Two Thanksgiving Devotionals for One...

Gratitude in Affliction

by Charles Stanley

65 Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD.

66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.

69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.

71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Psalms 119:65-72

At Thanksgiving, we typically express gratitude for God's blessings. But did you ever consider thanking Him for something that doesn't seem like a blessing—such as a trying circumstance you want Him to remove or change? A grateful heart is most precious to God when, humanly speaking, our situations don't warrant giving thanks. By making four foundational decisions, we can begin to see the value of our adversities and respond with appreciation.    

Believe and trust the Lord. Only by viewing life from a scriptural perspective can we understand His purposes in our trials and trust His wisdom in allowing them.

Accept the situation as coming from God—either directly sent or permissively allowed. If we truly believe He's working for our good (Rom 8:28-29), we can choose to receive each difficulty as coming from His loving hand. Then we can say "Thank You."

Submit to God in the circumstance. Although we may not like the situation, knowing that God "[is] good and does good" (v. 68) allows us to confidently place our lives under His authority. 

Draw from Him the strength to endure. No one has the ability within himself to endure hardships with gratefulness. Only by relying on the Lord can believers go through adversity with an appreciative heart.

Now, think about that circumstance you would like changed, and with a new mindset, offer this prayer to God: "Lord, I accept this situation as coming from You. In faith and trust, I place myself under Your loving authority, and draw from You the strength I need to endure with gratitude."
From Dr. Charles Stanley


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How You Can Help Shake the World for Christ
by Dr. Jack Graham

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10 

Today is Black Friday… a day when people who have camped out in front of stores overnight wait for them to open so they can get good deals on Christmas gifts. If you’ve ever been to a store on Black Friday, you know how crazy it can get… people grabbing and clawing like crazy to get their hands on the next great deal!

I think we can safely say this day is usually not marked by a spirit of Christian unity, even though it’s supposed to kick off the Christmas season. But despite how divisive you may see shoppers act on the evening news, I’ve been so encouraged in recent years at the level at which unity is happening among believers.

One big reason for this, I believe, is simply because people are more willing than ever to agree on what’s important and lay aside the non-negotiables of the faith. We have differing views on issues like the process of sanctification and the second coming of Jesus, but are unified when it comes to the very important things like salvation by faith alone and the deity of Christ.

So when it comes to people from other stripes of our faith, be quick to find areas of agreement. A unified church is a powerful church, and it’s the kind of church Jesus wants us to be. Put aside petty differences and let the church shake the world for Christ!

HELP THE CHURCH SHAKE THE WORLD BY WORKING TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH.

Two for One Thankgiving Special

Two Fathers, Two Feasts
by Max Lucado
The following is an excerpt from In the Eye of the Storm.

I drove the family to Grandma's last night for Thanksgiving. Three hours into the six-hour trip, I realized that I was in a theology lab.

A day with a car full of kids will teach you a lot about God. Transporting a family from one city to another is closely akin to God transporting us from our home to his.

A journey is a journey, whether the destination be the Thanksgiving table or the heavenly one. The fact that my pilgrims were all under the age of seven only enriched my learning experience.

As minutes rolled into hours and our car rolled through the hills, I began to realize that what I was saying to my kids had a familiar ring. I had heard it before — from God. All of a sudden, the car became a classroom. I realized that I was doing for a few hours what God has done for centuries: encouraging travelers who'd rather rest than ride.

I shared the idea with Denalyn. We began to discover similarities between the two journeys. Here are a few we noted:

• In order to reach the destination, we have to say no to some requests.
• Children have no concept of minutes or miles.
• Children can't envision the reward.
• It's worth it.

As we sat around the table today, no one spoke of the long trip to get here. Yesterday's challenges were lost in today's joy.

That's what Paul meant. God never said that the journey would be easy, but he did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.

Remember this: God may not do what you want, but he will do what is right… and best. He's the Father of forward motion. Trust him. He will get you home. And the trials of the trip will be lost in the joys of the feast.
From In the Eye of the Storm Copyright 2001, Max Lucado



Remember to Give Thanksby Greg Laurie 

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:15–16 NKJV)

The Bible tells the story of ten men who had a lot to give thanks for. They were miraculously touched by Jesus. Prior to this touch, they were complete outcasts, the very scourge of society. These men had leprosy, and you couldn’t get any lower in that particular time in history with this incurable disease.

