"In Every Thing Give Thanks"
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18
November. Can you believe that November is here? Day upon day, week upon week, and so the months have steadily passed. November makes me think of Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving makes me think of God, the only true God, a loving God who has guided me through another year and supplied all my needs. During this month of November I want to take time each day to thank the Lord for something special in my life. I gave each of the kids in our youth group at church a calendar and asked them to write down something they are thankful for each night when they go to bed. I believe that if we take time to give God thanks, not just one Thursday in the year, but everyday, it will make us more appreciative of the blessings God has bestowed on our lives. Happy Thanksgiving!
November 1
I am thankful for God's Love.
"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." John 3:16
If you were asked the question, "What are you most thankful for?" what would your answer be? It didn't take me long to think about my answer. I am most thankful for God's love. He loved me so much that He gave His Son to die for me. I was lost with no way to merit God's favor. I had nothing to offer God, for all things are His. I had no righteousness in myself, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) God, in His great love, reached down to where I was and gave His Son, the precious Lamb of God, to be my sacrifice. So today, first and foremost, I am thankful for the love of God. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:4-8)
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” II Corinthians 9:15
November 2
I am thankful for my Godly Heritage.
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” II Timothy 1:5
Today I give thanks to God for my godly heritage. I could have been born anywhere in the world, but by His grace He let me be born in America, a nation founded on godly principles. I could have been born to any family, but through His tender care He let me be born to a Christian Mom and Dad with Christian grandparents. I am so thankful that God let me be trained up in a Christian home. My parents took me to church from the time I was born until the day I got married. They taught me to pray and read my Bible. They taught me right from wrong. They didn't just tell me what to do, but they taught me how to follow the Lord. I heard them pray, and saw their faith as they trusted God through hard times. I have heard it said that God does not have grandchildren, only children and I understand that a person doesn't go to heaven just because his parents are Christians. But I praise the Lord that my parents and grandparents were saved, and they led me down the right path. I was saved as a child when my grandfather was preaching about the rich man who died and went to hell in Luke 16. My heart was young and tender and the Holy Spirit showed me I was lost and on my way to hell. I accepted God's gift of salvation that day as I cried and prayed, believing in my heart that the Lord would forgive my sins and give me a home in heaven. I praise the Lord for my godly heritage.
November 3
I am thankful for Prayer
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
Do you hear what Paul is saying in this verse? "Be careful for nothing", in other words, don't worry about it, talk to God about it in prayer and thanksgiving. I have had these thoughts of Thanksgiving on my mind and as I knelt to pray last night before going to bed, I realized how thankful I am that I can pray. First, I see the privilege of prayer. In Hebrews 4:16 we read, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." I serve a living God who hears me when I pray. I don't know any presidents or kings who would listen to anything I have to say, but I know the King of Kings and He knows me. Next, I think about the power of prayer. We see the power of prayer in James 5:16-18. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." I firmly believe in the power of prayer. God has answered prayers in my life over and over again. In Luke 6:12 I see the importance of prayer. "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." If Jesus, in His Almighty state "continued all night in prayer to God", how much more should we, in our low estate, need to spend time in prayer. Last of all, and most important, I see the Person of prayer. We are to pray to God the Father, as we read in Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Romans 8:26-27 tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us pray. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." It is also encouraging to know that Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior also prays for me.
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34) I can pray on the mountain and I can pray in the valley. I can pray when the sun shines and I can pray in the storm. I am so thankful for prayer.
November 4
I am thankful for The Bible
"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, and read it when I feel discouraged. I can put verses on cards to encourage others. We can sing songs which contain portions of the 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.
