How was your Thanksgiving to my American friends? Here in Central Europe, Thanksgiving as a holiday is not a thing. Thanksgiving is just another day. No turkey, no mac and cheese, no collard greens, candied yams, sweet potato pie…man, I am getting hungry! Wow, I miss those Thanksgiving feasts with my family and friends.

However, as believers in Messiah, thanksgiving is more than food and fellowship. Thanksgiving is a heart-felt deep gratitude for our Savior who died that we might have life abundantly in Him. Abundance in grace, mercy, forgiveness of our sins, protection, eternity and anything else ABBA chooses to grace or bestow on His children.

So, what are you thankful for today? I’m sure the list is extensive, but have you thanked the Father for what you have? Are you content with what you have or are you grappling for more?

In these fleeting moments of life, let me encourage you to be grateful and thankful for everything in your life…the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Take nothing for granted, but in all things praise the L-RD for He is the author and finisher of our faith. He loves us, grows us and sustains us as we continue to trust and love Him.

Know that we are holy people traveling this life to eternity. On our journey, it is imperative that we live like we have accepted Yeshua as our Savior, learn to love our Creator, obey His teachings, study His Word, love our neighbors and do good. We must learn to love Him for who He is and not just for what He can give us.  We must be thankful for our wonderful and majestic Creator. And, when we fail, and we will fail, we need to confess, repent and receive His forgiveness. 

He, ABBA is clear that we can do all things through Yeshua our Messiah, but we have to lay down the idols in our lives and humble ourselves before Him. Today, my friends…be encouraged, as I am encouraged as well. Let’s forge ahead in our pursuits to love and honor G-D with all of our hearts, thoughts and actions. Let’s remember to pray for each other and keep the eyes of our hearts on the One True and Living G-D. 

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the L-RD your G-D with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ”Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

I am thankful for all things in my life whether I “feel” grateful or not…can you say the same? If not, ask Him to help you develop a grateful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6.

Loving Him,

Dr. Dee