TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100:4-5
Read: Psalms 100
Listen: Psalms 100
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Today’s American holiday of Thanksgiving traces back to 1827 and editor and writer Sarah Josepha Hale. It was then that Hale, best known for her nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” began a 36-year effort to establish Thanksgiving as a US national holiday. Following innumerable editorials and letters to politicians, Hale’s work was finally rewarded in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. At the height of the war that tore this country apart, Present Lincoln issued a proclamation calling all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.”
As we gather today with family and friends at our feasts, we again pause to celebrate and remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. It’s a celebration that seems especially important as we experience trouble with our finances, difficulties in our relationships and political strife. This day is a great opportunity to remember the enduring faithfulness of God. One way to do this is to read aloud Psalm 100 as part of your meal and then have each guest say one thing for which they are thankful to God.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Bookend your day by reflecting on God’s goodness and faithfulness. This morning, slowly read and meditate on Psalm 100. Then thank God for as many good “gifts” as you can list. At the conclusion of your day, do it again. This time, make sure to add a “gift” or two that became evident in the course of the day.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
