In Everything Give Thanks
1. Thankful In Knowing God’s Will
2. I Am Thankful For God’s Unspeakable Gift
3. I Am Thankful That I Have A Goodly Heritage
4. I Am Thankful That He Is God Of The Seasons, And Kings
5. I Am Thankful For My Family
6. I Am Thankful That My God Is Merciful And Hears And Answers Prayer!
7. I Am Thankful For Our Church Family
8. I Am Thankful To My Lord For Being With Me
9. I Am Thankful For The Lord’s Protection
10. I Am Thankful For My Garden
11. I Am Thankful For Our Veterans – Veteran’s Day
12. I Am Thankful For God’s Providence
13. I Am Thankful For Doctors And Health Care
14. I Am Thankful For The Clothes That I Wear
15. I Am Thankful That God Can Use Even Me
16. I Am Thankful For God’s Holy Word
17. I Am Thankful For Home
18. I Am Thankful For Transportation
19. I Am Thankful For Monday
20. I Am Thankful For For Being A Mom
21. I Am Thankful For Shoes
22. Today I Am Thankful And Praising The Lord For A Good Doctor Visit
23. I Am Thankful For The Goodness Of God
24. A Psalm Of Thanksgiving
25. Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me
26. I Am Thankful For Sleep
27. I Am Thankful For Ears To Hear
28. Happy Thanksgiving
29. Be The One To Be Thankful
29. Be The One To Be Thankful
30. Appointed To Give Thanks
1. Thankful In Knowing God’s Will
Today is a cross-over. We are finishing our verses in our series of, “Rejoice Evermore” and also the other verses of exhortation found in I Thessalonians 5. And as we complete these thoughts, we are also introducing our next topic, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18 ) Today is the first day of November, the month that brings us Thanksgiving. This verse is all inclusive, “In everything give thanks…” I don’t want to wait until the last Thursday of the month to be thankful. I’m beginning today with an attitude of gratitude for all that my gracious Lord has done for me. Today I am thankful for the many times the Lord has shown me His will. It is so rewarding to pray about something, and then experience the peace of God as He gives me peace to know His will. This verse tells us that the will of God is to give thanks in everything. Thank you Lord for guiding us in your will.
2. I Am Thankful For God’s Unspeakable Gift
As we begin the month of thankfulness, I want to share the thing that I am most thankful for. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15) What is this unspeakable gift? It is God’s gift of His Son, so that I might be saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8) Jesus died so that I could live!
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 )
“6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 )
3. I Am Thankful That I Have A Goodly Heritage
I grew up reading the King James Version and there are many reasons why I still use it today. I love the poetry that comes through in this verse. "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." (Psalm 16:6) The language in this scripture is beautiful and so well versed. I can't go back in my heritage the way David could when he wrote this Psalm, but I was born in a country that was founded on Biblical principles. My Mom and Dad brought me up in church and I heard them pray and could see their faith and trust in God. I am so thankful that they loved the Lord and tried to guide me in the right paths. I am also thankful that my husband also has a goodly heritage. We never had discussions as to whether we would bring our children up in church, or not. We both tried to teach our children from God's Word just as we had been taught. For those reading today who can't say you have a goodly heritage, why not start now to give your family a good heritage? Turn to God in faith and trust in the Lord to save you. Try to point your family in the right direction and let your path fall in pleasant places. Be a goodly heritage for those following after you.
4. I Am Thankful That He Is God Of The Seasons, And Kings
The weather is beginning to get cooler, and the leaves are falling to the ground. I like the fall. The air seems crisp and clean. I also like winter, although I can’t be out much when it is bitterly cold. There is something special about sitting under a warm blanket, or the heat from the wood stove. We also have Christmas during winter, and it is wonderful to celebrate our Savior’s birth. And when everything seems to be dark and dreary, the flowers begin to pop out of the ground to welcome spring. And we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Planting my garden carries me into summer and fresh vegetables. I like living in an area where I can experience all the seasons. God gives us the seasons. As I was looking for a verse about the changing of the seasons, I found this one in Daniel. It is special for today. I pray that God will give wisdom to our people and they will vote for the right leaders. God sets up the leaders. I have been praying that God will have mercy on our country and give us the leaders that will help our nation turn back to God. Help me pray for our nation, and that people will get out and vote with wisdom and understanding tomorrow. “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” (Daniel 2:21)
5. I Am Thankful For My Family
In the third chapter of the book of Luke we have the genealogy of Jesus. He could trace his ancestry back all the way to Adam, and God. “Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.” (Luke 3:38) Some of our children had to make a “Family History Book” in school. We searched and were able to find someone who got married in 1785. That’s less than 250 years ago. The book of Genesis follows the heritage of people thousands of years. I knew my grandparents, and vaguely remember some of my great grandparents, and that’s as far as it goes. I am thankful for my family. I already mentioned that I am thankful for my goodly heritage. I am also thankful for my husband, Michael, and the family God has blessed us with. We met in church, and got married when I was 17. God gave us our first son when I was 20, and our family has continued to grow. In just a few weeks I will be hanging 23 stockings on the built-in bookshelves for our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. It is hard to fill that many stockings, but I love them all and am so thankful that God has given us a big family! “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127:3) I am so thankful for my family!
