CHRIST
Devotional: Thanksgiving
In his book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey says, “If we comprehend what Christ has done for us, then surely out of gratitude we will strive to live ‘worthy’ of such great love.” Are you thankful for the blessings of God? Does your heart overflow with words of gratitude for Jesus and what He has done for us? For the Christian, thanksgiving should not be merely the last Thursday in November, but rather a life-long perspective that causes us to verbalize daily our gratitude for the favor and faithfulness of God in our lives.
Thanksgiving, as a part of prayer, should never be an afterthought. It should emerge from the overflow of a life that has been touched by the grace of God and His Son, Jesus. As we ponder what Christ has done for us, and the blessings we have received as a result of being adopted as sons and daughters of the King of Heaven, words of gratitude should pour from our lips. No matter what circumstance we face, no matter the depth of our sorrow, there is always something for which we can be thankful, because there is always within our reach our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! – Psalm 107:1
And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. – Isaiah 12:4-5
Thank you, Lord: Spend time thanking God for the gift of prayer. Thank Him for inclining His ear to us and answering our prayers. Thank God for our most treasured gift, Jesus. Pray for persecuted Christians around the world and thank God for their unwavering faith and sacrifice. (Today is the third anniversary of Pastor Saeed Abedini’s imprisonment. Join with others around the world in praying for his release.)
