This coming week we will be celebrating a national holiday, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. A day where we will have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and of course for some, have a long weekend. And although it is not a religious holiday, it is a day where we give thanks for all the good we have in our lives, for the people in our lives and for the time we have to share with others. In the bible the word thanksgiving is mentioned at least 25 times or more, depending on which version you are reading. It is not used in the reference of the upcoming holiday, but one of the references pertain to giving praise to the glory of God.
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Psalm 95:1-2
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have in our lives, but it should also be a time where we remember those who may not have someone to share it with, somewhere to celebrate with, or even anything to eat that day, let alone every day. Let us not forget that we are all God's children, whether we live in a nice house or a shelter downtown; whether we eat three meals a day or barely get to eat once a week; whether we have a warm jacket for these cold days or barely enough clothes to cover ourselves, let alone anything warm. Let us not just help those who are struggling because it is the right thing to do, but also so they may see the glory of God through you.
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15
Thanksgiving should also be a time when we remember that we should be thankful not only for what God has already done for us, has already provided for us, has already shown us, but also for what God has planned for each of us. We should be thanking God every day for everything he has already done and especially for what he will do, what he does have planned, what is already written in the book of life. Let us never forget that the lives we are leading, the paths we are walking, the steps we are taking have already been written. There are times that we may make choices that lead us down the wrong path, but rest assured that God will redirect your steps when asked.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
This Thanksgiving, let each of us be thankful for all that we have, let us be thankful for the people in our lives, let us be thankful for our Father in Heaven and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us also help others when we can, not only on this holiday but everyday. We each have our own struggles, our own challenges, our own difficulties to deal with, but there are those far worse off. A little love and compassion goes further than you can ever imagine, especially with God's help.
As I speak a blessing over each of you this morning, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless & Happy Thanksgiving
Pastor Mark
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