6. I Am Thankful That My God Is Merciful And Hears And Answers Prayer!
Many have been praying for our country a long time. We have prayed that God would give us leaders that would seek His will. I am so thankful that God, in His great mercy, heard and answered our prayer! I lift up Psalms of praise to our Almighty God! Thank you, Lord!
“LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:” (Psalm 10:17)
“But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” (Psalm 66:19-20)
“ In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.” (Psalm 120:1)
“I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” (Psalm 3:4)
7. I Am Thankful For Our Church Family
We missed church on Sunday, and last night it was a blessing to hear some of our dear church family say that they missed us. I am thankful for Pine Grove Baptist Church. It is such a wonderful place to meet together and worship our Lord. But, it is more than a pretty building. It is where we sing praises to our God, and pray for one another, and listen to Pastor Rick Byerly preach from God’s Word. And it is where we fellowship with one another. I am thankful for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We talk together, and share our blessings, and our burdens. I look forward to going to church and spending time with my church family. I am thankful that God has given us a good church, and for all the Christian friends we love and pray for. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1)
8. I Am Thankful To My Lord For Being With Me
The Bible verse we are focusing on is, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18 ) In growing older, I have experienced many, many times that I could feel that the Lord was with me. With every storm, He gives me peace that He will never leave me. I feel His presence during my greatest blessings, and through my darkest valleys. When Michael went through heart surgery it was during Covid, and I couldn’t be around anyone, to make sure I didn’t carry any germs into his room. It was hard to make it through the days I spent in the hospital, and the nights, alone… but I was not alone, because the Lord was with me. Last year, after the doctor called and told me that I had cancer and needed to check into the hospital that day, I felt the Lord’s presence and I wasn’t afraid. Going through chemo was the hardest trial that I have ever been through, and I am so thankful that Michael was with me, and I’m thankful that the Lord was with me. Each morning I thanked God for the gift of another day, and each night I thanked the Lord for being with me and giving me strength to make it through that day. The Lord drew me closer to Him, and strengthened my faith. He gave me a greater compassion for others who are going through trials. He increased my love for my family and friends who I missed during those times. He opened my heart to see the needs of others. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” We can give the Lord thanks during trials, because of His great mercy and grace. I am thankful.