If a man was found to have leprosy, he could have no contact with others. He had to leave his house and his friends and live apart from them. So here were these men living an isolated, miserable, lonely life. But they heard about Jesus. They heard how He had touched others and healed them.

So they called out to the Lord and asked for His healing touch. Now these men were standing before Jesus in various stages of decay. Their clothing would have been ripped from perpetual mourning. Their skeletal heads would have been uncovered. They would have been required, according to the Law of Moses, to cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” wherever they went.

But Jesus did not respond to them with special effects or even a dramatic touch. He simply said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14 NKJV). So that is what they did. And guess what? They were healed.

Yet only one decided to go back and give thanks. The Bible tells us he was a Samaritan, which may not mean a lot to us. But normally, Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with each other. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans. Yet it wasn’t one of the sons of Abraham that came to give thanks; it was a Samaritan. And he was commended for this.

We are so quick to ask for God’s help, but let’s remember to be just as quick in giving Him praise when He comes through.

The Absence of Thanks

by ARLENE PELLICANE

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:15-16 (NIV)

It was a typical scene at a kids’ birthday party.

Boys and girls lined up for food and brought their plates to the table to eat. There was nothing really wrong with that. One child looked up from his full plate and said, “Thank you” to the adult serving the meal.

Thank you. 

I challenge you to think of two more beautiful words.

That was one well-mannered, grateful and considerate child.

It’s easy to breeze through life without stopping to say thank you. Whether you’re facing a clerk at the store, a bus driver, restaurant employee or family member, we can move on quickly instead of pausing to give thanks.

Apparently people moved along quickly in ancient times, too.

The story behind our key verse is only recorded in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, and as He entered a certain village, ten men who had leprosy standing far away called upon Him for mercy. He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. The priest was the one who could issue a life-giving paper, a certificate of release indicating they were disease-free, and therefore allowed to return to their homes and public life once again.

Jesus didn’t heal the men on the spot. They were healed on the way. As they followed and obeyed Jesus’ orders, they were healed of their leprosy. Imagine their disbelief and joy as they saw their skin repair itself and look like new again. That was impossible apart from God’s power!

One of these 10 returned and thanked Jesus: “when he saw he was healed, [he] came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15-16).

Jesus completely, supernaturally, wonderfully changed 10 lives … but only one person came back to say thank you.

Ten people had the same experience, but one responded differently than the rest.

“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’” (Luke 17:17-18, NIV).

Do you hear the surprise and disappointment in these questions? The nine Jewish men kept their blessings to enjoy but didn’t return to acknowledge the giver. The most unlikely to return — the Samaritan who knew the least about God — was the one to receive not only a physical healing, but a spiritual one.

Jesus said to him in verse 19, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” The power of God cleansed him outwardly in his body as he went in obedience, then cleansed him inwardly from sin when he returned to give thanks.

He would have missed out on that blessing if he hadn’t returned to thank Jesus. Gratitude paved the way for a double blessing — healing for the body and restoration for the soul.

Today, gratitude still paves the way to blessing in both body and soul.

It’s easy to look down on the nine Jewish men who didn’t bother to say thank you. But maybe you and I would have done the same thing. Maybe they were so excited about being healed and getting that certificate of release, and seeing their wives and children again that they could hardly wait to go home! After all, if they traveled back to Jesus, maybe Jesus wouldn’t be there anymore so why bother with the trip?

Yet the trip to thank Jesus wasn’t only the appropriate response; it would have been a journey to unbelievable wholeness for those nine Jewish men.

As we celebrate a national day of Thanksgiving in the United States, let us all learn from these 10 men and the little boy at the birthday party. Although it may take some effort, it’s always best to pause … and say thank you. 

Lord Jesus, forgive me for not saying “Thank You.” I repent of focusing on the things I don’t have, instead of the blessings You have given me. I want to be like the one who returned to express gratitude. Thank You for saving me, forgiving me and providing for my needs each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: 1 Chronicles 29:12-13, “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (NIV)

Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” (NASB)

Editor's Note:

Internet is back on and running at about 18% speed... Trying to finish up the Thanksgiving Series of Devotionals, get them posted before I loose what Internet I have...

Comfort

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee
- Isaiah 43:2

Perhaps you are experiencing the drowning, crushing, burning power of a trial right now. If so, then you need to know, first of all, that this is part of life.

No matter who you are, or where you come from, or what decisions you make in life, you will face illness and pain and loss. Embedded in the promise of this text is the reality of suffering: when you pass through the waters, when you walk through the fire. God's children are not exempted from tragedy.

