Tag Archives: thanksgiving

November 27
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Thanksgiving Day 2014

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

True thanksgiving knows no season or circumstance.

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 makes reconciliation possible; and through your and my obedience, he feeds the poor, comforts the afflicted, visits the sick and the incarcerated, and clothes the naked. Evil may — for a time — persist; but evil shall never prevail!

Such an attitude makes giving thanks in all circumstances more than a theoretical possibility; it becomes the disciple’s reality!  – Luther

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May 3
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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

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow; back — Lord willing — on Monday!

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March 18
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Uncategorized Aside

“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 we are at peace with our neighbors.  

The natural person attributes the presence of these things to many sources other than to God, such as luck, one’s personal knowledge or skill, or the favor of others. The disciple sees only God (even when God is 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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