9. I Am Thankful For The Lord’s Protection
Friday night I was driving home from Micah’s basketball game, closely following the GPS because it was from a place that I had never been. The sign said, “Right Lane Ends”, but I thought that was okay because the GPS was telling me that my next turn was a right turn. The lane ended suddenly and I was not to my turn. Without thinking, I swerved to miss a large hole, and saw the car lights from behind me in my left mirror, as I was farther into that lane than I meant to be. All I could do was pray, “Thank you, Lord”, over and over. I was so thankful that the other car saw my predicament and swerved around me. I was so thankful to the Lord that He protected me when my mistake could have been very costly. There have been many times that I saw the Lord’s protection in my life. And there have probably been many more times when He delivered me from danger, and I didn’t even know it. Thank you, Lord! “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalm 18:2)
10. I Am Thankful For My Garden
It was 80 degrees one day this week and I told Michael that we need to clean up part of the summer garden before cold weather really sets in. We took down one of the tomato wires and pulled up some stakes. We didn’t get a whole lot done, but we made a little progress. I was surprised to find two tomato plants that were blooming. The okra is also blooming. A dill plant grew from seed that had fallen and is almost knee high. Marigolds, Nasturtiums, and Zinnias had also come up from seed that dried and fell. This was a difficult year for gardening. The weather was hot and dry for long periods, then heavy rains would make the ground too wet to work in. But, I am so thankful that the Lord gave me strength to work in the garden, and blessed us with fresh vegetables to eat and to share. I hope to get more of the garden cleaned this week. It is about time to take up the child-sized scarecrows that my grandchildren helped make, which have kept their place around the garden. Then I can stand up the Nativity that Matt’s family made for us a few years ago. Yes, I thank the Lord for my little garden. “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:6)
11. I Am Thankful For Our Veterans
I am thankful for the men and women who have served, and to those who continue to serve, for the cause of freedom. Pastor Rick Byerly set aside time Sunday morning in honor of Veterans Day. Then, he spoke to all of us to be like a good soldier and stand fast. He encouraged us to stand fast in spite of the enemy. Also, we are to stand fast, inspired by our Savior. He is the Captain of our Host! And we should stand fast instructed by His Word. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (II Thessalonians 2:15) I really like what the Apostle Paul said to the church at Ephesus about putting on the whole armor of God. I especially like verses 13 and 14. Sometimes we give it all we got, and all we have strength left to do is to stand. Paul says, “…having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…” When all you can do is stand, then stand therefore! Thank you to all who are standing for the cause of right!
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Ephesians 6:10-18)
12. I Am Thankful For God’s Providence
Have you ever known God’s providence in your life? God watches over us, and guides us, sometimes through difficult paths, to accomplish His plan. Yesterday, my daughter took her car to get it worked on. Not knowing how long it would take, I picked her and the three kids up to spend the day at my house. After lunch the shop called and told her the car was ready. We loaded all their stuff into my car and we went to the shop. At least, we tried to go to the shop. The main streets were closed for the Veteran’s Day Parade. Using side streets we had to go way beyond where we needed to be, to get past the parade route. As soon as we were able, we crossed over to the other side of Main Street to enter the shop from the back side. When we got to the shop, a Police officer was directing traffic and we could not get to the shop. I told him that her car was at the shop and he said she could get out and walk, and he would let her drive out to the road. So, Annie and the kids gathered all their stuff and started walking up the street. I drove two streets up and pulled into a store to wait until the parade was over before trying to get back home. I walked about looking at the toys to see if I could get any Christmas shopping done. Annie called and said that the car wasn’t fixed and asked if I could go back and get her. By that time the parade was over, and I easily drove to the shop. God used the parade, which made our trip there difficult, to keep me there long enough to go back and get her. I was so thankful for the parade! The closed streets, and traffic, had frustrated me just enough to pull over and wait it out. And that’s what kept me close, so that I could go back and get her so quickly. Plus, the kids were able to see parts of the parade. One of my favorite biblical examples of God’s providence is in the life of Ruth. “And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.” (Ruth 2:3) Notice that it was “her hap” to be in the field of Boaz. She had faced hardships along the way, traveling from Moab, but God’s providence took her to the field of Boaz. And she would marry Boaz, and have a son named Obed, who would have a son named Jesse, who would have a son named David, who would be the great King of Israel. Today, my hap was to come up on a Veteran’s Day Parade. I am thankful for God’s providence.
13. I Am Thankful For Doctors And Health Care
Our morning began with an early doctor’s appointment yesterday. I had a CT Scan last week and am scheduled for lab work and another check up with the oncologist before the month ends. We get tired of doctor visits. But, I don’t take our health care for granted. I am thankful for doctors and nurses and the additional staff that are there when we need them. I am thankful for clean, sterile, medical offices and hospitals when we need to go there. It’s hard to be sick, or have painful suffering. I am thankful that we have knowledgeable people who can help us get well, and medicines that can help us feel better. Most of all I am thankful for the Great Physician, and how we can go to Him in prayer for ourselves and for others. God also gives us this promise, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Thank you, Lord!
14. I Am Thankful For The Clothes That I Wear
Cooler weather is coming in, just as we expect it to this time of year. It still seems warmer than usual for mid-November. I was looking in my closet for something to wear to church last night, and I noticed several summery things hanging, so I took them out of the closet. I thank the Lord for the clothes that I wear. I have clothes that I wear in the summer when the weather is hot, and I have long sleeved clothes suitable for colder weather. I have often had dreams that it was time to go somewhere, but I couldn’t find anything to wear. That has never really happened to me. Something that I was planning to wear may be dirty, but there are more clothes in the closet. I actually have clothes that I don’t wear, and from time to time, I donate them to the Salvation Army. I am thankful that God looks after us and supplies our needs, like clothes.