However, when you do face life's difficulties, here is the promise for every child of God: he will be with you, they will not overcome you, you will not be harmed.

For this reason, you need not fear no matter what obstacle or heartache you may be facing. "Fear not," God says, "because I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine" (1). I am intimately acquainted with your situation and have already committed myself to your salvation; you belong to me, and I will not let anything or anyone harm you.

If you are in Christ today, then you have been redeemed by God and he will not let anything happen to you that is not for your good (Romans 8:28). No difficulty will drown you, no trial will overwhelm you, no sorrow will destroy you.

http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/comfort-9/

Jesus Our Example

Friday's Devotional

Jesus Our Example. -  11/23/18

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man
- Luke 2:52

This statement is a summary of eighteen years in Jesus' life, from the time he was twelve years old until the narrative picks back up at age thirty.

This was a time of relative obscurity, but it was the majority of our Savior's stay on earth. What a marvelous description is given of how he spent those days!

First, notice the fact that he increased -- he was continually growing. Too often we tend to plateau in our walk with God. We reach a certain point in our faith and we stop growing, stop studying, stop seeking a deeper relationship with God. Many of us allow whole years to go by in which we stagnate spiritually, but the course of our Savior's life for these eighteen years was one of continual growth.

As a truly human child, his mental and emotional faculties were limited. But as his body and mind matured, so did his capacity for knowledge and emotion and fellowship. And each step of physical maturity brought with it increased spiritual maturity. As his capacity grew, so did his relationship with God.

It is almost always the opposite with us. Children are usually rather innocent and trusting and affectionate. But as they grow up, each additional experience and phase of physical growth leads to less innocence, less purity, less trust.

As a human, Jesus' mental and emotional and physical capacity was always filled to the brim with love for God, purity of heart, and a desire to please his Father in heaven. Our goal should be the same.

May we never stop increasing in the love we have for God and the pleasure we bring to God.

http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/jesus-our-example-9/

Facing Temptation - 11/22/18

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away
- Luke 8:13

In Luke 8, Jesus relates the parable of the sower. A man goes out to sow seed on his land. The seed falls on different kinds of ground and so varies in its success.

Interestingly, the seed that falls on stony ground at first springs up and looks productive. However, because it has no real root structure, it withers in the heat of the day.

Jesus, in interpreting the parable for his disciples, observes that the seed stands for the Word of God and the various grounds represent the different ones who hear the Word. The stony-ground audience, he says, receives the Word initially with joy, but then melts in the moment of trial or temptation. In other words, they fall away when real life hits them.

What is the lesson? Jesus says, "Take heed [be careful] therefore how you hear" (18). It is not the seed, but the ground, which needs to change!

How do you receive God's Word? Is it to you just an encouraging story, or a façade you put on for others? Or do you receive it deeply, nourishingly into your soul and let it guide your every decision, emotion, and action?

Enjoying the message is not the same thing, Jesus says, as obeying the message. Those who bear much and lasting fruit are those who hear the Word and keep it and live it out with patient endurance (15).

May you face the trials and temptations of today with a deeply-rooted faith in the Word of God.

http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/facing-temptation-9/

Patience and Hope - - 11/21/18

From Baptist Hour.com

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines...yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation
- Habakkuk 3:17-18

What a wonderful encouragement from such a dark and discouraging prophecy!

While the prophet Habakkuk struggled with the fact that God was going to send a terrible and decimating judgment on rebellious Israel, he eventually came to realize that God is sovereign. Although his chastening may not feel good, or yield immediate fruit, it is always right and good and it is always his prerogative to allow it.

Habakkuk ends the record of his struggles with this great declaration: although suffering may come, although pleasures and provision may run dry, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. The Lord, not my surroundings, is my salvation!

Habakkuk's profound response to the horror he and his people are about to face is, quite simply, faith in God. It is faith which does not depend on circumstances to be sustained. It is faith which does not require prosperity or mental/emotional acuity to persist. It is faith which is able to say when the storm clouds gather, "Thy will be done."

Habakkuk had come to know that God was beautiful. And he could see that whatever God had for him was the very best. Only true faith can say that. Only true faith can see God as "the God of my salvation" when joyful deliverance seems so elusive and God himself so distant. May that faith be yours today.

Internet is out...

