October 13 Devotion - I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving

 

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 رَافِعِينَ الشُّكْرَ كُلَّ حِينٍ وَعَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ لِلهِ وَالآبِ، بِاسْمِ رَبِّنَا يَسُوعَ الْمَسِيحِ؛

Ephesians 5:20

 

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving day. Best wishes to all my Canadian friends and family and to the whole nation. Since we should be thanking God at all times this is dedicated to everyone. 

Your circumstances today may be bright. If so, give God the praise that He deserves. However, if your situation is bleak, still give God thanks. Giving thanks in everything (that does not leave us with any exceptions) is possible when we understand that every situation, good or bad, is used by our loving Father to further our dependence on Him and make us more like Him. God is determined to conform us to the image of Christ through the inevitable afflictions that accompany life. Having, cultivating and maintaining a grateful heart that continues to pulsate with thanksgiving, even in trials, presents a challenge. Thanking God in the trials may be difficult, but when we do, His purposes and presence will illuminate our path and carry us through.

 

I invite you to repeat the following prayer for yourself:

Abba Father, thank You for Your abundant blessings and love. Lord, I praise You and glorify You. Lord help me to always see Your hand in my life and to be grateful for Your wisdom. Lord give me a grateful heart that continues to pulsate with thanksgiving, even in trials. Lord I ask that through my gratitude in the midst of trials that Your purpose and presence will illuminate my path and carry me through. Thank You God that You are determined to conform me to the image of Christ through any afflictions in my life. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence. Psalm 140:13  I give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: Psalm 136:3 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments. Psalm 119:62. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. To Jesus be the power, the glory, the blessings, and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

In Him,

Wagdi Henein