“25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:25-33)
15. I Am Thankful That God Can Use Even Me
A couple weeks ago our Pastor’s wife asked me if I would help her prepare for a Widow’s Banquet. We had never had one at church before, so I wasn’t really sure of what she had in mind, but, “Yes”, I would gladly help her. Yesterday, we had our first Widow’s Banquet, and I think everyone really enjoyed it. I am thankful that God can use me to help in our church. I am thankful that God can use me to help my children and grandchildren from time to time. I am thankful that God can use me to help our Moms. Luke 8:3 tells us of women who helped. “And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.” There are many things in this world that only the rich and famous can experience. There are places that I will never be able to visit and people that I will never meet. But I am so thankful that one day I met the Savior. And I am thankful that He has a purpose for me on earth and a place for me in heaven. These women ministered unto Jesus with what they had. We can all use what we have to serve Him. Some may say, “Well if Jesus were here today, of course I would give Him the best of anything I have.” Jesus said, “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:34-40) I am thankful that we can use what we have, to help the Lord by helping others.
16. I Am Thankful For God’s Holy Word
Can you imagine reading a great book, and knowing the author? Can you imagine knowing God, and being able to read His Holy Word? Well, that’s what it’s like when we read the Bible. The Bible tells us who God is, and that He gave Jesus, His only begotten Son, to die and pay the price for our sin. The Bible is the Word of God and shows us that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) The Bible is true and never changes. "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89) Today I give thanks for the Bible, God's Holy Word. I have several copies in my house, plus access to the Bible through the computer. I feel blessed to have God's Word so readily available to read and study. As I was reading Paul's letters in the New Testament recently I noticed how frequently he quoted from the Old Testament writings. I don't know how much access he had to the scrolls or scriptures but he must have treasured them dearly, as he told young Timothy in II Timothy 4:13, "The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." The scripture must have been very precious in those days and Paul even commended Timothy for his own knowledge of God's Word. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 3:15) I am so thankful that today I can keep God's precious Word close at hand, to hear what He wants to say to me. I can put verses on cards to encourage others. We can sing songs which contain portions of the scriptures. God's Word reminds us of His great love, and leads us in paths of righteousness. Thank you, Lord, for giving us your precious Holy Word.
17. I Am Thankful For My Home
Pine Grove Baptist Church, High Point, NC, is taking donations for a mountain community of North Carolina, which was hit really hard by Hurricane Helene. Pastor Byerly received a list of things that are needed at this time. As Michael and I read down the list, we saw things which we imagine they all could use, including trash bags, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and food. Then, we came to the part that breaks my heart. Some are asking for heaters, tents, camping stoves, and propane tanks. Many homes were damaged, and I saw videos of houses washing down the river. I am so thankful for my home. The weather is getting colder, and I am thankful that I have heat and a comfortable place to sleep. I have food on my table, and a washer and dryer to clean my clothes. I have running water and can take hot showers. I am so glad that so many have reached out to help those affected by the flood. Now, the weather is turning cold, and many lost their homes. Let’s pray for them and continue to reach out and help them in Christian love. I believe the Lord will reward those who are helping to provide these needs.
