Every Day is Thanksgiving

Every Day is Thanksgiving

Speaker: Pastor Caleb Culver
Date: November 24, 2024

Pastor Caleb Culver delivers a powerful reminder as we head into Thanksgiving week, reminding us to practice gratitude from an eternal perspective. Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday but a daily recognition of God's faithfulness and provision in our lives. Gratitude is an attitude, but thanksgiving is an action.

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: The Power of Thanksgiving

Reading: Psalm 100:1-5

Devotional: As we begin this journey, let's focus on the transformative power of thanksgiving. Psalm 100 invites us to enter God's presence with gratitude. Reflect on how thanksgiving can change your perspective, even in challenging circumstances. How might regularly practicing gratitude open your eyes to see God's love and purpose in everything? Today, make a list of five things you're thankful for, including one area of your life where you've struggled to find gratitude. Ask God to help you see His goodness even in difficult situations.

Day 2: Approaching God with Thanksgiving

Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

Devotional: Today's passage reminds us that we can approach God's throne with confidence. Just as the Israelites entered God's courts through the gate of thanksgiving, we too can come before God through Christ. How does viewing thanksgiving as the "gate" to God's presence change your approach to prayer? Consider a challenge you're facing right now. Before asking for anything, spend time thanking God for who He is and what He's already done in your life. Notice how this shifts your heart and mind as you pray.

Day 3: Thanksgiving in Abundance

Reading: Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Devotional: It's easy to forget God when life is going well. Today's reading warns against this tendency. Reflect on times when you've received blessings and inadvertently taken credit for them instead of thanking God. How can thanksgiving protect us from pride and self-reliance? Challenge yourself to thank God for three things you often take for granted. Ask Him to cultivate a heart of continual gratitude, especially in times of abundance.

Day 4: Thanksgiving in Lack

Reading: Philippians 4:11-13

Devotional: Paul's words remind us that contentment and thanksgiving are possible even in times of need. Reflect on a current situation where you feel lack or limitation. How might giving thanks in this circumstance change your perspective? Remember Jesus giving thanks for the five loaves and two fish. Today, try thanking God for something that seems insufficient, trusting that He can multiply it for His glory and your good.

Day 5: Thanksgiving as a Weapon

Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Devotional: Paul's "thorn in the flesh" teaches us that our weaknesses can become opportunities for God's strength to shine. How can thanksgiving in difficult circumstances become a powerful weapon against discouragement and despair? Think about a persistent struggle in your life. Instead of focusing on the problem, thank God for three ways He's shown His grace through this challenge. Ask Him to help you see how He's working for your good, even in your difficulties.