NATIONAL CHALLENGE

THANKSGIVING - A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Thanksgiving is a national holiday where most people celebrate with family and loved ones

How do you celebrate the holiday?

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. What does thanksgiving mean to you?
2. Are you selective in who you thank and who/what you are thankful for?
3. Are you so caught up with the turkey and trimmings, blessings and gifts, get-together and fellowship that you miss the real meaning or forget to give thanks?
4. Distance and schedule separate many and the gatherings are saved for Thanksgiving Day, but how is the communication in your family?
5. After Thanksgiving what? Is that the last time you see or hear from each other until next Thanksgiving or holiday?

Let's turn these questions spiritually?

1. What are you thankful to God for?
2. Are you thankful for the good things/times and not so thankful for the uncomfortable and not so good things (as in those family/friends you care for and not the ones you don't)?
3. Are you caught up with the blessings, gifts and fringe benefits that you don't see the Blesser and Giver of all things?
4. What's the thermostat of your communication with Him? (Hot, cold, lukewarm or has it been totally cut off)
5. When will He see or hear from you again? (perhaps next church season holiday service, wedding, funeral or next near fatal emergency or tragedy)

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GIVING THANKS ALWAYS IN ALL THINGS

Accept this National Challenge: 

Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Scripture states that all things work for the good to them that love the Lord and for them who are called to purpose.  Yet it is so easy to be thankful only when prayers are answered as you petitioned or when things turn out the way you plan.  However, when the outcome is not as expected, or the weather not as predicted, the temperature not as favorable, thanksgiving is reserved for the way we see, perceive and assumed to be as good.  

Assess your thanksgiving position is it consistent and in line with the scripture?

How alive and true is the scripture above to your daily experience both spiritually and naturally?

Can you truly give thanks for every thing and in all things?

Take an inventory and make a list of things in your life, gifts, blessings, family/friends, situations, challenges etc... have you given thanks for it all? If not do so now.  

Take the challenge 

Wake up each day with a thanksgiving spirit

Whatever life deals (whether good or bad) give thanks

Thank others when they have done you service or bestowed acts of benevolence

Thank in person whenever you can

Thank God and be thankful for even the request that are not yet answered

Remember, don't wait for Thanksgiving Day to connect with loved ones or with your Lord.  Make everyday a day of Thanksgiving.  

Give thanks for someone or something today!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel