O’GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD 

richGive thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever — he provided every turkey and ham with all the trimmings on our tables this holiday season. Every penny in our pockets or accounts, He provided. Every roof over our heads, he provided. Every vehicle in our driveway, he provided. Every loved one sitting at our table, He provided. For every loved one not sitting at our table, He provided a place at His table. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, His Mercy Endures forever.          

It was a powerful demonstration of God’s love that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrificial thanksgiving offering for us. Now, in return, what shall we render to God for all of His mercies? How about a simple “Thank You” in word and in deed.

Psalms 8:4-8 (NIV) 

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”

What an honored place humans hold within creation. It reflects the greatness of God, who, despite being infinitely powerful, is mindful of humanity. Humans, made a little lower than the angels, are given authority and responsibility over the world and its creatures. It serves as a reminder of the dignity and purpose bestowed upon humanity, encouraging us to recognize our role in stewardship and to value what God places on each person.

Jesus loves you. No matter what you’ve done, His mercy applies to you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV): “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Our gratitude should not depend on our circumstances. 

Expressing gratitude honors God and fosters humility, which, as you know, is the antidote to pride. In our daily lives, practicing gratitude with thanksgiving transforms our perspective. 

When we deliberately reflect on what we are thankful for, our focus shifts from anxious thoughts to the blessings of His divine nature: peace that surpasses all understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It was a powerful demonstration of God’s love that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrificial offering for us. Now, in return, what shall we render to God for all of His mercies? How about a simple “THANK YOU” in word and deed. 

So, Give Thanks to the Lord in all circumstances, for He is Good and his mercy endures forever. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne