to your words, criticism makes you sound like a clanging cymbal; being thankful keeps your feet on the pathway of celebration, complaint takes you down the road of despair.

When our hearts are filled with gratefulness we may feel like our thanksgiving is inadequate, but we can be certain that our thanksgiving is always appropriate. It will gladden the heart of God to hear your heartfelt thanks being freely offered to Him today. — By Roy Lessin, Co-founder, DaySpring Cards

"When ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord,

offer it at your own will."

(Leviticus 22:29)

No Thanksgiving!

What attitude is fostered by removing God from His rightful place as Creator and Lord? Without a doubt it is one of unthankfulness. In fact, ingratitude always accompanies departure from God. In Romans 1:21 we read that turning away from God's testimony of Himself in creation, which renders the heathen without excuse, made them "unthankful" as well as vain, foolish, and darkened.

One of the signs of the last days is that men will be "unthankful" (2 Tim. 3:2). Not many would question that this condition exists today. And the rapidity with which this attitude is permeating all levels of society, accompanied with selfish, hateful words and riotous deeds, only manifests how steadily unthankfulness is engulfing this Christless world.

Apostasy is the giving up of truth once nominally held. This is what Christendom is guilty of today. True, there is the "form of godliness," but "denying the power thereof" (2 Tim. 3:5) reveals it is merely a degenerating profession of "Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24).

Only a ministry of Christ can produce an attitude of thankfulness in the heart and cause an expression of true thanksgiving with the lips. The rejection of such ministry only further opens man's sinful, selfish heart to display itself more fully, just as it is doing today.

How is it with you, dear reader? Are you marked out by "No thanksgiving" in your heart and life? Or are you truly grateful for the grace and the mercy God has shown to you in His blessed Son?

Have you been cleansed from your sins (1 John 1:7), and like the leper who was cleansed from his leprosy, returned to give the Lord Jesus thanks for His merciful kindness (Luke 17:11-19)? Have you received His marvelous gift of eternal life (Rom. 6:23), and do you join in with those who exclaim, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift" (2 Cor. 9:15)?

Do you realize that every good and perfect gift cometh from the Father above? Are you therefore known as "giving thanks always for all things" (Eph. 5:20)? If so, you are a product of divine grace, and for this you will be eternally thankful, never ceasing to be amazed that He should have ever loved you (Rev. 5:9-14).

If, however, "No thanksgiving" characterizes you, be warned that you are in danger of the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Luke 13:22-28) in hell forever. Then there will be no opportunity nor cause to give thanks. "For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?" (Psalm 6:5). Turn now to God in repentance and by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour while there is yet time! Then you will join in the following ascription of grateful, eternal Thanksgiving: "Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:12-14).

As you can see, dear friend, though the terms "No Thanksgiving" and "unthankful" may not at first seem too bad, especially since the whole world is characterized by them, they are indeed a serious, solemn warning that we are living in the last days of God's grace, just preceding His righteous judgments. May you heed this warning, and be one of the thankful "few" who find life in Christ (Matt. 7:13,14). — D.T.J. By mwtb

How can I be thankful when things seem to go so wrong?

Pastor Rogers, I know Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of thankfulness. But because of some very hard circumstances in my life, I am struggling with being thankful right now. How can I be thankful when things seem to go so wrong?

You know, we're supposed to thank God all the time - for all things. And sometimes we don't feel very grateful or thankful. And yet, as God's children, we are to thank Him all the time and to thank Him for everything. Ephesians 5:20 says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." When he says giving thanks always for all things, that makes it a little difficult. That brings up some real questions. How can bad things happen to a child of God: sickness, sorrow, disappointment, death, divorce, abuse, murder, rape, and mayhem. Why does God allow these things, and how can we possibly give God thanks always and for all things?

