Gathering Gratefulness

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)

To say that the 2020 has been extraordinarily epic is an unprecedented understatement. The events that have enormously exploded and engulfed everyone of us spiritually, mentally, politically, legally, socially, physically, financially, educationally, and institutionally have influenced me to identify the letter “U” in the United States of America as UNBELIEVABLE! We have had UBIQUITOUS conflict, chaos, confusion and displays of cataclysmic insurrection such as burning, looting, and destruction of property. To complicate things even more, citizens of this country have been contaminated by COVID, which has caused death and heartbreak, school closures, and colossal changes in how we do life, entertainment, business and church. Currently, we are accosted by an abominable presidential election. It is my position that this election is fixed in a foreboding and formidable fog of fraud. However, I am believing and praying that God’s thunder will deluge this country with a torrent rain of truth and renew and restore our country from being dumped in a desert of distrust and deceit. Be that as it may, the Bible calls believers to give thanks in everything.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)

Consequently, God has called us to gather some gratefulness not only during this Thanksgiving week but every day! The Webster Dictionary (1828 Edition) defines grateful as having a due sense of benefits; kindly disposed towards one from whom a favor has been received; willing to acknowledge and repay benefits; as a grateful heart. Being grateful is being gripped by the gravity of God’s grace and goodness in one’s life. Hebrews 13:15 tells us the source of making an attitude of gratitude a reality in one’s life. In addition, it reveals the features of flawless gratitude:

By: through Him (Jesus) and by means of Him
Continually: Constantly, always
Sacrifice: To take upon one's self
Praise: A thank offering

So, as you gather around the Thanksgiving table this week, gather and give some gratefulness for God’s:

Truth
Holiness
Abiding Love
Notice of our needs
Knowing us by name
Salvation, Spirit and Sanctification

Happy Thanksgiving!

For the Glory of God,

PBKSR