Thanksgiving Reflections...

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!      - Henry Ward Beecher

I know this time of year prompts many people to think about being more thankful.  I have to admit - it has me thinking. My own personal thoughts have been along a parallel line. I've been thinking about just how much we take for granted.

The blessings in our lives are truly innumerable. There is enough to praise God forever in just the redemption of my own heart. You know, the great big sinner, with an even bigger Savior. This is change we can be thankful for. (corny use of a recently popular cliche)

But that's not all, He picks us up out of the miry clay, sets our feet on a solid rock, and then . . . leaves us to fend for ourselves? Not a chance! He daily cares for His children, provides for our needs (but my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19), hears our prayers (The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Jms 5:16), and carries our burdens for us (Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee...Ps55:22).

There are so many things that God has done for us, how often do I thank Him? I am ungrateful, and I am asking God today to put a heart of gratitude in me. Our pastor preached a wonderful Thanksgiving message on Sunday which encouraged us to give praise and thanksgiving every time we pray - BEFORE we go to begging.

I so often just jump into praying for the burdens on my heart, for needs, or for others in serious situations without stopping to first thank and praise Him. Even the Lord Jesus praised the the Father in Matthew 6:9 "Hallowed be thy name."

It is my prayer and hearts desire to keep thanksgiving in my heart, not just because it is the "time of year", but because He deserves everything we have, and most certainly our thanks!

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving...

Amos 4:5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving...

I Cor. 15:57 But thanks be to God, which geiveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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