For years our children came to our house and it was wonderful to see not only our children but our grandchildren sit down with us and share the love we have been given. When we all left the table every belly was full. I remember my son-in-law rubbing his tummy and saying that was great. Our own son would eat more than I had ever seen him eat. The grandson’s almost had a stomach's that could not be filled. And all the girls would be relaxing from their hustle and bustle of keeping their own homes up.

When was the last time you really sat down together and thanked God for the family? What about your job, have you thanked God for keeping you employed? What about your place that God has called you to worship at? What about your health?

Thanksgiving is more than being thankful for provisions of comfort; it is a time to thank God for how he has provided a place we can call our eternal home. We do not take enough time in our daily lives to thank him for not only supplying our needs but for giving us His Son Jesus. I love the song “Give Thanks” for it says exactly what my heart echoes each day when I think of what the Lord has done.

Psalms is so full of ways to thank God and praise Him. Here are a few you can bask in during this week.

Psalm 118:1 “O, give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because His mercy endures forever.”
Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Psalm 75:1 “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”
Psalm 89:1 “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
We are also told in the New Testament: Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Let us all take time this Thanksgiving to give thanks for how God has supplied all our needs. Plan a time where each person can speak out why they thank God this year. Help them to turn their eyes to Jesus Christ. Take time to pray together and hold each others hands when you do.

I am sure this will give you a Thanksgiving to remember in your family memories.

Lord, I thank you for the life you have given me. I can’t imagine life without knowing you in everything I do. Lord, thank you for my family and the love we have for each other. Thank you for how you have provided this time that we can gather together. Lord, always remind us of how you have provided the way to be with you in eternity. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus. Lord, thank you that we can come to you and pour out our hearts. Help us to continually be living witnesses for you in the years to come. Now Lord we ask that you be the center of our home during this holiday season. Let us never cease to thank and praise you. In Jesus Christ most wonderful name….Amen

Yes, give thanks with grateful hearts……