Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 119:95 - "The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes."

Happy Thanksgiving! I love this day. It's a day that our family will celebrate with 18 people in our home. I can't wait. We'll be putting the turkey in the oven in about 30 minutes. Like millions of people around the United States, our family will be surrounded by additional family members and some close friends.

And, I think that this is one of those days that Satan hates. He hates when people come together in love. He hates when God is thanked for what He has provided and what He has done over the course of the past year. He hates fellowship.

When you read a verse like today's verse, and you read about the wicked waiting to destroy David, it may feel like you can't relate. But, remember, the most wicked one, the deceiver, the father of lies, the accuser of the brethren, is wanting to destroy you. And, he wants to destroy this holiday. And, he wants your life to be a failure. God has different plans.

As you go through your holiday, make God a part of it. Sometime during your day, spend time publically praising God for the ways in which he has blessed you. Consider sharing your holiday with someone that may not have anyone to share it with. If you're reading this too late, invite someone over for a post holiday meal. Spend time with God today. Don't let the busyness of the day rob you of your time with Him. And, like David, ponder the Word of God.

I don't know what it is, but Thanksgiving always gets me thinking about Christmas too. Maybe it's those day after Thanksgiving Christmas sales. At the end of the Luke 2 account of Jesus' birth we find Mary, the mother of Jesus, pondering all that God has done in her life. "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Take time today to celebrate him, just like Mary did.

Dear God,

Thank You for this past year. You have blessed us with more than we deserve. You are the Provider. You are the One who deserves all glory, honor and praise. Thank You for family and friends. Help us to have eyes of compassion for those without someone to celebrate with this holiday season. Comfort those who are spending their first Thanksgiving without a special loved one. Help the next generation, our children, to see You in us. Help us to put you above all else in our Thanksgiving celebration.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.