Today has already been a day of preparation; getting ready for our guests as we celebrate through Thanksgiving.
Today I spent time pouring over several verses on ‘Thanksgiving’ to set in the attitude for the rest of the day.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [ESV]
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 [ESV]
34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34 [ESV]
As the head of my household, I feel responsible for reminding my friends and family who will be joining us tonight, what the real reason is for this day as we eat and fellowship with one another. God in His goodness and mercy has seen fit to put us right here where we are, in this place in time, to be a light in the darkness, and salt to the earth. Our world with it secular worldview, is not tolerant of a God-based mindset and faith. However, we are called to live for God alone and in doing so, through obedience to His Word, will show how God can change the human heart. How to push the focus from ‘Self’ to be applied to those around us as we are called to serve.
I am reminded of the 2 greatest commandments:
- Love the Lord your God with all of your Soul, Mind, and Strength.
- Love/Serve your neighbor as you would want to be loved/served.
Today is a day to be thankful for Who God is and the providence and sovereignty He wields as an all-powerful God. It is also a day of prayer; praying that the Holy Spirit would make us aware of His movement around us so that He is able to grow our faith and keep our eyes set on what He does…not what we do and how what we do is seen by others. We should Fear God and only think about what we can do to glorify Him in every aspect of our life here under the sun.