Tag Archives: thanksgiving

May 24
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“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”  (Colossians 3:15, NKJV)

The word we translate as “thanks” is used more than 40 times in the New Testament. (And that does not include variants of that word, such as “thanksgiving,” and “gratitude.”)

We have so much for which to be thankful, yet even the children of God are admonished (as Paul did to the Christians in Colosse) to be thankful.  I wonder whether it is because — like it or not — it seems to be our nature to focus on the few things we lack, instead of the many things we have.

As a nation, a day in November is set aside for giving thanks.  As the children of the living God, we are invited to make every day “Thanksgiving Day.”  Is there a dearth of evidence of God’s goodness?  – Luther

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April 26
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“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”  (1 Samuel 12:24, NIV)
Memory and gratitude are antidotes to many of the maladies that afflict our soul and that steal the joy of living.  These maladies include self-entitlement, greed, a zero-sum view of common resources, and a competitive spirit when cooperation is what is needed.

When we “[remember] what great things [God] has done for [us],” such as giving us the things that money cannot buy (e. g. life, peace, joy, love, security of soul, integrity of mind) — and an abundance of the things money can buy (e. g. food, shelter, clothing, transportation) — it provokes within us an enduring reverence for the Lord, and a burning desire to serve him with faithfulness and enthusiasm.

To count the few things we don’t have — instead of the many blessings we do have — sidetracks us from the path that leads to peace with our heavenly Father.  Remember — and be thankful.  – Luther

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April 19
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“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47, NASB)

The more we value something, the higher it rises in our list of what is important.

The woman in today’s scripture valued the forgiveness of God.  It wasn’t something she had taken for granted, and this singular act of God’s grace was always clear, near, and present.

Simon, who is also a part of the narrative of this scripture, took God’s gifts for granted — and it was apparent that he “loves little.”

Who are we: The woman who was filled with gratitude, awe, and love for her Lord because she appreciated the gifts of God; or Simon, who didn’t see the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?   – Luther

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