Tag Archives: thanksgiving

April 4
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“Is anyone happy?  Let them sing songs of praise.”  (James 5:13b, NIV)

James reminds us that the rhythm of a disciple’s life is not all labor and toil.  There are many periods of happiness and joy.

As we ought to run to God when trouble arrives, we ought also to give thanks to God when our path is smooth, the weather is fair, and our neighbors are kind.

The natural person attributes the presence of these things to many sources other than to God: Luck, one’s knowledge or skill, or the favor of others.  The disciple sees only God (even when acting through others) as the source of all blessings.

James recommends this response: Praise God in song.  Indeed, “praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. . . ”  – Luther

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November 26
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Thanksgiving Day

“. . . give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

There is a small, but helpfully significant, difference between giving thanks in all circumstances; and giving thanks for all circumstances.

There are situations and circumstances for which you and I should never be thankful: War, disease, marital discord, gross economic inequality, the persistence of evil. . .  Yet, even in such circumstances, the disciple of Jesus is encouraged to be thankful — and it baffles the watching world.

In war, we know the Prince of Peace.  In sickness, we are attended by the Great Physician.  He is our Reconciler; and through your and my obedience, he feeds the poor.  Evil may, for a time, persist; but evil shall never prevail!

True thanksgiving knows no season.  – Luther

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August 27
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“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:1-3, NIV)

Today’s psalm reminds us that there is not a moment, nor a situation, within the day where God’s praise is out of place.

To “praise,” as we often hear in today’s vernacular, is to give “props” (which is derived from “proper respect”) to someone. When we praise the Lord, we are rendering the honor, glory, gratitude, respect, authority that He is due.

In the course of a day, we can — as Oswald Chambers often wrote — be a “practical atheist.”  We receive a blessing, but we act as if it is a random occurrence instead of a planned gift from God.  We reflect on our successes, despite obstacles and resistance from others, and we conclude that it is due to our own intelligence, persistence, and creativity.

Today, as you see the hand of God, give Him praise for His assistance.  As you see the work of God in others, give Him praise for His faithfulness.  As you see the grace of God in difficult circumstances, give Him praise for His mercy.

“Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.”  – Luther

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