On October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln called the America people “to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, let us not forget that our thanks is to be primarily to God our Father. We often thank Him for family, friends, homes, provisions, health and happiness; but do we remember to thank Him for the spiritual blessing He gives.
Below is a list of 15 spiritual blessings for which every Christian should continually give thanks.
Salvation: “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation.” Psalm 35:9
Forgiveness: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” Romans 4:7-8
Presence: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Grace: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 (ESV)
Power: “and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” Ephesians 1:19 (NKJV)
Strength: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Joy: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11
Love: “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Hope: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Promises: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4
Access: “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Ephesians 2:18
Wisdom: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
Freedom: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
Righteousness: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
(All Scriptures are NIV unless otherwise noted.)
Thanksgiving Day comes but once a year, but thanksgiving should come every day.
Each day when you wake up take the time to thank God for at least three blessings. Throughout the day develop a thankful attitude by focusing on His attributes. Close you day, by meditating on all He has done.
Use these Scriptures to thank God for His blessings.
Feel free to print this list to use as a guide for thanksgiving.
Please add to the list by commenting below other spiritual blessing for which you are thankful.
[co-author Dorothy Deming – http://www.intrainingministries.org]
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