“14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:14-18)
18. I Am Thankful For Transportation
Michael filled the car up with gas this weekend and told me that we could go 423 miles. I thought about how I wouldn’t feel like I had traveled that far when the car needed another tank of gas. Our travel is usually easy. We can go several miles in just minutes. It is hard to imagine that 150 years ago automobiles had not been invented. My Grandma Hancock used to tell me how she moved into her house when she was eight years old with a horse and wagon. Her family walked through the woods and over the creek to go to church. She had no brothers, so she was the one who plowed the fields with a mule when her father got sick. She told me how she and her sister ran and hid under an apple tree the first time they saw an airplane fly overhead, afraid it would fall on them. During my lifetime rockets landed on the moon. The last century has brought about rapid changes in transportation. I am thankful for our automobiles. I can run errands in the cold and rain, but I can turn on the heat and drive in comfort. I can usually get where I want to go quickly. God has been good. The Christians of the early church traveled far to give out the gospel message, and many of them probably walked. How much more should we be spreading the word that “Jesus saves?” “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word…” (Acts 11:19)
19. I Am Thankful For Monday
We often see jokes about Monday being a bad day. I understand how hard it is sometimes to go back to school or work after enjoying the weekend. But, I am thankful for Mondays. Monday used to be my “catch-up” day when all the kids went back to school and I could catch-up on cleaning, catch-up on laundry, etc. Yesterday was a great Monday for me. I am working on two Christmas projects and I got a lot done on them. The weather was beautiful in the afternoon and I pulled up the remaining stakes in the garden and brought my grandchildren’s scarecrows up to the garage for storage. I hope to move the Nativity that Matt’s family made for us back down to the garden space this afternoon. I got several more things accomplished and I am thankful for such a good day. Today is another new day and I am thankful for today! We have a few things planned for today… and tomorrow… and the next day… Our days fill up quickly during this time of year. Let’s be thankful for each new day, no matter what day of the week it is. “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
20. I Am Thankful For Being A Mom
Forty four years ago I went to the hospital. A few hours later my first son was born. I am thankful that the Lord blessed me with children. I had several miscarriages in our early years after getting married and each one was heartbreaking. But, the Lord gave me a wonderful husband who was a great Dad, and allowed us to have and raise five children. I wasn’t a perfect parent and I made some mistakes along the way, but the Lord was with us and helped us. I continually prayed that God would give me wisdom in raising our children and I am so thankful for each and every one of them. We may build up wealth and treasures in the world, but the only thing that we can take to heaven with us is our children. I am so thankful for being a Mom and I continue to pray for my children and grandchildren every day. “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
21. I Am Thankful For Shoes
While I was getting ready for church last night I had to get down on the floor of my closet and reach around to find my rain boots. The light in the closet has gone out and we have not replaced it yet, but it didn’t take me long to find the boots, even without the light. I put them on, and slid both pairs of my sandals under the edge of the bed. It seems like I won’t be wearing them again anytime soon. As I dusted off the boots, I thought about how I used to shine my shoes on Saturday nights. My sisters and I each had one pair of shoes when we were young, and we would shine them with Vaseline to wear to church on Sunday. I don’t know how many pairs of shoes I have now. I have an old pair of tennis shoes that I wear to work outside, a pair of bedroom shoes, and a pair of flip-flops. Most of the shoes I have are really old, except for the new pair I had on last Sunday, when the left one slid off my foot and I stumbled down the aisle and almost fell on my face. I am thankful for shoes. I see the ads for the shoes that grow, for the Christmas Shoebox gifts, and that’s a great idea. We don’t think about our shoes being a blessing, but there are people around the world who don’t have shoes. I am thankful for shoes. “<<A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day.>> It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:” (Psalm 92:1)
22. Today I Am Thankful And Praising The Lord For A Good Doctor Visit
Today I had another follow-up visit with my oncologist. He said that the results of the CT Scan are good, and the tumor markers in my blood work are normal. This coming January will be the two-year mark since my cancer surgery and he said that is a milestone after having cancer. I told the doctor that it was the hardest thing I have been through and I appreciate him helping me through it. I also want to thank all of you who helped me during the last two years, and who prayed for me. You really made a difference in my life. Most of all, I am thankful to the Lord for helping me with this battle, and for healing. “O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” (Psalm 30:2)
23. I Am Thankful For The Goodness Of God
The first prayer I learned as a child was,
“God is great. God is good.
Let us thank Him for our food.
By His hands, we are fed.
Give us Lord our daily bread.”
If you look up the word, “Thanks” in the Bible you will find this phrase repeated over and over, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 107:1) I used this particular Psalm because of the verse that follows, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” I am thankful that I have been redeemed by the mercy of the Lord! And I want to say so, I am redeemed! All I have is through the goodness of God. Where I am today is by the goodness of God. I don’t have to worry about going to hell because of the goodness of God. I don’t have to worry about tomorrow, because of the goodness of God. Praise the Lord!
24. A Psalm Of Thanksgiving
We have come to the week of Thanksgiving. We began this month, and continued daily, with an attitude of gratitude as we gave thanks to our God every day. Today is Sunday, which gives us the wonderful opportunity to go to church and give thanks to the Lord. We can show our thanks through praise and singing with a joyful heart. We can show our thanks to God our Creator. Let’s go to the house of the Lord today and be thankful unto Him.
