There are many reasons for expressing gratitude for the small and large things which occur in life that individuals usually take for granted these days. Some reasons are related to normal, daily experiences and others related to the real possibility of spending eternity with God.
For example, many people express their thankfulness for their eternal salvation received through the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, there is no way to personal salvation outside His substitutionary sacrifice for all sinners. The Book of Acts states this very clearly in 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
We express thanksgiving to God for the U.S. Constitution. It determines the right for our religious liberties so that we can still proclaim, enjoy and gather together to praise His name. And the appreciation of other rights stated in that foundational document, including the essential right to bear arms for personal protection as well as enjoying the shooting sports, and hunting. Gratitude and praising God go hand in hand for believers who truly appreciate His sovereign blessings in their daily lives.
We honor those who have given their lives serving in the armed forces and those working in the law enforcement community at the federal, state and local levels. Of course, we also appreciate the vital service of our local firemen and emergency personnel to their local communities. We are thankful for Chaplains who minister to others in many difficult situations and even correctional officers who supervise criminals serving their time in jail or prison. Thank the Lord for the orphanages and the many churches assisting the poor and the homeless. We are grateful to the Lord of heaven who has blessed this country with great hospitals and medical doctors with specialties for saving the lives of many people and advancing medical science to help people experience happier and more productive lives. The Lord deserves the ultimate expression of gratefulness for His many provisions and benefits that He demonstrates to all humanity through these many dedicated individuals and agencies.
We thank the heavenly Father for our state of Texas, and the other states that are blessed by Him in the great USA. We thank God for the bicycle trails in Texas and we are grateful for the technology of new road bicycles. We can’t overlook the fact that the Lord God has blessed many of us with great friends and family members.
Many people are grateful for the opportunity to have access to the many sports channels within our global network for their personal enjoyment, e.g., soccer, football, baseball, tennis, hunting, fishing, cycling, shooting sports and so many others. Thank the God of heaven for all types of writers and their many contributions to society while still enjoying books in their original printed form. Also, for the great composers of classical music, and the many other genres of popular music such as salsa, rock, jazz and gospel for enhancing the quality of our lives.
The Maker, Ruler and Preserver of creation who made all things has blessed humanity with an intrinsically designed and beautiful universe. The universe exhibits order, and an intelligible structure exhibiting the wisdom and power of its Creator. Because of this, all people should honor the Lord with the highest love, gratitude, devotion and reverence. We thank God that one of these days that when this life ends, we will see our friends and family in heaven with Him as believers in Jesus Christ.
So many things for which we can be thankful and grateful. The Bible states, “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). What are you grateful for this year?
Happy Thanksgiving!
George L. Arroyo