So sorry... I am unable to copy and paste thru my phone to my Blog... Will return with Devotionals and more when I get Internet Service Back...

Gratitude Changes Everything

by Sharon Jaynes
 
Today’s Truth
“Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).
 
Friend to Friend

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and so I’ve been thinking about gratitude a lot lately. What is it? When should we show it? What does God say about it?

Paul wrote the Thessalonians, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Most read that verse and think it rather nice. So we slap a sloppy coat of thanksgiving on life and go about our day. In reality, most of us are thankful for very little.

Notice the Bible doesn’t command us to feel thankful in all circumstances. Instead it commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” When I begin to praise God in a difficult situation, even if I don’t feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation like diamonds on black velvet.

Sometimes I don’t see glory in tragedy, but I still can praise God because I know He is there.

Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the circumstances in our little slice of time. Thanksgiving changes our perspective despite broken dreams, broken relationships, tumultuous circumstances, and unfulfilled longings.
 
As you praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He’s done, your perspective of Him grows larger and your problems grow smaller. As a result, you will experience a deeper sense of intimacy with God as the emotional gap between what you know to be true and how you feel at the moment closes.

On many occasions in the Psalms, David complained about his circumstances (Psalms 42; 57; 62). But more often than not, about midway through David’s laments, he begins praising God for who He is and thanking God for what He’s done. And you know what happens? All of a sudden David starts feeling better! Life isn’t so bad after all! His problems grow smaller as his perspective of God grows larger, and he begins to see God’s glory shining through the situation.
Why is that? In the writing of one little Psalm, David shifted from depression to rejoicing. He didn’t wait until God changed his situation, solved his problem, or made him feel better before he began thanking Him.

Oh friend, when we stop complaining and grumbling and begin speaking God’s love language of gratitude, our perspective will change as well. We will begin seeing moments of sudden glory through the lens of praise and thanksgiving—glory moments that were there all along, but hidden from the grumbling eye.
 
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I praise Your Name. I exalt Your Name forever. Even though I may not understand what is going on in my life, I trust that You are good and Your plans are good.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen. 

Today's Bible Verse...
May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.—Psalm 68:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Let's join our hearts together today, tens of thousands of us, and let's pray for God to make us a joyful and happy people who live righteously to his glory. For those in difficulty, let's pray for our mighty God to give them reasons to rejoice. For those who have been bountifully blessed, let's pray he opens our eyes to see the glorious riches that he has already poured into our lives.

My Prayer...
Wondrous Father, LORD God Almighty, thank you so much for your generous blessings. O LORD, please make us a more joyful and happy people. For my Christian brothers and sisters in hardship, I pray for your deliverance, victory, and blessing. For those of us who have been richly blessed, I pray for us to have more appreciative and thankful hearts. Thank you for always hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Conquering Sin in Sin City by Doug Hall

 

 

Giving Thanks

by Barbara Rainey

 

It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. PSALM 92:1 

As Psalm 92 tells us, "It is good to give thanks to the LORD . . . to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night." With a little effort, you can make Thanksgiving a cherished family time devoted to thanking God for what He has done in your lives.

One tradition we've kept for years is to have each family member write five things for which he or she is thankful. On our plates are five kernels of corn—a reminder of the Pilgrims' daily ration during one of their first difficult winters. Before we eat, we pass a basket around the table five times, and each person places one kernel of corn at a time into the basket and tells one thing he or she is thankful for.

Here are some of the things our children wrote one year:

•"I'm thankful for being able to have a family."
•"I'm thankful Ashley got to come home from college for Thanksgiving."
•"I'm thankful for God in my life."
•"I'm thankful for my ministry at my high school."
•"I'm thankful for my sisters and all they've taught me about relationships."
•"I'm thankful I got to shoot a deer!"
•"I'm thankful for a great brother."

Dennis and I were thrilled to hear the kids actually thank God for each other!

After so many years of sibling rivalry, they were finally beginning to show each other the affection we hoped would continue throughout their lives.

That year we also were touched by something our son Samuel wrote: "I'm thankful for my muscular dystrophy." He had been diagnosed with the disease earlier in the year, and we had been through some wrenching months.

Thanking God was a big step of faith for him. And it provided another sign that our children were learning the true spirit of Thanksgiving—a heart of gratitude that gives thanks in all things.

Today's Bible Verse...

