Joy of Thanksgiving

Thank you card

God inhabits the praises of His people. Psalms 22:3

We can often get wrapped up in our own feelings and absorbed with things that are going wrong in our life. It’s easy to get discouraged, depressed or angry at the changes going on in the world but there are so many things to be grateful for in life.

The most important words you can speak to someone is “I love you” “Forgive me” “I’m sorry” “Excuse me” “Please” “You’re welcome” and “Thank you.” We can often take these words for granted. Unfortunately, respect for others well-being is being lost in our culture.

It’s the little things that mean so much and we don’t realize it until there’s a major disruption or shift that changes your perspective in life.

purple grapes on a vine, fruits

When you’re truly grateful and appreciative, you’re content despite everything not going your way or meeting your expectations. Any form of bitterness or complaining is replaced with the fruits of the Spirit which are evident in your actions: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, long suffering, and self-control.

Thanksgiving dinner, Holiday party

We can get consumed with the start of the holiday season. Our focus is diverted to dinner parties, celebrations and gift giving. We are stretched in many directions and feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities and our to-do lists, not to mention the unexpected distractions. It may have been a challenging year, but God is on the throne, and He is worthy to be praised!

As we embrace the holidays, let us slip away for a moment to spend time in the presence of God with thanksgiving for who He is in our lives. May your heart overflow with gratitude as you reflect on the blessings and promises of God.

May the peace of God be with you through this holiday season and always.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Prayer

Thank you for your love and protection that surrounds our family and friends, workplaces, communities and churches. We are thankful for everything you do in the natural and spiritual realm (seen and unseen) that is evidence of you working in our lives for your perfect will. May our faith be strengthened and may every need be met according to your perfect plan and purpose for our lives.

Thank you, Jesus for bringing us through this year and may we walk continuously in your grace and mercy overcoming every challenge and battle we face for we are victorious in Christ Jesus!

Amen and Amen.

wheat, grain

Bible Verses – A Moment of Meditation and Thanksgiving

18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thess 5:18

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil 4:6

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Col 3:15

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Col 4:2

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Heb 13:15

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Thankful Moments: Seven Things in Life to be Grateful for

cup of coffee in autumn reading book
Photo Credit: RoonzNL Pixabay

In this fast-paced lifestyle of juggling so many responsibilities and daily tasks, it’s easy to rush through life without noticing the small blessings that we take for granted. When we take a moment to pause, we can reflect and capture unlimited opportunities of gratitude.

women laughing with camera and photo
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev Pixabay

Health is a treasured gift that is often overlooked until we are faced with physical pain or illness. The ability to wake up each day with energy, strength and vitality makes us look at life from a positive perspective and with a deeper appreciation.

woman in bed

man studying with book
Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio Pexels

Learning never ends as we age. Life is a continuous journey of discovering, exploring, researching, learning, and growing. Life can be our best teacher. Whether a formal education, self-taught, personal experiences or challenges which push us out of our comfort zones, each lesson shapes and molds us into who we are. We are not defined by our circumstances or situations, but we should be grateful for the lessons that will shift our mindset and provide a sense of accomplishment.

mountains and ocean, nature
Photo Credit: Simon Berger Pixabay

Nature is awe-inspiring. From the white, crescent waves crashing upon rocks to sun-kissed sunsets or early morning sun rises to the solitude and serenity of a walk through a cluster of welcoming autumn leaves crunching under your feet, we can embrace every aspect of God’s creation.

woman boots standing on leaves
Photo Credit: Cori Emmalee Rodiquez Pixabay

It always feels good to extend kindness to others. It’s also special when others extend kindness unexpectedly. Spreading positivity, compassion, empathy, and a helping hand provides a sense of community and changes the hearts of others. Never underestimate how your behavior can impact and empower others.

baking muffins
Photo Credit: Jeshoots Pixabay
woman crying laughing expressing emotions
Photo Credit: Liza Summer Pixabay

Life will always present overwhelming challenges, obstacles, and struggles. It’s how we react and respond to life’s difficulties that will change our perspectives. When we look back on everything we have overcome, it can provide a strong sense of achievement and gratitude. It demonstrates our resilience, perseverance, and personal and spiritual growth in the face of adversity. Our faith becomes even stronger and our sense of thankfulness to the Lord grows even deeper. We our strengthen from our experiences as we navigate through life’s unknown and unexpected pathway.

woman praying
Photo Credit: Dee Dee51 Pixabay

Through every moment, the Lord has been the guiding force of protection, grace, mercy, and unconditional love. The intimate moments of prayer, bible study, worship and mediation has provided peace, strength, endurance, provision, and safety during life’s highs and lows. When we dedicate devotional time and honor God with our lives, we will experience a sense of fulfillment that the world cannot provide. It’s the foundation of where a grateful heart resides and where love overflows.

In a world that often emphasizes and indulges in seeking more, taking the time to reflect on our most thankful moments can bring a shift in our perception and perspective. It leads to a sense of contentment. As we express gratitude from our memories of the past, let us carry a fresh mindset into the future, treasuring each moment and finding joy in the little things in life yet profound aspects of life’s journey.

May you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

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Moments of Mediation and Daily Devotion

Phil 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Psalm 107:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

I Thess 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Col 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving

Psalm 111

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 100:1-5

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 30

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [b]His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

I cried out to You, O Lord.
And to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.