THANKFUL

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Your blessings exceed our expectations, Lord. This incredible world you created explodes with beauty and wonder and yet, in our fallen state, we tend to focus on our woes and problems. Our inattention to giving you thanks in all things, which include our woes and problems, leaves us missing the simple beauties of your limitless blessings.

Our prayer today is to choose to praise you Lord in all circumstances, whether we feel like praising and thanking you or not. The psalmist said it best: “What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? . . . I am ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:17).

Today, we thank you for:

• The inheritance held in heaven for all who place their faith in Christ. We know our eternity is secure because you placed your Holy Spirit within us to guarantee our eternal spot with you, Lord God (Ephesians 1:14).
• Not caring how long your spouse is shopping since you can browse through a bookstore
• Watching our children doing their chores without complaining
• No one goes home hungry with the wide variety of foods and desserts found at a church pot-luck supper.
• The indescribable blessing of serving others in a soup kitchen
• All our pains and ailments, trials and difficulties are temporary
• The memories of shopping at the five-and-dime stores as a kid, and wishing our kids and grandkids could have the same experience
• Putting our lives, wellbeing, health at risk by swinging with the kids and grandkids at the park.
• A widower bringing a simple bouquet of flowers to his widowed lady-friend when they meet for coffee on their “first date.”
• Rewarding yourself for a finished accomplishment, other than weight loss, at Baskin-Robbins.

Lord, open our eyes to see the blessings all around us, every day, everywhere. Your glory is seen in all your creation. We can’t understand why you would want a personal relationship with us, your flawed creation, but thank you for loving us, Lord.

Praising you in all circumstances, Jesus. Amen.