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.—Psalm 97:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Joy! Rejoicing! When we think about the glory of God and the grace that he has shared with us to make us righteous, how can we not rejoice? God is gloriously holy and majestic. He is eternal and just. We, on the other hand, are flawed, mortal, limited, and sinful. Yet in his rich mercy, he has made us righteous by the sacrifice of Jesus so that we could share an eternal home with him. Our response must be praise!

My Prayer...
Holy and righteous Father, I praise your name and give thanks for your grace. You are indeed more marvelous than my mind can comprehend and more generous than I can understand. So I offer you my praise, hoping that my life reflects my deep appreciation for all that you are and all that you have done for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Bad Youth Activity Idea

by Dave Veerman, Neil Wilson and Andy Robertson

 

Reset Your Gratitude Meter

by Daniel Darling 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

What are you thankful for? We gather, every year at this time, to reflect on the blessings of God over the past year. But in most families, Thanksgiving is less about real gratitude and more about stuffing your face, watching football, and hanging with the family. Some actually dread Thanksgiving, because they're forced to sit in a room with people they really don't enjoy. 

Now I'm all in favor of the food and the football. But this year, let's make Thanksgiving about giving and about thanks. This year, more than any, might force us to dig deeper. For many, it will mark a year since they've had employment .For others, Thanksgiving will bring another reminder that they haven't found that significant other. And there are those couples who have to face the family questions of why they still can't have children. 

For many, this was a year marked by pain. So how do we summon the gratitude? Well, if you're a Christian, you're basis is not your circumstances, but something greater. Paul tells the people of Thessalonica that they could "give thanks in everything." Why? Because this was the "will of God in Christ." 

In other words, followers of Christ believe that every piece of hardship is a grace gift from the Lord, sent for their growth, sanctification, and further intimacy with the Almighty. We don't believe we're here on this earth all alone. We believe God is firmly in charge. 
Though life may get hard--and it does--it all falls under God's sovereign will. And so we give thanks. 

As Americans, we really have cause for gratitude. I have to periodically remind myself of this and remind my family. We so easily get caught up in the easy lust for more stuff. Bigger house, nicer car, better clothes, newest gadgets. But then I remember my travels to third world countries, where I've seen real poverty--and real gratitude on the part of the Christians there. 
Tonight, my kids will go to bed with full stomachs. They'll have a roof over their heads. They will have two parents in the next room. They will ride in a nice car. They will have a future that includes a good education. All of those are things most kids in the world don't have. And so, they should be grateful. 
Let's not sit around the table carping about the election, complaining about our job status, whining about injustices from friends. Let's instead reset our gratitude meters and offer genuine, heartfelt thanks to God. For salvation in Christ. For His daily care. And for friends and family He graciously provides. Oh, and for wives that allow us to stuff our faces and watch football.


Today's Bible Verse...
I am suffering ... Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

—2 Timothy 1:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
As Paul faced very difficult circumstances near the end of his life, many of those he had led to the Lord abandoned him. But he was confident that the Lord would not abandon him! He had committed his life to Jesus as Lord. That Lord would ensure that the investment Paul had made would not be wasted. His life, his future, and his eternal destiny were entrusted to the Lord. He was confident that they were also secure in the Lord. He believed with every fiber of his being that on a special day known only to God, Jesus will return and every knee will bow and Paul's faith in the Lord will be joyously validated.

My Prayer...
Almighty God, I believe, but please strengthen my faith so that no matter what I may endure, my confidence in you will remain firm and my hope may remain vibrant. I entrust to you all that I am and all that I hope to be, believing fully that you will bring me through whatever lies ahead and bring me into your glorious presence with great joy. In Jesus' glorious name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Translating Sermons to Teenagers  by Kevin Spear

 

A Prayer for Thanksgiving Day

By Debbie McDaniel
 
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good; his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5
All across our nation, Thanksgiving is a day that we set aside in order to do one thing.
Be thankful.

And usually what goes along with it, is lots of food, family and friends, laughter and fun, times of giving to others in need, maybe some football, or traditions that you’ve recognized through long years.
And sometimes too, there is also loneliness. And struggle. Or deep loss. Feelings of hurt and painful circumstances that you’re still trying to hurdle over.
Whatever you’re facing this Thanksgiving Day, in the midst of all of it, may we remember again that God gives us the opportunity each and every day, to give worship and thanks to Him. Every morning He gives us breath, is His invitation to come joyfully into His Presence. He reminds us that He alone is God and we belong to Him. He assures us that His plans in our lives are for good, that his love covers us securely, and His faithfulness extends from generation to generation.

