I always thank God for you because Christ Jesus has shown you God’s good will. Through Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way—in speech and knowledge of every kind. 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 GW
…..be filled with the Spirit by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18b-20 (GW)
Received with gratitude. Has anyone done something so special for you that your heart overflowed with deep appreciation? It’s a humbling feeling encased in indebtedness.
The first Thanksgiving in America celebrated a first successful harvest. In reality it was simply a grateful gathering of thankful people. The English colonists called Pilgrims and the Native Americans called Wampanoag celebrated the first harvested crops at Plymouth in 1621. The Indians were instrumental in the Pilgrim’s survival upon arrival in 1620. With beholden hearts, the Pilgrims enjoyed festivities with the Wampanoag for several days.
Offerings of thanksgiving were part of the Pilgrims’ religion. It involved days of prayer not days of feasting. Thanksgiving was a way of life for them. They owed thanks to God for provision and protection in a new land.
We all have something for which we’re grateful and someone to whom we owe thanks. But nothing can compare to the gratefulness we owe our Heavenly Father. He created us and through His Son Jesus Christ, He redeemed us. What gracious mercy—forgiven of our grievous sins through the sacrifice of a holy God who took our place—what merciful love!
Receive with gratitude this gift of grace. Give thanks with a grateful heart for your redemption. Won’t you join me in offering psalms of praise and songs of joy with thanksgiving to our Savior God? Give thanks…
I will give thanks to you with all my heart.
I will make music to praise you in front of the false gods.
I will bow toward your holy temple.
I will give thanks to your name because of your mercy and truth.
You have made your name and your promise greater than everything.
When I called, you answered me.
You made me bold by strengthening my soul.
All the kings of the earth will give thanks to you, O Lord,
because they have heard the promises you spoke.
They will sing this about the ways of the Lord:
“The Lord’s honor is great!”
Even though the Lord is high above, he sees humble people close up,
and he recognizes arrogant people from a distance.
Even though I walk into the middle of trouble,
you guard my life against the anger of my enemies.
You stretch out your hand,
and your right hand saves me.
The Lord will do everything for me.
O Lord, your mercy endures forever.
Do not let go of what your hands have made. Psalm 138 (GW)
Thank the Lord!
He has heard my prayer for mercy!
The Lord is my strength and my shield.
My heart trusted him, so I received help.
My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song.
The Lord is the strength of his people
and a fortress for the victory of his Messiah.
Save your people, and bless those who belong to you.
Be their shepherd, and carry them forever. Psalm 28:6-9 (GW)
I will praise the Lord, who advises me.
My conscience warns me at night.
I always keep the Lord in front of me.
When he is by my side, I cannot be moved.
That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. Psalm 16:7-9 (GW)
Give Thanks (With A Grateful Heart).....