November 5
I am thankful for Another New Day
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
When I wake up each morning, before I get out of bed I whisper a prayer of thanksgiving, "Thank you Lord, for today." Then each night before I go to bed I begin my prayer, "Thank you Lord, for today." As I have been trying to think of the things I am most grateful for I realized that I begin the morning and end the day in the same way. In the mornings I am thankful that the Lord brought me through another night and has let me wake up to a new day. In the mornings we can look ahead to another day that we have been given to serve the Lord and say, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) In the evening we can be thankful to the Lord for bringing us through another day and say, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) Actually, we can pray all day long with assurance that the Lord hears us. "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17)
November 6
I am thankful that God Is Still In Control
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:1-4
I am writing this on the evening before the Presidental Election. Mike and I voted early this year to avoid what I think will be very long lines at the polls. I don't know what the outcome will be at the end of the day, but I do know that whatever the outcome, God is still in control. I don't know who will be the next President, but I do know that God is still the King of Kings. Christians have been praying for our country. We read in Psalms 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD;..." America was founded on Biblical principles and God has blessed our nation. I pray that our great nation will turn back to God. No matter which man is elected President, we need to keep praying for our leaders and our nation and remember His promise in II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
November 7
I am thankful for My Family
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." III John 4
Today I am thankful for my family. I mentioned earlier that I am thankful for my Godly heritage, my Christian parents and grandparents. I am also thankful for my Christian husband, and his Christian heritage. He has put up with my peculiarities for 34 years. He loves me in spite of my faults and failures. Next, I am thankful for my sons and daughter. I have a very special love for each of them, as well as their wives and husband. I also thank the good Lord for my grandchildren. I love each and every one of them. Our five children are all married and I pray that they will keep God first in their lives and continue to serve Him and live for Him. If I could pass down any advice for my children it would be to follow the Lord and proclaim like Joshua, "...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) Time and space do not permit me to list all my family members that are so special to me; sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, etc. But, I love them and pray for many of them daily. Thank you Lord for my family!
November 8
I am thankful for My Home.
"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.." Luke 6:48
In elementary school our teachers tried to teach us the difference in a house and a home. I think there is also a spiritual house. Today I am thankful for all three, for the Lord has given me a house and a home. My life, my spiritual house is built on the solid Rock, the chief cornerstone. We have tried to keep the Lord in the center of our marriage and home through the years and build our lives around God's will for us. Sometimes storms do come into our lives, but the Lord has never failed us and He will not fail us now. I am also thankful for our house. Twenty years ago we were living in a double-wide with five children, and the Lord so graciously allowed us to buy this house. The children have all moved out, starting their own homes, and it is a lot quieter here now, but I am still happy here. God has supplied all our needs, warmth in the winter, food on our table, a good place to sleep. God has truly blessed us with our house. Last of all, I want to thank God for our home, a place of love, joy, and warmth. I am thankful that my family and friends can come to visit and we can have fellowship with one another. I look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas and those special times we share together in our home.
November 9
I am thankful for my Bountiful Blessings
“I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:6
I had planned to use the familiar verse, Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." for my devotions today. As I was turning on the computer, I thought about how God has given me so much more than my daily provisions. I remembered a verse I had cross-stitched 30 some years ago, “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:6) I felt God's blessings on my life way back then and I have so much more to be thankful for now. I lost my job a year and a half ago, and I don't know that I will be able to find another job in this economy, but God is still supplying our every need. He has even given me the desires of my heart as I read in Psalms 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Years ago I was reading and came to Malachi 3:10, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." At that time, with five children, we did not have a lot to give to others, but God showed me this promise and He proved it to me over and over again. Each time I would give away a box of clothes the boys had outgrown, someone would give me two boxes to replace them. The more I gave to someone in need, the more God gave back to me. I give God the glory for all that I have. He is such a wonderfully awesome God!
November 10
I am thankful for Water
“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Proverbs 25:25
Today my thanksgiving gets down to the basics. I am thankful for water, running water, in my house, that I do not have to run down to the spring to get or draw from a well. In the winter I am often thankful for nice hot baths and showers when the cold winds blow outside. In the summer when I mow the yard or work in the garden nothing quenches my thirst like a glass of ice cold water. My grandparents had a wooden box at the spring head to keep their milk cold. And less than 50 years ago they did not have a bathroom in their house. I feel blessed to live in an age when water is so easily available. Here is a short tribute to my thankfulness of water...
