Thanking God at Thanksgiving

This is an exciting week at Celebrate! We have all been challenged to make a commitment to give a special gift before 2008 comes to a close. This special year-end offering is going to put us in a position to pay cash for the 20+ acres of land and begin the journey of building our first phase building in 2009! Also, this offering will allow us to equip our newest ministry addition we call "The Hub" located in the Water Tower Plaza. Allow me to begin this blog by giving thanks to God for the incredible opportunity to be a part of His vision for people!

This season we’re so busy preparing, cooking, eating, entertaining, talking with friends, watching football, reading sales catalogs, and numerous other activities. Honestly, being really, truly thankful can get lost. Sometimes the only thanks we express are in that short prayer before we dig into that delectable Thanksgiving meal. So here is a thought to consider on making this a memorable time in giving thanks. Try putting this into practice during this Thanksgiving week (and throughout the other 51 weeks of the year):

The Bible shows us several ways we give thanks to show thanksgiving...

1) By worshiping God in song… "Sing out your thanks to Him; sing praises to our God..." Ps. 147:7 (Psalm 100)

Sing even if you think you sound awful.

2) By praying to God… "Give thanks to the Lord and pray to Him." Ps. 105:1 (Philippians 4:6-7)

Pray even if think you are bothering God. Trust me, you're not. He loves to hear from you!

3) By giving to God… "Give an offering to show thanks to God. Give Him what you promised." Ps. 50:14 ( 2 Corinthians 9-11 ; 1 Chronicles 29:13-16)

Give even if think it is will not make a difference. It makes a difference to God!

4) By sharing your story about God… "Thank the Lord! Praise His name! Tell the world about His wondrous love and how mighty He is!" Isaiah 12:4 ( Deut. 4:9)

Share even if think no one is interested. Deep down, every single person on earth has a longing for what Jesus Christ can offer!

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

If you want to read more during this time on giving and how to give thanks, there are additional scriptures listed next to each scripture above. Take a moment to read, study & meditate... and let’s make this a memorable Thanksgiving time.

One last thing to remember...

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!