Let me suggest some factors you need to take into consideration:

Sin: Why do hard things happen? Very frankly, we live in a world that is cursed with sin, and therefore filled with sorrow. Job 14:1 says: "Man that is born of a woman has few days, and full of trouble." And so we bear in our bodies the ravages of sin, brought about by the failure of Adam. Nature also bears this curse (Romans 8:21). We need to understand that our world and bodies are cursed, but we can take hope and can thank God in the worst of all circumstances because if we know the Lord, and are saved, one day, God is going to undo all that. Romans 8:21 says. Because creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. One of these days creation is going to be delivered from corruption. So in the midst of it all, I can thank God that one day, He's going to make it different.

Chastisement: If you're having difficulty, it just may be that you're under the chastening hand of Almighty God. In Hebrews 12, we see that "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" "Now no chastening for the present time seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (v. 7, 11). If you're suffering, it may be because God is chastising you. That doesn't mean He doesn't love you. It means that He does love you. He loves you too much to let you get away with sin and He will chasten you, dealing with you as with a son. If God takes you to the woodshed, as it were, and has to chastise you, thank God in this-because it proves He loves you and exercises "peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those that are exercised thereby."

Dependency: Sometimes God allows us to have problems to cause us to depend upon Him. Now, we have weaknesses, and weakness is an asset when it brings you to Jesus Christ and helps you to depend upon Him. Our place of weakness can be our place of strength. If our troubles cause us greater dependency, then thank God for them.

Maturity: When you have difficulty, you learn more during those times than you learn in the good times. Someone wrote these words: "I walked a mile with pleasure, she chattered all the way, but left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow, and not a word said she but oh the things I learned from sorrow, when sorrow walked with me." We learn so much more in times of sorrow than times of joy. Psalm 119:71 says, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes." If affliction causes me to learn, then I've got to thank God for it. If affliction causes you to be like Jesus, and you're made mature through these things, then you can thank God for it.

Patience: When bad things happen to you, inexplicable things, could it be that God is just simply working patience in you? All of us need to learn the Christian grace of patience. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thy heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord." James 1:4 says, "Let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." You and I need to learn patience. The word "patience" in this verse is a Greek word that means to bear up under suffering and pain. And so, if God is teaching us patience, and it is a Christian virtue, should we not thank God when we're enduring trials?

Ministry: Things that happen to you may happen to you to enable you to minister to other people. Second Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." God gives us comfort in order for us to comfort somebody else. Now, God can't comfort you unless you need it, and you can't need comfort unless you have trouble. Give God thanks that you can comfort someone else because of trouble.

Glory: When we suffer and yet keep praising God, it gives God glory. Now, I'd like for God to deliver me when I'm in trouble. It's one thing to be delivered and praise God for it; it's another thing to be in a fiery furnace and not be delivered and praise God for it. And I tell you, that takes more faith and gives God more glory. And if God is being glorified in my life, even though I may be persecuted, can I not thank God that He is being glorified in my life, even though I don't feel thankful?

Mystery: I've mentioned many things, but these may not satisfy you. You may not know and you may not understand. But one thing we can understand: God is a sovereign God, and bigger than any of us. Isaiah 55 tells us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and that His ways are higher than our ways. Second Corinthians 5:7 says: "we walk by faith, not by sight." There are times when we say, "God, You owe me an explanation." And it's all right to ask for one, but not to doubt God's wisdom, love or goodness. If God loved you enough to send His Son to die for you on the cross, then you never have to doubt His love again.

Real faith is not receiving from God what we want, but it is accepting from God what He gives. You may never in this world figure it out, but you know that God is sovereign and someone wisely said, "Where we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart." He is good and faithful, and so thank Him and praise Him anyway.— Taken from Love Worth Finding Ministries

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

Lord, as I sit down to a Thanksgiving table once again, I want to thank you for Your goodness to me.

Thank You for meeting my needs every day--for food and shelter and clothing. And for the many extras You provide that I so often take for granted.

Thank You for my family and friends who make my life complete. Thank You that even when we are miles apart, we are bound by the cords of Your love.

And I thank You that I live in a country where I am free to worship You and to read Your Word.

Most of all, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the "light of the world." When I turned to Him, He flooded the darkness of my soul with the light of Your love.

