The Thanksgiving Express
“I will sacrifice a thank offering to You and call on the name of the Lord.”- Psalm 116:17
One of my favorite trips was when we were able to combine an urban mission’s trip in Boston with a family visit to New York. I was excited to take Joanie to New York, as she had never been, and it was my first time back in fifteen years. One of the highlights of the trip was taking a train from Boston to New York. Not only was the landscape filled with amazing scenery, but I enjoyed the different towns the train rolled into along the way.
Just as our train made multiple stops along the journey, we are to be a people who continually give thanks to God. It is good to think about the ways the Lord has been faithful, merciful, and good to us. Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. That day has the amazing formula of family/friends, food, and football, but it does not end there. This celebration that takes place on the Fourth Thursday of November is a reminder to REGULARLY allow the faith in our heart to overflow with praise, gratitude, and meaningful reflection. Psalm 105:3 tells us to, “Glory in His holy name, let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”
As we move through the month of November, I want to encourage you to make many stops on THE THANKSGIVING EXPRESS. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Check out this two-week travel schedule to help you move nonstop on the faith lane:
WEEK ONE (November 14-20)- Each day think of ONE PERSON you are thankful for. Offer thanks to God for that person and pray a blessing over their lives. In Philippians 1:3, Paul shares this type of thanksgiving in the opening his letter, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
WEEK TWO (November 21-27)- Each day think of ONE THING you are thankful for. Take time to thank the Lord for His provision, open doors, and favor in that area of your life. Psalm 107:31 declares, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.”
It’s time for God’s people to get “All Aboard” the Thanksgiving Express!