Thanksgiving.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalms 100:4

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalms 118:1

"They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. " Mark 8:7

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:21

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. " Ephesians 5:20

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I wish this Thanksgiving I could remember that while this is a special holiday--a time to be with friends and family and to be thankful for the things you have-- as Christians we should remember to give thanksgiving to God every day.

I love the holidays. It just feels different. It feels special. It's a time set aside for us to forget all the violence, anger, and hurt in the world. It's a time set aside to just remember the good things.

Unfortunately, we often get so wrapped up in the food, guests, and family we miss the point--to thank God for what we have.

Thanksgiving Day started over two centuries ago as a way to thank God, and too often we barely do that even during the holidays.

It's my challenge to you and myself that this holiday season we remember all the instances in the bible that tell us to thank God.

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"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. " Colossians 3:17

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise." Psalms 106:47

"He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God." Romans 14:6

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. " Ephesians 1:16

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I hope this season, no matter what, I can be joyful and thankful.
I hope I remember the never-ending love and blessings God has given me.
I hope I am reminded of his forgiveness and promises.
I hope I never forget that he is with me at every step and in every moment.
I hope I always strive to know him, to grow in him, and to be like Him.
I hope I try to give thanks in all circumstances.
I hope you do, too.