bursts of thanks

The following was originally shared in November of 2013:

It is the Tuesday before thanksgiving, and we have much to be thankful for.  Whether we have a little or a lot, there is much to thank God for.

Psalm 100:4  NLT

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

The way we respond to God tells others about our God.  It also tells people what we believe about God.  Too many people have a perpetual frown on their face and are always sour.  What does that say about God?

When God fills our hearts, when we acknowledge His goodness, praise comes across our lips and a positive attitude fills our lives.  Thanksgiving and being thankful is a way of life.  Have you seen that before?  I want to be around people that are positive, people that build me up, people that are making a difference in this world.

The biggest difference we will make is NOT in feeding someone or giving them clothes or in giving them a place to stay that is warm.  The biggest difference we will make is when we give someone is giving them Jesus.

It may take meeting their need to give them Jesus.  It may take stopping to listen and to care so they hear and see Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:15  NLT

All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

His grace is moving forward, on and on to more people.  Have you seen it?  God receives more and more glory when this happens.  How can we give God glory in our thanksgiving celebration or in our holidays?  Think about it.  There may be someone at your home that needs Jesus.  Or it may be a neighbor, a co worker, or some guy at the store that needs to come to know God.  Include God in what you do.

Psalm 28:7  NLT

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

A real view of God and His greatness with leave us bursting at the seams with thanksgiving.  May God give us such a great Thanksgiving celebration that all we can do is overflow with how good God is and how thankful we are!