Giving Thanks

“Giving Thanks”

A Devotion by Joe G

11/23/2022

1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:17; 1Chronicles 16:34

It’s that time of year again. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. In just a few hours, stoves will be cooking turkeys, mixers will be mashing potatoes, and sweet potatoes will be prepared just the way you like them. Of course, let’s not forget the stuffing, the green bean casserole (sorry, not a fan), and the eggnog. And, of course, dinner would not be complete without some homemade pumpkin pie (although some of you will be eating store-bought – not me!)

You all know the history of Thanksgiving in one form or another. The idea was to give thanks to God for the harvest. Thanksgiving Day is a time of families sitting together and sharing a meal, memories, hopes, and dreams.

Let’s stop a moment right here. What are you thankful for? Are you thankful for your family, employment, a roof over your head, or perhaps the meal that will sit before you tomorrow? Maybe, you’re grateful for all of the above.

All of the things, and more, I just mentioned are all things we should be thankful for.

Although, I do believe I missed a couple of things.

*************************Here’s the Point***********************

What did I miss in my list of things we might be thankful for? Over many years of living and hosting or joining others at their homes for Thanksgiving Day, prayer for our bounty has often been missing. All of the things you and I are thankful for this year should be said aloud as we praise God for His many blessing. Those blessings include food, family, friends, jobs, health, and much more.

There is something or someone else I purposely neglected to mention earlier. Jesus. At every meal, especially Thanksgiving, we may have an audience of non-believers, and we are thankful in words and prayer for all we have. Thank God for sending His Son Jesus to us.

Our Faith in Jesus should be our number one thing to be thankful for. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save you and me from sin and eternal punishment. What an excellent time to profess our faith, love, and belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, than at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Tomorrow, celebrate. There’s plenty of time for family, food, fellowship, and don’t forget football. 😊

But, make Jesus number one as you give thanks. Because of His love for us, we may now live forever. Amen

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17