<< Back to Index of Devotions
November 20th - 26th
November, the anticipation of gatherings with family and friends; the aromatic smell of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy; and for some females, the excitement of pro-football games! Late Fall or early Winter, it is a glorious season when God paints our scenery with His magnificent touch and sends the crisp clean air to kiss our faces and brighten our cheeks. We trade our time at the office or place of work for time in the kitchen while already planning ahead how we’re going to lose those extra pounds we know we’ll gain.
Do you ever wonder how our ancestors spent their Thanksgiving Days? Can you see the rough, wooden cottages that the people from the Settlement helped build? Can you smell the wood burning in the open hearth and see the pan hanging over the fire? Can you feel the snowflakes icy bite and hear the children’s laughter as they romp in the snow? Though there are many legends and stories about the first “thanksgiving day,” its origin can be traced back to 1789 when George Washington declared Thursday, November 26th a day when “we may all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks.”
“…a time to unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks”… a time long, long ago when the majority of the settlers were united in prayer, worship and thanksgiving unto the Lord. Imagine sitting with them at the table; the meager meal is prepared, the fireplace renders warmth but the cold blowing through the cracks in the wood causes you to wear a sweater or coat, one that was hand-made. Although their work day began before dawn and the manual labor was difficult, at best, our ancestors were thankful for what the Lord gave them. The families probably had their own individual traditions…which should cause us to stop and ponder. How do we, as a family, thank and honor the Lord – not just on Thanksgiving Day – but especially on Thanksgiving day?
Are we Martha, so busy with other things, that our focus is wrong; or are we Mary, taking time to sit at Jesus’ feet – as a family, in reverence and gratefulness for His provision, protection and unending love?
What special traditions do you and your family have? If you do not have any, now is a good time to begin! Do you share with each other the special ways God has blessed you throughout the year? What do you feel is the most important thing that the Lord has done for you? How do you show your thankfulness to the One who provided those blessings?
This Holiday provides an excellent opportunity to witness to co-workers and employers by sharing the special ways your Heavenly Father has made Himself known in your livs. If you are an employer, that is even better. You can have a Thanksgiving luncheon at your office in honor of our Savior. Begin a tradition at your office - let your light shine!
Psalm 107: 1-9 tells us: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this – those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from the east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfied the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Women’s Devotional Bible)
Let the Lord fill your thirsty soul. Reach out to Him in prayer and thanksgiving today.
<< Back to Index of Devotions
