Thankful
It is no surprise that Abraham Lincoln, the leader who institutionalized Thanksgiving, once said,
“I believe the Bible is the best gift that God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book. I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.”"
In his Thanksgiving Proclamation of Oct 3, 1863 Lincoln's stated: "It has seemed to me fit and proper that the gifts of God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."
Thanksgiving goes beyond one decree or holiday. It goes beyond one nation. Look at Psalm 92: "How great are your works". God loves a grateful heart.
Has your life been hard and at times excruciating? It probably has - it’s the way life is on this side of eternity. But God has been good to you and me. So good! If you are a born again, you can unequivocally say Lord I am thankful that you:
Have loved me even when I ignored you.
Have sent your own Son to die for me.
Have sent your Spirit to live in me.
Have offered me unlimited grace.
Give me access to you at any time.
Freely forgive me when I fail you.
Have rescued me from the pit of hell.
Have given me the opportunity to serve you and be part of your kingdom.
Have given me a secure future with you that will never end.
Have given me your Word as a foundation to stand upon.
Have brought people in my life who care about me.
Strengthen me when I am weak and needy.
Have cared for me and provided for me.
Have given me food and shelter.
Have given me life and breath.
Have been so good to me.
Have protected me.
Have pursued me.
Have chosen me.
Hear my prayers.
Have gifted me.
Long for me.
Lord teach me to be thankful this season. Teach me to be thankful every day.