“1 <<A Psalm of praise.>> Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100)
25. Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me
My sisters and I started singing at church when we were young, back in the seventies. One of the first songs we sang was, “Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me.” This song was written by James, Russell, and Edward Easter, three brothers in 1954. As I get older there are things that I can’t remember, but I can remember these words from way back then. I am so thankful to the Lord for all His blessings. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3)
“Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me”
1. As the world looks upon me
As I struggle along,
They say I have nothing
But they are so wrong.
In my heart, I'm rejoicing
How I wish they could see,
Thank you Lord
For your blessings on me.
Chorus
There's a roof up above me.
I've a good place to sleep.
There's food on my table
And shoes on my feet.
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family,
Thank you Lord
For your blessings on me.
2. I know I'm not wealthy
And these clothes, they're not new.
I don't have much money,
But Lord, I have you
To me, that's all that matters
Though the world may not see,
Thank you Lord
For your blessings on me.
26. I Am Thankful For Sleep
When I laid down last night I knew exactly what I was thankful for. I was truly thankful that it was time for bed and I had a comfortable, warm, place to sleep. I am thankful that God planned a way for us to be renewed in our mind, our body, and our all around well being. He gives us sleep. And sleep gives us peace. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
27. I Am Thankful For Ears To Hear
I read the 27th chapter of Genesis yesterday. It tells how Rebecca talked Jacob into tricking Isaac into giving him the blessing, which usually went to the eldest son. In school, we studied our five senses that help us see, feel, smell, taste, and hear. When Jacob tricked his father, all of Isaac’s senses failed him, except for his hearing. Isaac’s eyes were dim and he could not see his son. Rebekah cooked two kids of the goats, instead of the venison that Esau went to hunt, and Isaac could not taste the difference. She put the skins of the goats on Jacob’s hands and neck so that his skin would feel hairy and Isaac could not feel the difference. Jacob must have been afraid of being found out when Isaac asked him to get closer and kiss him. “And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son. And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:” (Genesis 27:26-27) Isaac was even fooled by his sense of smell. The only thing that did not fool Isaac was his hearing. “And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” (verse 22) God gives us ears to hear His Word. Jesus said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15) In the last book of the Bible we read, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelation 3:20 & 22) Don’t let the sights and feelings we get in this world fool you. I am so glad that I heard the Word of God preached, and the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin. I confessed my sin to Jesus and put my trust in Him and He gloriously saved me.
“9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (verses from Romans 10)
28. Happy Thanksgiving
I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:20)
29. Be The One To Be Thankful
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We enjoyed being with some of our family, and we had all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods. Today I want to encourage you to “Be The One To Be Thankful”. After Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one returned to thank Him. Be the one. Be the one to give the Lord thanks for His goodness and mercy. Be the one to tell others, “Thank you”, for their acts of kindness. Be the one to have an attitude of gratitude not only on Thanksgiving, but all year long. Be the one to remind the little ones to tell people “Thank you”. When I was growing up it was proper to write out thank you cards and mail them. I’m not sure many people do that anymore. But, we can tell them immediately, call on the phone and tell them, or send them a message. Whatever way you choose, be the one to be thankful. I am more prone to do more for someone who is thankful. We see in these scriptures that the Lord did more for the one who was thankful. Be the one to be thankful!
“11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:11-19)
30. Appointed To Give Thanks
Thanksgiving Day has passed. But, we should be thankful all the time. Did you know that there were people in the Bible who were appointed to give thanks? That was their service to the Lord. Here are three examples.
“And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;” (I Chronicles 16:41)
“And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.” (II Chronicles 31:2)
“And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.” (Nehemiah 12:24)
Daniel gave thanks even when it meant he would be thrown into a den of lions. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10) Our topic for the month of November was taken from I Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” It is God’s will for us to be thankful. Jesus was the perfect example of being thankful. When He broke the loaves and fish to feed the multitudes, He gave thanks. And in the upper room, when He was having the Last Supper with the apostles, He gave thanks. Jesus was ready to suffer and die, to give His life for me and for you, and He gave thanks. If we had nothing else in the world to be thankful for, we can be thankful for Jesus and His willingness to die for us. We are appointed to give thanks. “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 107:1)
