The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, November 23, 2023, was written by Jennifer L. Luckett of Texas.
Scripture
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:1-5 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. The weather here in Southern Texas is usually cool, and the respite from work and the daily routine is always appreciated. Many years ago, I decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my family. I bought ingredients, prepped and cleaned silverware and cookware, and spent nearly an entire day making food. I managed to prepare the side dishes with careful attention to temperatures and instructions from family recipes. In the early hours of Thanksgiving Day, I dozed on the sofa while the turkey roasted. As a result, I overcooked the turkey, rendering it cripier and drier than I had intended. Yet my family was gracious and feasted upon the meal anyway.
I am grateful for the gift of my family members accepting my culinary blunders and personality quirks. The word thanksgiving is defined as "a public acknowledgment or celebration of devine goodness." So recipes and meals aside, I plan to spend this Thanksgiving holiday simply acnowledging God's goodness, offering thanks for all God's blessings, including family, good health, and the gift of time spent together. As a Christian family, we should celebrate the bounty of mercy and forgiveness available to us all through Christ.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy you time with family and extended family
Author's Prayer
Thank you, Father, for your gifts of mercy and salvation. Help us to follow your example to forgive and love one another daily. Amen.
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