WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD    November 8, 2023

“ALWAYS A DAY OF THANKSGIVING”

O GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD,

FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.”

I CHRONICLES 16:34 NRSVUE

Very often we think of Thanksgiving as one day–a time to gather with family and friends around the table, to lay out a feast of culinary specialities (don’t forget the variety of pies), and to give thanks for our many blessings. But, let us be reminded of this important lesson: Every day is a Day of Thanksgiving!

For God is creator of our life. God is the giver of blessings. God shows us what we need in all seasons. And we give thanks always. So, how have you been restored in deeper friendships, in spiritual guidance, or in general wellness? Know that Jesus cares about your wholeness in your spiritual life, your health, and your sense of wellbeing. How is your attitude of gratefulness?

Although our blessings come in large and small measures, we are blessed. If we live a comfortable life and have a fulfilling intellectual and social life, live in peace with out neighbors and are free of crime, we are blessed. When we can move about without harassment or without fear of another mass shooting, we pray with the grievers, pray for the victims, and continue to offer comfort for the many.

God works in our lives, enriches us in ways beyond our imagination. We are forever grateful for the Holy Spirit empowering us, transforming us in the Way of Hope. In Christ, we know hope. We set our grateful hearts for what God has done for us — giving us Jesus Christ. Jesus has wisdom for our todays and for our tomorrows. He can replenish us in love, peace, patience, satisfaction, joy, and so many aspects in our life that invokes wholeness, that increases our relationship with God and with each other.

Although our life experiences are ever changing as one life event slips into another and those into yet another, each one carries with it a range of possibilities and dangers. Yet, the capacity to choose right and wrong or something tthat exists between the two is ever possible. Because our missteps are as present as the correct ones, we must rely on God whose blessings come in his active loving presence. God removes the impediments so that we may have full relationship with Him.

This is what contributes to an abundant life with God. When we are blessed with his divine fullness it is his blessing that far greater than our ability to create our own happiness regardless of our prosperity or self-fulfillment. This is the result of believers living lives of faithful obedience to God, that they serve one another’s interests more highly than their own, and thus reach a state of harmony. In everything, in all situations, and to be in constant communication with Him is to pray in all things, in all circumstances. If we pray to God and give Him thanks regardless of what life throws at us, there is cause to Rejoice always. May God’s blessings flow for you throughtout the seasons. Amen!

Rev. Carole

You are invited to a Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at 9:00-11:30 am at Trinity Baptist Church. trinitybcsm.org