“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise, be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Psalms 100:4

Let us enter into His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts. Let us bless His name and thank Him for everything. We are living in a time where it seems that everything has been turned upside down. For some this is a wakeup call to look up to the Lord where our help comes from, for others this is a time to stay the course grounded within His love. As we near the end of this year, we should take stock of our own actions of where we are heading into the next New Year. Are we ready to handle any new unforeseen event? Do you have your first aid kit ready. Re-organize now your priorities. As you prepare for the Holidays, make sure you have your house in order. Has God opened your ear to hear his voice of discipline? I pray that the answer is “yes”. God deals with each of us according to our works. God may be dealing with you regarding your own works.

He opened also their ear to discipline and commanded that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

Job 36:10-11

Are you serving Him? Are you reading His word on a daily basis? We know that the scriptures were given by God to help reproof, correct, and instruct us into righteousness. Every time I seek out His word, I see new revelations that open my mind to new things that I did not know before. I share most of what I learn in this weekly devotion. I do not always know what topic or scripture I will be sharing for the week. I pray and search my bible for a word that is important for all of us to hear. I include myself as needing to hear His word as much as you needing to hear His word. No matter what circumstances we are in, we can know that all things will work together for good to those that love God, [see Romans 8:28]. Can we be content? Can we be thankful for what we have at this very moment? I pray that the answer is “yes,” but if it is not, pray for God to change your heart. The apostle Paul had to learn that whatever state he was in, to be content.

Not that I speak in respect of want for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Philippians 4:11

To be content is to think about the good things. This is the “whatsoever things” in our life as stated in Philippians chapter 4 verse 8.

 Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

We are to think on these things. The things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and things that are of a good report. Do you have a good report to share with someone? Is the Spirit drawing you to enter His gates with Thanksgiving? This Thanksgiving Day, many Americans will find the “Turkey Dinner” more affordable than last year. Last year turkey prices were at a 73% increase. We lost stock due to the Avian flu.  The average price of an eight to 16-pound turkey was $1.27 per pound in August 2023. This is good news for those who want the traditional turkey dinner. Last year we had Chicken, and it was really good. We enjoyed each other company and still had a good feast. We were thankful for what we could afford. We were thankful for the harvest of the year. We may forget that the Indians and the early Plymouth colonies were thankful to God for a wonderful harvest. In 1863 Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by President Lincoln. Harvest time was always a time to be thankful for what food the fields brought in.

With thanksgiving in our hearts, we give thanks for what we have at our table. The word Thanksgiving in Hebrew is “Chag ha•ho•da•ya,” which takes on the meaning of glory, splendor, and majesty to God. This Thanksgiving know that the Lord is good, and His mercy is everlasting no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in. God will always supply your need wherever you are. We may see that things are a little crazy out in our world today, but we can be thankful for what we do have at our table this year. We have each other to thank also, for making this year more bearable. As we praise God and serve Him, we can serve each other this Thanksgiving with joy in our heart, for “this is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it,” Psalms 118:24. Oh! Let us rejoice and be glad in it. We can be content with what we have, for this is what the apostle Paul told Tomothy.

And having food and clothing, let us be therewith content.”

1 Timothy 6:8

Having food and clothing, we can be content. Lift your head and rejoice this Thanksgiving for what God has done for you. He has given you this day to rejoice and every day to rejoice and be thankful. You are alive in the Lord and He has not forgotten you. You have a purpose in this life and God will reveal what that purpose is.  He will direct your paths as you acknowledge him [see Proverbs 3:6].

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.“

Colossians 2:6-7

We can abound in thanksgiving, for we have received Christ Jesus and walk in His love, rooted and built up to establish our faith. This is our blessing and prayer. This is what the apostle Paul told the Colossians to do, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving,” [see Colossians 4:2]. Pray and watch with thanksgiving in your heart.

Thank you for each day you have given us Lord and bless those who need their hearts lifted up in joy and love. Give them strength to make it through each day and guide them into the path of your love. Let us rejoice and be glad for all that you have given us. Let us share that joy with others so that they can be thankful too. Let us enter His gates everyday with thanksgiving . . . in Jesus Name, Amen.

This is my last post for this year; however, I will be back after the New Year. This is a time to reflect, pray, and be with those you love.  Use your time wisely and engage with those around you with love and kindness.  Be a blessing and you will be blessed.  May we all stay healthy and blessed in Jesus Name.  Take time to read the bible and any post you may have missed this year.  God bless you all in the name of Jesus.