(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Scott Riling, Pastor of Missions and Ministry, Champion Forest Baptist Church)
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
Families and friends come together on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy one of the most incredible meals all year. Even many families who would not consider themselves particularly religious will most likely begin with some sort of an acknowledgment of the Divine One before going after the turkey or ham. When that time comes, I am sure the Lord will hear some very interesting prayers. Many will probably contain the all-inclusive statement, “Thank You for our many blessings!”
However, the Lord will hear other prayers that will be a little more specific and will include actually naming some of those blessings. Can you name some specific things that you know God has brought into your life?
In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells about an occasion that taught her to always be thankful. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been taken to the worst concentration camp in Germany in WWII—Ravensbruck. The barracks were cold, overcrowded and flea-infested. Early one morning, they read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which reminds Christians to always rejoice, pray, and be thankful. Betsy told Corrie to stop for a moment and give thanks to the Lord for all of their circumstances. At first Corrie refused, but then Betsy insisted.
As the months passed in the camp, they were a little surprised at how they could openly hold Bible studies in the barracks without guard interference. They finally learned why—the guards did not want to enter the barracks because of the fleas!
Let’s be truly thankful to God for how richly He has blessed us—even for the little things!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell