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1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Giving thanks doesn't rate highly in the socially-networked world where everyone is texting — very often to the person sitting next to them. Too many of us are so busy being "connected" that we have become disengaged from the world around us.
My awareness of the need to be thankful increased following a recent trip to my primary physician, a fine Christian man. I came prepared with a litany of complaints and questions regarding my medical status; it had been awhile since our last visit. After a period of discussion and a review of recent lab results, the doctor referred me to a thought-provoking verse:
2 Corinthians 4:16 – Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (NIV)
Spiritual renewal began that day following my doctor's visit. My reflections took this path: What does God want from us? The precious Holy Spirit revealed that He desires a thankful heart. Both Old and New Testaments emphasize the fact that God wants thankfulness. As Christians, we are receiving something constantly from God. Therefore, let us offer Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Psalm 116:17 – I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. (NKJV)
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving, let us remember to make time to specifically thank the Lord for all of the many blessings that He has given us. The hymn, "Thanks to God" could be used as a resource to enhance our thanksgiving time with family and friends (verse 1 of 3):
- Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
– August L. Storm
Colossians 2:6-7 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we offer to You our thanksgiving and praise for Your blessings, which are constantly showered upon us through Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whose name we pray. Amen.
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Profound. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the encouraging thoughts Parise.
Thanks be to you for your devotional today Parise. Very good!
Thanks you for sharing! Always enjoy your reflections Parise Arakelian.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder to be thankful to God in everything.
HI Parise, for your thanksgiving devotional I just want to say thank you and amen.
Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for sharing your gifts with others.
Oh – AMEN to all of those.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, dear Parise.
Blessings.
Amen! Wonderful message Parise! One of the things I thank God for is your dear friendship (Philemon 1:4). I pray the Lord will continue to use your writing for His glory. Yes, let us count our many blessings this Thanksgiving with a heart full of praise!
Thank YOU, Parise;
Well said!!!
I sent the devotional to my sister-in-law who also did a career in nursing. I appreciate you and your ministry through writing.
Parise
Wonderful devotional. Thanks for reinforcing that we should be thankful for everything and rejoice not only with the good things but with the struggles, as well, for they are God’s way of teaching us to be strong. I especially thank God for you.
Dear Parise,
Thank you very much for a REAL devotional!
I chose to show you the parts I appreciated most, and ended with almost the whole devotional!
Keep writing.
PS: In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October, on USA Columbus Day.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Keep it up!
A heart of gratitude is key.
1 Thess 5:16-18 was my confirmation verse.
It encourages me to be positive irrespective of the circumstance that we count it all joy rendering our thanks to Him not for the big things but eventually for the many tiny ones we overlook.
Thank You.