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Hebrews 13:15 - Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

What are you thankful for? Every year around this time, we gather to reflect on God’s blessings over the past year. For some families, Thanksgiving can easily become more about the food, football, and family time than about genuine gratitude. Don’t get me wrong, I love the food and the football, but this year, let’s make Thanksgiving about giving thanks, about sharing with others, and about praise.

As Americans, we truly have so much to be grateful for. I often have to remind myself and my family of this. It’s easy to get caught up in the desire for more: a bigger house, a nicer car, the latest gadgets. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to pause and reset our hearts, to focus on giving God genuine thanks for who he is and all he does.

Give thanks to God for…

His Character - The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8–9

What about God’s character moves your heart to praise him? Take a moment to thank Him for his love, grace, mercy, patience, kindness, faithfulness, power, presence, and compassion.

Spiritual Blessings - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

How has God blessed you spiritually? Thank Him for the forgiveness of sins, adoption into His family, the promise of heaven, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and His constant presence in every situation.

The Church – Your Family in Christ - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Think about your church family. How have other believers encouraged you? Thank God for pastors, leaders, teachers, and the friends in your congregation who have guided, supported, and helped you grow in faith.

Family & Friends - All the families on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:3

Who are you especially grateful for this year? Consider one thing about each family member or friend that makes your heart thankful. Thank God for siblings, extended family, close friends and those who consistently encourage, support, and love you.

Health & Healing - Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:3

What about your health, or the health of loved ones, brings you gratitude? Thank God for strength, healing, medicine, doctors, and nurses. Thank him for carrying you through sickness, for protecting you, and for the redemption Christ has brought that frees us from the curse of illness and disease. (Galatians 3:13)

Work & Ministry - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

What do you enjoy about your job? What talents and spiritual gifts has God given you? Thank Him for the opportunities to serve, encourage others, and ask Him to use your skills to make a difference. Thank him for the freedom, purpose, and joy he gives through your work and ministry.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are worthy of all praise. Thank you for everything you have done in my life and for all that you are going to do in the future. I love You, and I give thanks to Your Name! Amen