Being thankful for many things, I oughta',
Give the Lord thanks today for water.
I can wash my dishes and wash my clothes,
Wash tiny hands, or a runny nose.
Stew some chicken, or boil some corn,
I can run it hot, or cold, or warm.
In centuries past, folks had a well,
But God has blessed me, I'm here to tell
He's been so good to let me drink
Cold fresh water from my kitchen sink.
November 11 - Veteran's Day
I am thankful for Those Who Fight For Freedom
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:11-18
Today is Veteran's Day and I want to thank the Lord for all those who have fought for freedom. Many have died on the battle field, and there are many more who came home with physical and emotional scars. Our verses from Ephesians remind us that we all should be fighting against the powers of the devil. Christians need to take a stand for what's right. I like those verses, "...and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore..." If we can't do anything else, let's take a stand, and stand therefore! Pray for those who are still fighting and be thankful. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
November 12
I am thankful for Forgiveness
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
Today, I am thankful for forgiveness. First of all I am thankful that Jesus Christ forgave me of my sins when He saved me. And, as the verses above clearly show, because I am not perfect, I have to continually confess and ask forgiveness of the wrong I do. The Holy Spirit convicts my heart when I say the wrong thing, or even think the wrong thing and I ask God to forgive me, through the name of Jesus Christ. I pray, with the assurance found in I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Then, just as I ask the Lord to forgive me, I must also forgive others. Jesus makes this very clear in Mark 11:25-26, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Yesterday I was upset about something that someone said to me which really hurt my feelings. Even though it happened several weeks ago, I kept hearing those words over and over in my mind. I was looking at a Bible app and I pulled up the "Verse for the Day". Here are the words which came up, "...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before..." God showed me the answer to my grief through His Word. I have to forgive, and forget those things which are in the past and put them behind me. So, today I am thankful for forgiveness. Thankful that Jesus forgives me, and also thankful that He gives us mercy and grace to forgive others.
November 13
I am thankful for Heaven
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:1-6
Many things in this life trouble our heart and mind. The Lord knows all about the storms, trials, and temptations that cloud our days. He understands the heartbreak and sorrow that brings tears to our eyes. He has compassion on our pain and suffering. The Lord spoke these words to His disciples just before He left this world to give them comfort. He can speak these same words to us today if we will listen. He is preparing us a better place. A place without pain and suffering. A place of eternal beauty. A place of everlasting life with God the Father. But there is only one way to heaven, and that is by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as our loving Savior. "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." (John 3:16) I am weary of the problems here on earth and I thank the Lord for the promise of my home in heaven.
November 14
I am thankful for Christmas
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-12
There are so many Christmas movies of people who don't like Christmas. They get so wrapped up in the shopping and decorating and house guests that they don't enjoy Christmas. I love Christmas. I have so many Christmas memories and I tried to make memories with my children as they were growing up. When we were young, my sisters and I would dress up with towels on our heads and act out the Christmas story playing the parts of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and switching roles to be the wise men. At my grandparents on Christmas Day, my grandpa would read the Christmas story from Luke 2. In my favorite Christmas cartoon, Linus recites from Luke 2 and says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." I am so thankful for the Christ Child of Luke 2. It is amazing to think about how Jesus left His home in heaven, to be born in a stable and be laid in a manger where the animals were fed. I have several unique manger pieces on my mantle and they remind me of the Christmas story. I have a variety of musical pieces from the Charlie Brown Christmas story and hearing the music brings me joy. But most of all, I have love, joy, and peace in my heart because I know the Christ Child of the Christmas story.
November 15
I am thankful for My New Grandbaby and Doctors, Nurses, ...
