Thanks Living

Of all the holidays we celebrate in our nation, I would have to say that Thanksgiving is probably my favorite. Sure, I love the food, and all those scrumptious desserts, in fact, I can feel the calories adding up even as I type this update. However, what I enjoy most is the special time I get to spend with our family, and of course capturing all those "Kodak" moments!

Above all, Thanksgiving is really a day to remember all the wonderful things God has done for us throughout the year. In the book of Psalms we are given a special promise that comes to those who offer up thanksgiving to God. Many times it is difficult to feel thankful when we are going through difficult times, but it opens the way for God's blessings to flow into our lives.

Psalm 50:23 "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." (NIV)

For me personally, when I keep an attitude of thanksgiving, it truly changes things around and my load seems so much lighter.

I love the first line of this quote, "Thanksgiving begins with Thanks Living". Oh, to have a grateful heart each and every day. It is not hard when we stop and think about the many things we have to give thanks for, and to know how awesome and great our God truly is.

In closing today, I'd like to reflect on the greatness and goodness of God by sharing some wonderful scriptures that I read in a recent devotional.


As we consider WHO JESUS IS...let us offer up to God Thanksgiving and Praise!

"He is All-Present." Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." (Psalms 139:7-8 )

"He is All powerful." I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 ) "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27 ) "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37 )

"He is All-Knowing." O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD." (NIV) Psalm 139:1"Lord, you know every one's heart." (NIV) Acts 1:24

"He is Stable and Unchanging.". . .the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." (NIV) Psalm 33:11

"He is Eternal." I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8 )

"He is Incomprehensible." Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?" (NIV) Isa 40:12"To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?" (NIV) Isa 40:18

"He is Merciful." But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4 NIV)

"He is Compassionate." Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV)

"He is Good." Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV) 1 Chronicles 16:34


Oh Lord, how can we ever thank you enough for all that you have done for us? Your faithfulness and great love endures forever. Thank you for watching over us, for your mercy, great compassion, and your love that sustains us daily. Father, I lift all those who will have that empty seat at their Thanksgiving table this year. Comfort them and remind them of your promise that one day we will be together again. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Please join us over at Chocolate and Coffee today as others give thanks to you.