No matter what, He’s given us so many reasons to choose thankfulness and joy this day. Let’s do what the Psalmist of this great chapter says:
- Shout for joy.
- Worship the Lord with gladness.
- Come before Him with joyful songs.
- Know that He is God.
- Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
- Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
- Recognize His goodness, love, and faithfulness, through all the generations of our family.
 
Dear God,
Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over our lives. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. We’re so grateful you for your amazing love and care, for your mercy and grace, for always working on our behalf, even behind the scenes when we’re unaware. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us, even through loss and the most difficult of times. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. 
Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy, this Thanksgiving Day and every day.
We give you thanks and praise, for You alone are worthy!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.


Today's Bible Verse...
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.—Philippians 1:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Do you have ultimate goals by which you live? Paul certainly had at least these two: "I don't want to be ashamed but courageous" and "I want Christ to be exalted in my body, by life or by death." What are yours? Could you join Paul in his ultimate goals? How are these ultimate goals good for all of us? What makes it hard to live with these ultimate goals?

My Prayer...
Sacrificial and all-powerful God, forgive me for my sins, especially the sin of living with improper priorities. I want your grace and your loving-kindness to be seen in the way I conduct my life. In addition, please give me the courage to say what needs to be said to exalt you and to bring you praise. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Reaching Way Out by Ed Koehler

The Sacrifice of Thanks-sharing

by Glynnis Whitwer

 

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16 (NASB)

Enough. That's what I have. Really, more than enough.

More than enough clothes in my closet. Food in my fridge. Shoes spread on the floor. Cans in the cupboard.

My children have books, warm jackets, tennis shoes, pencils, and opportunities for more. I have clean sheets, soft pillows, a kitchen table, and indoor plumbing.

My husband and I have never taken our provisions for granted. Every day we are thankful for the blessings of our home and family. Yet eight years ago we were increasingly aware of what Luke 12:48b tells us, "When someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." (NLT) We felt an obligation to do something more with our blessings.

So in 2005 our family of five put a plan in place to share what we had. We had enough home, enough time, and enough love. Our gratitude to God for His blessings couldn't be kept to ourselves any more. We started with some rearranging. Two of our three sons moved furniture around so they could share a room, Then we bought two little white beds, pink curtains, and some dolls. I bought matching calico comforters and guessed at sizes of dresses.

After months of planning to share what we had, two little orphaned sisters stepped off a plane gripping the hands of their new daddy and walked into our hearts and homes.

They wore "African suits" bought from the place of their birth, brightly colored dresses that hung on tiny bodies. So proud they were to own their first new pieces of clothing, wanting to greet their new family in their best. As we wrapped our arms around these little girls, our family of five became seven.

As weeks turned into months, and typical family issues mingled with trauma from our daughters' pasts, we learned God's call to share isn't always easy. Oh, at first it was great, before the first blush of excitement wore off. But the magnitude of sharing our lives with two wounded little girls was harder than we ever imagined.

When worry about the future threatened to overwhelm me, God quietly reminded me that He didn't ask me to have the answers. That's His job. My job is just to share what He has given me–my love, my home, my life–with two not-so-little girls now who call me Mama. With a heart of thankfulness, and an open hand of generosity. That's all He's asking me. That's what blesses Him.

God's Word confirms what pleases Him. Hebrews 13:15-16 teaches us that we must link thanksgiving with sharing. But it also says it will be a sacrifice: "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (NASB)

As we walk together as a family, we continue to learn that showing thanks to God involves sharing, and sharing involves sacrifice. God still calls us to share out of our abundance, and it still involves sacrifice. But when we share our lives, our homes, our money, our hearts, our skills, and our time as an outpouring of thanksgiving, God is pleased.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your generosity with me. I don't deserve Your favor, and my heart overflows with thanksgiving. Help me to show my gratitude through words and actions that are pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Today's Bible Verse...

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.—Romans 15:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Dear friend of Jesus, have patience with those around you who are not yet what God intends for them to be — remembering that we are not yet what God intends for us to be. In the process of "bearing with" their failings, you may just find that others are more patient with your failings and more thankful for your faithfulness. Of course, the goal of our being patient isn't to benefit ourselves. Instead, we do it to bless others, knowing that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are hanging on to their faith, hope, and love by the thinnest of threads. Let's never let them go and never cause them to stumble!

