Thank You, God, For...

Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching, so I thought I'd think about everything for which I am thankful!

God, I thank you for...

1. Shelter. 

I thank you that I'm not homeless and that I have a place to live. Many years ago, I got a very brief taste of what it's like to be homeless. It was very scary. I felt so vulnerable and ashamed. May the remembrance of the blessings I have received stir in me even greater compassion for those who are homeless. Lord, give me opportunities through which I can help them.

2. Food and clean water to drink.

Lord, I thank you for food and clean drinking water. I know less fortunate people drink from the same waters in which animals bathe. I pray, Lord, I can help and give to those who do not have these.

3. Hot water.

This might seem silly, but I am so grateful for hot water in which to shower. We take luxuries like this for granted. 

4. Heat and air conditioning.

I thank you, Lord, that when it's freezing cold in the winter, I need only turn a dial in my living room to make it warmer; when it's hot, I need only turn a dial to make it cooler. Thank you, Lord, for comforts like these.

5. Clothing.

I thank you, Lord, that I have clothing. I can't afford thousand-dollar designer fashions--I wouldn't waste money on things like that anyways!--but when I'm cold, I can slip on warm pajamas, and I have nice clothes for work and play. Many people do not have these.

6. Income.

I thank you, Lord, that I have an income to meet the needs of myself, my family, and others. May I use the money You've entrusted to me wisely and for your glory.

7. My parents.

My parents weren't perfect--no one's are--but they weren't abusive. They loved me (and continue to love me) and took care of me. But, more important, they taught me about You, God, and they taught me about the Bible. Lord, I thank you for the parents you gave me and that they raised me to know You and love You.

8. You.

More than anything, God, I thank You for You! Father--Daddy God--I thank you for loving me, for wanting me, for choosing me before I was even born, and for adopting me into Your royal family. 

I thank You for giving the most precious gift You could ever give: Your beautiful Son, Jesus. Thank You, Father, for giving Him to me as, not only as a Savior and a Redeemer, but also as a Companion and Bridegroom for all eternity.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for You! Lord Jesus--Wow!--where do I begin? I don't know why You love me...I don't know why You wanted me. I don't know why You felt I was worth dying for. But You did. You loved me, You wanted me, You died for me...

Every lash, tearing flesh from Your body...

Royal blood spilt for a slave, like
Exchanging a flawless diamond for a lump of dirty clay...

Every thorn prick and scrape...

Nails pounded into Your hands and feet...

A soldier's spear piercing a King's side...

For all this, God's Beloved Son, King of Heaven, Precious Lord Jesus, I thank You. I love You!

Holy Spirit, I thank You for You. I thank You for leading me, guiding me, giving me strength and wisdom, and power to glorify my Master, Jesus.

God, I thank You for all these things. And thank You for allowing me to live with You for all eternity.

I can't wait!

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. - Psalm 95:2

8 Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

11 Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. - 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... - Ephesians 5:19-20