Before an individual or a nation goes astray, they lose their thankful heart. Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21).
The early settlers here in America were thankful for the provision God had provided after their arrival and the harsh winter that ensued. They held a feast together and gave thanks for the blessings of God.
In 1789 George Washington proclaimed a day of thanks for God’s blessing and favor on our nation. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln also signed a Thanksgiving proclamation. Then in 1941 the US Congress passed a law declaring the fourth Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving.
I hope you take some time over the next few days to give thanks to God for His provision of life and resources. It is He that has made us, and not we ourselves. Don’t take for granted the blessings of friends and family, of food and shelter, and of the freedom and liberty that you enjoy.
Remember during the holidays those who have had life changes; a divorce or a death in the family. Holidays bring stress to many because of life changes. Ask God to help them and minister to them.
Mose reminded Israel that there was a great danger that would come to them after God had blessed them. It was the danger of lack of thankfulness. We should all take time to access where we are and thank God for His life and blessings each year. Without thankfulness, we can easily lose God’s blessing! Listen to Moses’ challenge:
Deuteronomy 8:10-18 (NLT) – When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. (11) “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. (12) For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, (13) and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! (14) Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. (15) Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! (16) He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. (17) He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ (18) Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
May our gracious God continue to reveal Himself to you, and to provide for your every need!