DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING... From the Senior Living Ministries Website November 14 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. --Philippians 4:6 In her classic autobiography, The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells of the time she and her sister went through Nazi inspections at a death camp. They were forced to suffer the humiliation of taking off their clothes. Corrie stood in line feeling forsaken, defiled, and desperate for answers. Suddenly she remembered that when He hung on the cross, Jesus too was naked. During that seemingly degrading moment, Corrie was struck with a great sense of awe and worship to God. In her amazement of His holiness, she leaned forward and whispered to her sister, "Betsie, they took His clothes, too. "Betsie gasped and said, "Oh, Corrie, I never thanked Him for that." Thanksgiving does not require any re-payment, but instead requires recognition of what our Savior has already done for us. Some people are appreciative by nature and others aren't. It is the latter who especially need God's power to express thanksgiving. Thankfulness is the opposite of selfishness. The selfish person believes they deserve what comes to them, but the unselfish person realizes that everything is a gift from God. During this Thanksgiving season, survey your own life and make a list of things for which you are thankful. Maybe it is the small favor a friend did for you, the house you live in, a loved one who phoned to see how you are, a Bible study group you're active in, the ability to walk, or the opportunity to worship freely each week in God's house. Take some time to thank the Lord for His blessings and at least one person who has blessed your life this year. Share those things you are thankful for with those around your dinner table. Name those individuals that have made an impact for you with God. Share with your family. Prayer: Thank God for those provisions and individuals that God has blessed you with.
By: Daniel Darling HAVE GRATITUDE November 15 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). What are you thankful for? We gather, every year at this time, to reflect on the blessings of God over the past year. But in most families, Thanksgiving is less about real gratitude and more about stuffing your face, watching football, and hanging with the family. Some actually dread Thanksgiving, because they're forced to sit in a room with people they really don't enjoy. Now I'm all in favor of the food and the football. But this year, let's make Thanksgiving about giving and about thanks. This year, more than any, might force us to dig deeper. For many, it will mark a year since they've had employment. For others, Thanksgiving will bring another reminder that they haven't found that significant other. And there are those couples who have to face the family questions of why they still can't have children. For many, this was a year marked by pain. So how do we summon the gratitude? Well, if you're a Christian, you're basis is not your circumstances, but something greater. Paul tells the people of Thessalonica that they could "give thanks in everything." Why? Because this was the "will of God in Christ." In other words, followers of Christ believe that every piece of hardship is a grace gift from the Lord, sent for their growth, sanctification, and further intimacy with the Almighty. We don't believe we're here on this earth all alone. We believe God is firmly in charge. Though life may get hard--and it does--it all falls under God's sovereign will. And so we give thanks. As Americans, we really have cause for gratitude. Let's not sit around the table carping about the election, complaining about our job status, whining about injustices. Let's instead, offer genuine, heartfelt thanks to God. For salvation in Christ. For His daily care. And for friends and family He graciously provides. Oh, and for the freedom to stuff our faces and watch football! This scripture says to REJOICE, PRAY, AND BE THANKFUL in all circumstances; what does that mean to you? What would your life look like if you were in complete control of your circumstances. Prayer: Thank God for His presence in our lives.
THE THANKSGIVING FACTOR November 16 By: Jeff Schreve His Heart Ministries In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). What is the worst thing that has ever happened in your life? Even in the worst of situations, you can find new insights to praise and thank God for. The Bible tells us that we are to give thanks in everything, the good things AND the bad things. In Psalm 50:23, God says, "He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me." In the hard times, thanksgiving is difficult. It is definitely a sacrifice to thank God in a life threatening situation, but it is so very necessary. Thanksgiving honors God, and when you and I honor God, He honors us (1 Samuel 2:30). How is your thanksgiving factor? Are you facing tough times? Have you been griping and complaining about the things in your life that are hard, lonely and frustrating? Why not try praising and thanking God for your difficulty. He knows about it, He is over it, and He cares for you. Without question, He has a purpose in every trial and tribulation. Start today to live a life of thanksgiving. If you will do it, I promise you on the authority of the Word of God, your attitude will change, the people around you will be blessed, and Jesus Christ will be glorified and honored. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Time! What have you rejoiced over recently...griped over recently? What is the toughest challenge you have faced recently? Prayer: Pray for boldness for God's glory.
ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING IN A WORLD OF GRUMBLING By: Mike Pohlman November 17 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7) My family and I just completed our first full week in our new home in Richmond, Virginia after leaving Los Angeles to begin my new job as editor of Christianity.com. And if I m honest I cannot say I ve been abounding in thanksgiving over the last several days. In fact, abounding in grumbling may be the more accurate phrase to describe my disposition of late. I ve grumbled about the weather, traffic, the movers and a myriad of other things petty and not-so-petty. None of this grumbling, however, has been constructive or justified. And, most importantly, it s been sinful. While I voice gratitude for God generally, I often fail to highlight specific attributes of God that, when I consider them, cause me to abound in thanksgiving. What is it about God that I am most grateful for? The one attribute of God that floods my heart and mind is His providence the fact that He orchestrates everything in my life for His glory and my good. It s the promise of Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. God directs the outcome of those circumstances for our good. And what is the good God is working? Christlikeness. Indeed, all of our circumstances God uses as a means of our sanctification. Take a moment and ask your family, What specific attribute of God am I grateful for? (His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, patience, etc.). What have you grumbled about recently? Is it worth it? Prayer: Pray for personal transformation (Romans 12:1-2) that love, joy & peace might be your conversation.
WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL THANKFUL November 18 By: Jeff Schreve His Heart Ministries He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me (Psalm 50:23). What do you do when your life is going south? What do you do when it is THANKSGIVING and you have just lost a loved one or just lost your job or just lost your marriage? Surely you cannot be expected to give thanks can you? Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Sometimes we must thank God through clenched teeth and choked back tears. Thanksgiving in the midst of a terrible storm brings tremendous joy to His heart. It shows the Lord that we really trust Him regardless of the adverse circumstances we are facing. Perhaps you are one this year who is having trouble finding good in your life. Look no further than Jesus. He never changes. Despite everything you might be facing, you can rejoice in Him. You can give thanks for Him and His love and care for you. You can give thanks that He promised to work all things together for good. Train yourself to give thanks in everything. Remember a sacrifice of thanksgiving brings honor to the Lord. Thank Him for that trial you are facing. Thank Him for that sorrow. He will use your thanks for His glory and your ultimate good! No matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a great plan just for you. Discuss around your dinner table tonight the question; What does the word sacrifice mean to you? Give an example of what a sacrifice of thanksgiving looks like. How can a life challenge be for God's glory and your good? Prayer: Ask God to help you to be thankful this Thanksgiving Season no matter what trials come your way.
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT November 19 By: Dr. Tony Evans Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3) Today when we hear that someone is "blessed," we often think of a comfortable lifestyle, good health and a successful job. But Jesus said that those who are "poor in spirit" are blessed. The New Testament word for poor means a beggar who is totally dependent upon another for survival. Therefore, to be "poor in spirit" is to be totally dependent upon another for spiritual well-being. If we turn this around, we realize that the cursed are those who are rich in self-sufficiency. When we can take care of ourselves and control our situations, we're living in a different kingdom. When God puts you in a situation that you have no power to fix, He's doing you a favor because He's making a way for His Kingdom to come in. If you find yourself in this place, you'll know you're poor in spirit as thanksgiving replaces your complaining. What does poor in spirit mean to you? Would you rather be poor in spirit or self-sufficient? Why? What does this devotion have to do with being thankful? Prayer: Lord reveal to me where I put my trust.
GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR COUNTRY...AND THE REST By: Dr. Jack Graham PowerPoint Ministries November 20 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! (Psalm 97:1) Many years ago, I heard a man make the statement that Christianity would be almost nonexistent by the year 2000. And while it s true that there has been a decline of people who call themselves believers in many areas of the world, the church is also growing rapidly in other parts. In China, for example, it s estimated that 20,000 people every day are trusting Jesus as Savior. In Africa, the church is growing dramatically, as it is in South America and across parts of Asia. These areas, commonly called the Global South, are seeing an intense and passionate response to the Gospel. So what does that tell us? Well, I think those of us in the Western world have a duty to support and encourage the spreading of the Christian message in these parts of the world. Also, we need to open our hearts to learning from our faithful brothers and sisters around the globe and not think that we hold all the answers here. It s good to thank God for your country this Thanksgiving. But let s never forget that our God is a global God. So get involved in what He s doing around the world by praying, giving, and going to make His name known among all nations! This Thankgiving let's support and encourage the worldwide body of faith by praying, giving, and going to bring Christ to every nation! How did America get to be a Christian nation? Who in the church is responsible for ministry? Prayer: Thank God for America and pray for the rest of the world.
BE THANKFUL FOR PEOPLE November 21 By: Robin Dugall I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3) Thanksgiving Day is almost here, and across our country, pastors have no doubt been preaching sermons pointing out the need for Christ-followers to be thankful people. As a pastor, I ve made impassioned pleas for Christ-followers to rise above our culture to resist the temptation for the holiday season to be simply another opportunity for us to be selffocused and self-indulgent. Thanksgiving isn t just about eating to the brink of explosion; shopping to the brink of bankruptcy or watching television to the brink of insanity. I ve tried to make the point that Thanksgiving for a person who loves God can be so much more. Even so, I discovered in my own life that despite what I ve preached, I have missed a crucial element in the process of being a thankful follower of Jesus in my own life. I found that over the years I have been mostly thankful for the THINGS in my life; for food, finances, the house I have lived in, the clothes I have worn, and so on. While there s nothing wrong with being thankful for these things, I have missed the boat on giving thanks for the biggest blessings of God in my life PEOPLE. Consider how empty, purposeless, and meaningless our lives would be without relationships. Relationships have shaped who we are and who we are becoming. Without exception, everyone I know has been influenced by other people. How about you? Who do you thank God for? Make a list of the people who have shaped your life. Share the list with your family. Happy Thanksgiving! How easy is it to just thank God for things in your life? How can you live a lifestyle of thankfulness more consistently? Prayer: Take a few moments and thank God for the relationships in your life. Truthfully, it can revolutionize your life.
GIVING THANKS November 22 By: Barbara Rainey It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. (Psalm 92:1) As Psalm 92 tells us, "It is good to give thanks to the LORD... to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night." With a little effort, you can make Thanksgiving a cherished family time devoted to thanking God for what He has done in your lives. One tradition we've kept for years is to have each family member write five things for which he or she is thankful. Here are some of the things our children wrote one year: "I'm thankful for being able to have a family." "I'm thankful Ashley got to come home from college for Thanksgiving." "I'm thankful for God in my life." "I'm thankful for my ministry at my high school." "I'm thankful for my sisters and all they've taught me about relationships." "I'm thankful I got to shoot a deer!" "I'm thankful for a great brother." Dennis and I were thrilled to hear the kids actually thank God for each other! Having a heart of gratitude that gives thanks in all things is the true spirit of Thanksgiving. How has God worked in your life this past year? Share around the dinner table. What does your I'm thankful for list look like? Prayer: Spend time thanking God for His love, His provision and His work in your lives.
ENTERING IN... November 23 By: Phil Ware Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:4-5). Worship is always about entering - entering into grace, entering with thanksgiving, entering to share with others, but most of all entering into the Lord's presence in a special way. But our entering is not the basis of worship. Instead, worship is about the Lord's faithfulness, goodness, and enduring grace. We come to God, like so many before us, who are waiting with God, for us. We come to praise him for all he has been, all he is, and all he will be. We come to enter and worship. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Worship HIM that is the reason for our thankfulness! What can you do tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, to bring thanks and praise to the Giver of all good things? That's worship! That's being thankful! That's Thanksgiving! Prayer: Faithful God, the Almighty Rock of Israel, the God on whom the generations trusted, you alone, LORD, are God. I praise you for your enduring grace and mercy. I praise you because I want my heart tuned to your will. I praise you, because I want to prepare for my eternal lifetime, the one in your presence. I praise you in Jesus' name. Amen.'