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Today I am thankful for my new Grandbaby. I am also thankful for doctors, nurses, caregivers, hospitals, and modern medicine. We live in a blessed age. There are many people who work around the clock to come to our aid if we need them, such as those in law enforcement, and fire fighters. Those who work for power companies go out in the worst of weather if our power goes out. Farmers and truckers work to bring food into our grocery stores, where more workers stock the shelves and ring up our groceries. There are people who can fix our cars, our washing machines, and even our hair. This is a good day we live in. God has blessed us tremendously. "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
November 16
I am thankful for my Song
"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30
I am thankful for a song in the night. "I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search." (Psalm 77:6) Thanksgiving and Christmas make my heart sing. Last year our Christmas play was on the history of several Christmas carols. It was so enlightening to search the history of songs I have sung all my life. I learned about the truce between British and German soldiers during World War I when a soldier began singing "Silent Night". After reading the sad story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, my heart will always be touched when I hear, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day". I thank God for giving us music. It is such a joy to praise the Lord in song. I don't have the musical talent I wish I had, but I hope that God will let me sing and play the piano as long as I live. (If you would like to read our play, follow the link to "O, Come All ye Faithful").
November 17
I am thankful for A Good Place To Sleep
“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Today, or should I say, tonight, I am thankful for a good place to sleep. I have been so busy today, actually all week, and I am tired. As I thought about what I was thankful for today, I thought of my nice, comfy, warm bed. It is cold outside, but I am warm and comfortable inside. God is good. I don't have to sleep out in the cold or even on the floor. He has given me a good place to sleep. And He gives me peace, even with all that is going on around me, I have peace. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) Good night.
November 18
I am thankful for the Church
"Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:21
Today I am thankful for the church of the living God! Ephesians 5:25-27 tells us that "... Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." I know that our church is not perfect or spotless, but the people at our church love the Lord. My church family is loving and caring, supporting missionaries and those in need. There are many who serve the Lord faithfully, and are there every time the doors are open. Our church stands firm on the Word of God and I am thankful for our pastor who preaches the gospel message faithfully. I thank the Lord for leading us to Pine Grove Baptist Church and for the friends we have made during the last 25 years. I am also thankful for our church building which was built a few years back, but most of all I am thankful that our church is an old-fashioned church that stands for the old-fashioned ways. I thank God for a church where I can worship and pray and serve the Lord among Christian brothers and sisters who love the Lord.
November 19
I am thankful for Health and Strength
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
Today I want to praise the Lord for health and strength. There is an old saying, "You don't miss the water until the well runs dry." I don't want to take my health and strength for granted. I thank God that He gives me good health to get up each morning. I praise the Lord that He gives me the energy and mobility to work around the house. I thank Him for the ability He gives me to serve Him. I pray that I will always be a useful vessel for His honor.
November 20
I am thankful for God's Protection
“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” Psalm 36:7
Today I am thankful for God's protection on my life. I am thankful that the Lord watches over me and I feel safe in His arms. I do not know how people lay down and sleep at night if they don't know the Lord. Because of His loving protection, I have peace in my heart and can claim Romans 8:28-31. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
November 21
I am thankful for Transportation
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." Luke 2:1-5
In pictures and movies Mary is shown riding on a donkey and Joseph walking beside her as they traveled to Bethlehem. This would have been a hard journey, especially since Mary was "great with child". Today I am thankful for transportation. My grandmother 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 her and her sister ran and hid under an apple tree the first time they saw an airplane fly overhead. 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 left this morning and was able to turn on the heat and drive in comfort. I was able to get where I wanted to go quickly. God has been good.
Thanksgiving Day
I am thankful for Thanksgiving
"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;" Psalm 107:1-2
Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving! I am thankful that I live in a country where we can still have a day of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all the food that the Lord provides for us. I am thankful for my family and being able to spend time with them. I am thankful for Mom, who has spent many Thanksgivings in the kitchen, and enjoyed every one. I am thankful that God saved me and leads and guides me, protects me, and provides for me, and loves me. "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;"
November 23
I am thankful that God Makes All Things New
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." II Corinthians 5:17
Today I am thankful that God can make all things new. When we are lost and out in sin our world is dark, but Jesus is the Light and we can walk in the Light. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) Christ gives us new joy, a new hope and new desires. He has also promised us a new home in heaven. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Revelation 21:1-7)
Be Thankful Every Day
