Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV Study Bible) – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV Study Bible) – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus our Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built upon him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Message: During this Lenten season, as I reflect, I also look ahead.  Many things in our world seem tumultuous and uncertain.  We are appreciative of being able to trust that our Lord is constantly and certainly present with us.  While we look to tomorrow, sometimes with trepidation and a sense of deep concern, we need to keep in our hearts and be thankful in the knowledge that He has been, is, and always will be with us.  Let us praise Him and be grateful for Him, for family and friends, and for all the blessings we are given.  May we be mindful daily of the ultimate gift of His Son.

“Father we thank thee for this food,
For health and strength and all things good.
May others all these blessings share,
And hearts be grateful everywhere.

We thank Thee, Father, for Thy care,
And for Thy bounty everywhere;
For this and every other gift,
Our grateful hearts to Thee we lift.

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
We offer thanks.”¹

God gave you 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used ONE to say “Thank you”?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for life.  Thank You for Your guidance as we keep our hearts, minds and doors open widely.  Please help us remain grateful for the many blessings You have bestowed and continue to provide.  May we be supportive of those in need of spiritual guidance and give others many reasons to be thankful.  May we teach others by example to know and be grateful to You.  Remind us to sincerely say “Thank you,” especially to You, but also to at least one person each day as we move through this world showing the love of Jesus Christ and passing it on!  Amen.

Sue Kabbourim

1.     “We Offer Thanks” by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882).  Date unknown.  Public Domain.  Republished in “We Thank Thee” by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1955 by Whitman Publishing, Racine, Wisconsin, USA.