COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE

In case we have been busy or in a coma, we all know that Thursday is Thanksgiving! The big questions is, are we truly thankful? Personally, I am a wobbly wheel on the road of life, at one point careening toward praise to God for all his blessings, and there are many, then veering off the road into an abbess of complaints and pleading for more, more, more. Habits of the heart are what are needed. My ancestors came to this country before the forests were tamed, before roads were laid, and before lamps glowed softly from welcoming windows and fires burned warmly from cabin chimneys. Still, they praised God for all the wonderful things he had done for them. They expected and gave thanks for his love, strength, grace, forgiveness, deliverance, and constant abiding. Christ died for us that we might have life with him, both here and for eternity. And, for many of us, that just isn’t enough! If it isn’t, then we will never have enough, because the definition of enough will always change for the ungrateful heart. Come ye thankful people, come, raise your song of Thanksgiving and praise. We are indeed a blessed people! Let us pray:

“Father God, Creator of all good things, we praise your holy name. We lift our hearts in gratitude for all the wonderful blessings you have given us. We know that heaven will come to earth for each of us when we let you into our heart, learn your ways, and are thankful for all the things you give us. There are no more blessings we could ever want, than a life lived with you. And, it doesn’t cost a thing. Jesus Christ, your son has already paid the price for our belonging to your family. Forgive us when we have been selfish and self-centered, ungrateful and un-giving. All around us are seekers, those who hunger for you, while we sit at a banquet table prepared for your children. We have the gift of food and life for everyone who comes near us on the pathway home. That precious gift is the story of our personal salvation, our witness to what you have done in our lives. Where witnesses take the stand for you, lives are transformed by your grace. Praise your holy name, Father God, for you are our all-in-all, our blessing, our life, our wealth. A life with you is indeed . . . enough. We have been totally filled, piled high and running over with your love, your grace and glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”