Thank You that He not only died for my sins, but that He is alive today at Your side--hearing my prayers and preparing a home for me in Heaven.

Thank You that He came into this world and took up residence in my life as Savior, Lord, and God.

Thank You for all that You have given me as a Christian: the Holy Spirit who is Your presence in my life, the Bible that is a light to my pathway, Christian friends who encourage and help me.

Thank You that I can face tomorrow with hope because Jesus is living for me.

O, Lord, how truly rich I am! Thank You for all You mean to me.

"Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:4-5).— By Good News Publishers

We Gather Together to Ask the Lord's Blessing (Video)

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Testimonies

God Has Saved My Life

A few months ago I had an experience that took me to the very edge of this mortal existence. As many of you know, I suffered a heart attack last August. I had the opportunity of knowing firsthand of the healing strength that comes through united prayer. For that I will always be grateful. Thank you for your prayers and for your concern. Your kindness to me lifted my spirits and aided in the healing process. I have been greatly blessed with improving health and strength.

Throughout that experience, there is one particular feeling that began inside of me, almost immediately, that intensified as time went on and became overpowering during my illness, during my recovery, and remains with me still. I became overwhelmed with a feeling of deep gratitude for the goodness of God. — R.H.

A young woman named Anne Steele was born at Broughton, Hampshire, in 1717. Her father was a timber merchant, and at the same time officiated as the lay pastor of the Baptist Society at Broughton. Her mother died when she was 3. At the age of 19 she became an invalid after injuring her hip. At the age of 21 she was engaged to be married but her fiance drowned the day of the wedding. On the occasion of his death she wrote the hymns "When I survey life's varied scenes." and "Father, whate’er of earthly bliss." After the death of her fiance she assisted her father with his ministry and remained single. Despite her sufferings, she maintained a cheerful attitude. She published a book of poetry Poems on subjects chiefly devotional in 1760 under the pseudonym "Theodosia." The remaining works were published after her death, they include 144 hymns, 34 metrical psalms, and about 50 poems on metrical subjects.

Father, whate'er of earthly bliss

1 Father, whate’er of earthly bliss

Thy sov'reign will denies,

Accepted at Thy throne of grace,

Let this petition rise.

2 Give me a calm, a thankful heart,

From every murmur free;

The blessing of Thy grace impart,

And let me live to Thee.

3 Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine

My life and death attend;

Thy presence thro' my journey shine,

And crown my journey’s end.

Amen.

Dr. Ironside's Rebuke on Not Giving Thanks

In his book Folk Psalms Of Faith, Ray Stedman tells of an experience Dr. H.A. Ironside had in a crowded restaurant. Just as Ironside was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited him to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, "Do you have a headache?" Ironside replied, "No, I don't." The other man asked, "Well, is there something wrong with your food?" Ironside replied, 'No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat." The man said, "Oh, you're one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don't have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!" Ironside said, "Yes, you're just like my dog. That's what he does too!"

Dear Friend, what is your gratitude quotient? Does your life continually reflect thankfulness for God's blessings?

God is glorified as you give Him thanks. Living in constant thankfulness marks a life that praises God.

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Everything should praise the Lord, even dogs!

What has God done for you this last year?

Take time to count your blessings.

If you are facing a need you can't meet, trust the Lord.

My child, He will provide.

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Live, Love, Laugh!

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"

-Proverbs 17:22

An elderly couple gets a divorce

An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing, forty-five years of misery is enough."

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says.

"We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up.

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this."

She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares Now what do we tell them for Christmas?

WEBSITES

The four first documents below clearly show the meaning of Thanksgiving as intended by the nation's Founders. But, unfortunately, today in most public schools, God is not mentioned, and Thanksgiving becomes a historical event rather than a Christian celebration of thanks to God.

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation

Continental Congress 1777 Thanksgiving Proclamation

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude?

Why is giving thanks to God important?

What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Blessing

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Give Thanks!

Heart For Christ Expressed in Heart For Souls

What's Inside?