It’s Monday, November 27, 2023. Only 28 days until Christmas! Make this month count for eternity. Let’s begin with thanksgiving… not just the day, but the action, the expression...the doing! Regardless of what is happening, remember that Jesus is still on the throne. So, let’s be utterly grateful and verbalize that often — to Jesus and others. Let our expressions of gratefulness be the main gifts we give this holiday season. How many of these can you give? Read on…
Today's Reading:
Psalms 125; Matthew 26,27
Scripture
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-27)
Observation
Jesus knew that He was about to undergo suffering. He understood that the Last Supper was an indication of what He was about to face, foreshadowing His sacrifice on Calvary. His body would be beaten, and His blood would be spilled. Yet, before the breaking of the bread and the passing of the cup, He intentionally gave thanks to reaffirm His trust in the Father’s plan.
Application
Everything we have is a gift. 1 Cor. 4:17 reminds us of that: "What do you have that you did not receive?" Just yesterday, a man shared how a near-fatal crash that could have taken his life was averted by a slim margin. It was a gift from God. Remember: The rain falls on the just and the unjust. In other words, we are not immune from other people’s errors, but God will give us the edge. So, as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us - "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" This holiday season, I realize how absolutely grateful I am for all of God’s goodness to me and the favor that so many others have given. This will be a season of sharing … but not just in goods and gifts, but in expression and meaning!
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your goodness toward me. Even before I was born, You were working behind the scenes. You planned out my life. You arranged my course. You granted Your Spirit to guide me. I am amazed at Your love. Words cannot express how thankful I am. Therefore, may my life, actions, and heart bear the mark of my gratefulness daily. Forgive me when I slip, and remind me when I forget. Let this season be a season for sharing.
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