Give Thanks
Psalms 107:1 (ESV) 1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Today we celebrate another Thanksgiving, where we in the United States we remember those first settlers to our shores and the meals shared with the Native Americans. Elementary school kids put on plays and homes are decorated with autumn wreaths, pumpkins, and other seasonal decorations and the smell of apple cider permeates the air. We gather with families and friends to enjoy tables burdened down with food followed by football, football and more football.
As a child I remember Thanksgiving was celebrated at my Aunt Dean’s house on Shackleford Road. The house was filled with laughter as we joined our grandmother, aunts uncles and cousins in our annual Thanksgiving feast.
When we moved to Richmond with Reynolds Metals we took turns with Coralie and Larry Hawkins in hosting a meal for all of our little conclave, and later in Pittsburgh we enjoyed a smaller version of our annual tradition.
After returning home, our tables overflowed with food as family and friends gathered for what has always been my favorite holiday, inspired I am sure by those long ago memories made on Shackleford Road.
Some have adopted the practice of volunteering at shelters to serve a Thanksgiving meal to those without a home. For Christ followers, the practice of being thankful predates our secular rituals, as the Bible is replete with encouragement for us to give thanks, first to God and then to others.
So, on Thanksgiving, 2025, I am thankful for salvation, for God’s faithfulness, and for a church where I can worship with other believers and deepen my relationship with Jesus. I am thankful for family, whether near or far, and for both the challenges and rewards that are part of life.
I am reminded of a song we sang in grade school, and am closing with the following lyrics.
- We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own. - Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
May we be thankful to our Lord and Savior today and every day.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 