Preparing for Thanksgiving

November 24, 2004 (thoughts from Thanksgiving Day)

Psalms 136:1-3 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Another day has come. Another breath has been breathed. Another day to be thankful for all that God has done, is doing, and will do. Another day to bask in His presence. Another chance to think about our troops away from home fighting for our freedom. Another visit with friends and family around the dinner table. Another opportunity to go to work and share with other employees. Another chance to learn. Another day to love.........

As I awoke this morning and began thinking about my "another's," I have found myself blessed. If you will only you will stop and think about it, you will find the same. You may have gotten out of the bed this morning stressed about school, work, all the family that is coming in or not coming in, how you were going to get everything cooked in time, the house clean, or maybe you will be driving across the country and are anxious to get on the road. Take a moment out of your day and think about the joys of your life. Our Heavenly Father has relayed this message to us through the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6 "Be careful(anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Today, you may have a greater need that will not be satisfied with family and friends getting together. Your heart may be burdened for someone sick or maybe this is the first holiday season without someone special in your family. Don't lose heart but rejoice in the gift of life all around you and remember those who have passed with great joy and comfort. Don't let something so small distract you from the purpose of this holiday- Prayer and Praise!

In the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, George Washington wrote: A National Thanksgiving. Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God; to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor; Whereas both Houses of Congress have , by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;

Be reminded this day where every good and perfect gift comes from: Almighty God! His Son Jesus Christ has made a way by which you and I can know Him. That is more than enough to be thankful for. Our hearts need to bow themselves this day, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.(Rev 7:12)