Give thanks with a Grateful Heart in His Word 11-18-2024
Thanksgiving is a
Holiday in the United States this month, but giving thanks is more than just a
holiday. We are told in God’s Word to give thanks in everything. This doesn’t mean
for everything, but in the midst of it.
So, if you are going to spend the holiday alone, be thankful
for the peace and quiet. If you are spending it with friends or family, be
thankful that you have family or friends to gather with, not everyone does!
If you feel alone, you can give thanks too because God is
with you; that means you are never alone. I like the scriptures chosen for this
month; they are consistent directions. God has given us what to do all the
time! Rejoice- when? Always! Pray- how long? Without stopping! Give thanks
when? Always because if we give thanks in everything, we are thanking God
constantly too! We can’t do this ourselves though, so we have to remember that
next scripture; do not quench the Holy Spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to help
you rejoice, pray and give thanks; that is the only way we are able to do those
things no matter what.
Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing, in everything give
thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the
Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Stop and think about it this month as you begin the Holiday
Season and be thankful; God has given you direction.
His direction is not always what we wish it was, sometimes
even though we know our God is able and all wise and all creating; He can give
us a plan that we did not think about when we asked for direction.
Proverbs 3: tells us a bit about what to do when we need to
trust God. We need to lean on His understanding not our own.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart. If you
do this, you will live many years, and
your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart. Then
you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good
reputation. Trust in the Lord with all
your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you
do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:1-7
As always I encourage you to read the rest of that chapter!
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing
your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I
praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises
are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you
encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:1-3
Today lets focus on three prayers we have prayed in the past
that God answered.
One day I was out of food in my pantry. I had 5 dollars to
my name, but I had paid my tithe and my bills. I was working at a day care so I
knew I would have lunch, it was included in the job. Even so the weekend was slow coming and I would not have more money until
the end of the week. I asked Him to help
me bring home left overs or something to feed myself throughout the week.
My God saw fit to bring me two bags of groceries that I
found as I opened my door that day to head out for work! It was enough to feed
me for more than a week and was foods that I liked! I looked around and saw no one. Later I found
out where it came from but it was really God who directed their path to me!
Only He could know the items in those bags were things that I could and would
use right that night even!
He knows your needs today and He wants to respond to the
prayers you are sending up. Maybe your need, or desire is not something He will
answer the way you think you should but He knows better.
Today I thank God that I have readers to write for! Some
days its just a few who read the blog but other days there are hundreds, that
is a lot of people to be thankful for!
I also thank Him for the ability to write. I thank Him that
I have the means to put the Word out there for Him to use to bless, encourage,
or instruct people in righteousness as His Word tells us that the Bible is here for.
So, what are you thankful for? Put it in the comments and lets give other
people a reason to think on these things today too!
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything
we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your
thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and
admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep
putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard
from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians
4:7-9
And remember to read the rest of the chapter, in His Word ….