Devot. Giving Thanks Beyond Our Lifetime

Hi Folks,

 

The devot. for today is just what I'd had on my heart.    It brings our hearts and minds back to the true essence of Thanksgiving.

When I think of the word 'Thanksgiving," I think of it backwards-Giving Thanks."  Psalm 107 implores, urges mankind 4 times through the chapter, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Oh that we would praise Him for how good He is to us, undeserving sinners as we are!

Last week my co-Sr. High Girls Youth Group Leader gave us a challenge to think of 1 thing every day to thank the Lord for, something we were taking for granted.  I challenge you to do the same.    It can be as simple  thanking the Lord for clean water, a hot shower, a warm house.  When you start think of how much you have been blessed

with, it diminishes what you may not have.   

 

The old hymn, "Count Your any Blessings" says in Verse 1,

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."    (Taken from http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/countyou.htm)

I leave you with 1 final thought and a song.   Consider inviting someone who does not have family to join you for Thanksgiving-an elderly neighbor, a single person, a single parent family, someone less fortunate.

Or if you are the one without family, consider going out to dinner and inviting some folks along who will be on their own.   You don't know the blessing an invite can be, even to someone you may not know well.

Pray for those who have lost loved ones as this time of year can be difficult (I'm thinking of the families of the police officers who were killed this past weekend in various US states).   Thanksgiving is a family time, but can be very painful if family is not there, so please remember folks like this in your prayers.

Last, I have included a song that embodies what our hearts should truly be thankful for.   

 

From my family to yours, may the Lord give you His peace and presence this week and Happy Thanks Giving!

Devot. http://www.icr.org/article/giving-thanks-beyond-our-lifetimes  (Used by permission.   Taken from http://www.icr.org/)   

 

 Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld1fatQyvjM