My Prayer... Tender Shepherd, give me more patience with those who are struggling and who need your strength and my encouragement. Forgive me for not noticing their struggles the way that you do. Help me show them how patient you are as you perfect them in your holiness. Thank you, O Lord, for your help in this area of my heart as I seek to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Old Pastor Tries Relating to Youth by Steve Phelps

 

Thanksgiving around the Father’s Table

Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the lamb! Revelation 19:9, niv

For years our family have celebrated Thanksgiving at my father's house. The meal was always abundant and delicious - turkey with dressing and gravy, ham, green beans... my mouth waters just thinking about it! But the highlight of Thanksgiving was not the food, or the televised football games, or the fun. The highlight was always the fellowship around the dining room table. As we sipped our coffee and gorged on one last piece of pie, my father presided at the head of the table as each person shared what he or she was most thankful for... We still celebrate this way today, although our family circle is so large we have our dinner at a conference center. But the highlight is sill the story of thanks.

One day, in My Father's House, the table will be set and supper will be ready. One day you and I and all of the Father's children will be seated around that table. One day our Father will preside as He gathers us to Himself, listening intently and lovingly as we share our love for each other and our love for Him. One day My Father's House will be filled with His family, and it won't get any better than that!

 ©2012 Anne Graham Lotz 


Today's Bible Verse...
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. —2 Thessalonians 1:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When was the last time you found a new brother or sister in Christ and told that precious person all the things they were doing right? Don't you think that's too long, and that you should let them know today? Let's be more committed to encouraging and affirming others who are in Christ as well as giving thanks to God for them.

My Prayer...
Saving Shepherd of lost souls, thank you for the new Christians in our church and in my life. Bless them and protect them from the Evil One and use us, your children and their brothers and sisters, to be there to help and encourage them on their journey to perfection in Christ. In the holy name of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Youth Attend Select Church Events by Andy Robertson

THE THANKSGIVING FACTOR

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

In the classic autobiography, The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells of her sufferings at the hands of the Nazis during the evil reign of Adolph Hitler. Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were incarcerated at the Nazi concentration camp, Ravensbruck, and experienced terrible atrocities there. On one occasion, they were forced to disrobe before the German soldiers. In that awful, humiliating moment, an amazing discovery came to Corrie's mind: "They took Jesus' clothes too. He hung naked for me." When she relayed that wondrous thought to Betsie, she gasped and said, "Oh, Corrie, and I never thanked Him for it." 
One of the things that made Corrie and Betsie such dynamic Christians was the fact that the chose to see life from God's perspective. In the worst of situations, they found new insights to praise and thank God.
The Bible tells us that we are to give thanks in everything, the good things AND the bad things. In Psalm 50:23, God says, "He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me." In the hard times, thanksgiving is difficult. It is definitely a sacrifice to thank God in a Nazi concentration camp, but it is so very necessary. Thanksgiving honors God, and when you and I honor God, He honors us (1 Samuel 2:30).

How is your thanksgiving factor? Are you facing tough times? Have you been griping and complaining about the things in your life that are hard, lonely and frustrating? Why not try praising and thanking God for your difficulty.  He knows about it, He is over it, and He cares for you. Without question, He has a purpose in every trial and tribulation. Start today to live a life of thanksgiving. If you will do it, I promise you on the authority of the Word of God, your attitude will change, the people around you will be blessed, and Jesus Christ will be glorified and honored.

Hoping you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, 
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries


Today's Bible Verse...
I [Paul] thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you [Timothy] in my prayers.—2 Timothy 1:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse... Paul is near the end of his life, facing persecution in a horrible prison. Many of the young men whom he had mentored have left the faith or have turned against him. How can he give thanks? Paul speaks of his confidence in his own victorious future with Jesus and in his son in the faith, Timothy. What makes this special is that he communicates it to Timothy. He's not content to just give thanks to God in prayer! He also tells Timothy how precious he is in this letter. When was the last time you sent a note of thanks to the people you appreciate, letting them know they give you reason to rejoice before the throne of God?

My Prayer... Matchless Father of all grace, thank you! Thank you for every spiritual blessing I have in Christ. Thank you today for the special people who are such a blessing to me in my walk of faith...(take a minute and just say their names before the Father). Help me grow in my ability to show my appreciation and approval of these precious people, so that they can know what a blessing they are to me. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Coffee Committee Peaks Attention by Ed Koehler