1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always!
Pray constantly.
Give thanks in everything,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I was reviewing this verse the other day and I think it’s so popular that I overlook it. These are commands and the first one sets the tone. This is God’s will which is good, that causes us joy, whatever its form in whatever circumstances we’re in, if we remember to pray and thank God in the midst of everything.

I pray that we can do these things continually this week, especially when those who enjoy spring and live in a climate that has it see its signs.

Taken yesterday. This is about the reddest red that God made and the spikes are purple. Be sure to click for a larger one.

I’m thankful for the love of God towards a sinful world and towards me. I always knew he was there, but I didn’t truly seek him. But God sought me, even though I clearly don’t deserve it, and spoke to me when I read through the book of John which someone challenged me to do. He presented the gospel to me in the Bible and opened my eyes so that I could suddenly understand what the liturgy of the Lutheran church meant, giving me confidence that it was him who did this. I would have accepted the gospel at any time in my life but God chose the time so that I can’t say I’m saved because of my decision. I was too arrogant for him to let that happen.

I’m thankful that God did the same for my wife and brought us together and has increased our love in spite of difficulties and that we can spend a Thanksgiving truly loving each other.

I pray that everyone in the U.S. has a nice Thanksgiving whether you have family or are alone, happy or suffering.

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Philip P. Bliss

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I haven’t taken the time to put together a Thanksgiving post so I’ll provide a link to an article at Pulpit Magazine:
Contentment and Thanksgiving

I’ve been reading a Psalm a day since the beginning of the month (easy to keep track of which Psalm I’m on–at least for a month) and highly recommend it. Since I’ve been concentrating so much on the New Testament it’s nice to get a dose of the OT everyday.

But if you want to read a Psalm now and then and would like something in a certain category, they are divided up here according to the book How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth.

Try a few thanksgiving Psalms for Thanksgiving.

Book 1: Ps. 1-41; Book 2: Ps. 42-72; Book 3: Ps. 73-89; Book 4: Ps. 90-106; Book 5: Ps. 107-150

Laments

• Individual-3; 22; 31; 39; 42; 57; 71; 88; 120; 139; 142
• Corporate-12;44;80;94;137

Thanksgiving

• Community-65; 67; 75; 107; 124; 136
• Individual-18; 30; 32; 34; 40; 66; 92; 116; 118; 138

Praise
God as:

• Creator-8; 19; 104; 148
• Protector and benefactor of Israel-66; 100; 111; 114; 149
• Lord of history-33; 103; 113; 117; 145-147

Celebration and Affirmation

• 2; 18; 20; 21; 24; 29; 45; 46; 47; 48; 50; 72; 76; 81; 84; 87; 89; 93; 95-99; 101; 110; 122; 132; 144

Wisdom

• 36; 37; 49; 73; 112; 127; 128; 133

Trust

• 11; 16; 23; 27; 62; 63; 91; 121; 125; 131