You may have noticed I’ve been posting every day this week, leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. Well, despite the name of my site…
Gratitude on a Sliding Scale
Gratitude on a Sliding Scale RB()
Tag: Jesus
Thanksgiving
Today brings you to a group post produced by UK Christian Bloggers on the subject of thanksgiving. When we think of thanksgiving we automatically think of the annual holiday celebrations that take place in the USA, which remembers the first Thanksgiving in 1621 by the early pilgrims. It was a harvest thanksgiving thanking God for His provisions for their community. The fact that Thanksgiving is originally men thanking the Almighty should be a universal theme, practiced by people of all countries and races. So here today are some British thoughts on thanking our God.
“Muchos Gracias” , “Grazie Mille” “Obrigado” “Merci” “Danke”.
Wherever you travel in the world, learning to say “thank you” in the native language is one of the most important words to learn. I’ve been to the Spanish Island of Lanzarote this week and my Spanish is very limited but I soon learnt that a “Gracias” goes a long way. People really appreciated it. In some languages I have discovered that there are in fact many different words to express thanks and also different types of thanks depending on the situation. We may only learn one expression of thanks in a language but a grateful heart to God and others can and does express itself in many different ways. Some ways we don’t all understand or recognise but God does. It’s not just the words of thanks that we speak with our mouths but the language of our hearts. A grateful heart.Thanksgiving is a varied language of love which I believe is only fully awakened by a true revelation of who and how good God is.The eyes of our hearts are opened and we are taught a new language which expresses itself in us and through our actions. God is a good, good God and a good Father who has given us, in and through Jesus everything for true life. The knowledge and truth of who God is transforms us by the power of the Holy Spirit.My words may sometimes be inadequate but I hope my heart sings thank you Lord.
I was working away on a video that needed editing, although this wasn’t one destined to be used by our own ministry, but another ministry that I regularly help out. And the computer I was using was a direct gift from an anonymous supporter of our ministry – the BerryBunch.family. God is good; that one gift blesses many!
‘Feeling’ thankful is a great feeling, but ‘being’ thankful is much more sustaining and requires action – because we should always be in a perpetual state of expecting to be thankful at the goodness of God!
It’s really easy to think of being thankful in relation to what we get from something/someone. Ultimately, though, our thankfulness is more than just being glad of something happening, or not. Because the sort of thankfulness we should be experiencing needs to be rooted in our actions, and our demeanour towards life and, more importantly, towards God.
Lord I’m grateful for your promises and all you’ve done for me. You’re the way the truth the life and through your son you’ve set us free. From my lips I utter praise and I will share my testimony; the name of Jesus shall be raised as I pray for rest for many. Lord I’m grateful for your kindness and the love that you’ve shown. I thank you for my family and a place I can call home, I thank you for your comfort in those times I feel alone. You gave a heart of flesh and removed my heart of stone, Lord I’m grateful for the cross and my future that’s secured. I pray that multitudes will come to know You precious Lord, I give you all my praise and pray you open heavens door. Pour your Holy Spirit out upon the world and save us all, Amen.
Gratitude is an attitude. This is something I tell my children often! It is one thing to say the words, but quite another to demonstrate thanksgiving with words and actions. For example, I give my daughter a gift and she says, “Thank you.” But then tosses it aside without opening it, then I know for sure she is not grateful for it.
Colossians 3:17 says: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
It is easy to do things with a grumbling attitude. We do it, whatever it may be, making sure those around us know we aren’t joyful about it. That is not how we ought to conduct ourselves. Instead, we are to do all things as if God had asked us to do them Himself – and to do so “giving thanks.”
The command to “give thanks” is an ongoing one – not “give” but “giving…” We thank God, and keep on thanking Him. We give and keep on giving, heaping gratitude on gratitude. There is no shortage of things to thank the Lord for, and the well of thankfulness should never run dry.
Thanksgiving may be only a single day, but let the Christian live a life of thanksgiving.
When I reflect on the history of traditions I am saddened by how over time men have changed them; sadly Thanksgiving is no different in this respect. It primarily was God fearing men and women thanking the Almighty for His many provisions and blessings. Sadly nowadays such a celebration of our God is frowned upon and maybe even mocked in this woke world; it would be deemed offensive to many. As children of His Kingdom we are called to heed and live out His Word; we have a choice to either be mocked by men or be judged by God – I personally prefer the temporary discomfort in this world so I can praise God in Heaven! Thus each Thanksgiving my Father God is the only focus of all my thanks; be it in speech, song or in prayer. After all such festivals are great opportunities to share His Good News of Salvation!
Lord God, we pause to give You thanks and praise this Thanksgiving. Lord God, even in the midst of the darkness and chaos that surrounds us, may Your people never cease to marvel at the blessings that You have given to us. Lord God, remind us that we are to bless others, because You have blessed us. Thank You and praise You Lord for our salvation that we have by grace, through faith, in Christ alone. Lord God, may we feast and crave Your Word more than our Thanksgiving meal and leftovers. Thank You Lord that in Christ filled, yet wired to long and desire You more. Thank You Holy Trinity for the gift of community. Praise You Lord for those whom You allow to journey with us. Lord God, thank You for this reader. May this reader grow closer to You this Thanksgiving. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
- Counting the Cost of Comfort (Matthew 8:19-20)
- A Determined Desire: Choosing a Life of Integrity (Psalm 101:2)
- A Heart Captivated: The Foundation of a Godly Life (Psalm 101:1)
- The Richness Within: Christ, Chorus and Christian Community (Colossians 3:16)
- The Sovereign’s Vow (Introduction to Psalm 101) 
One Way – Andy Brown (RB)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV) We take another little break from the ATBOB series to think about something I feel is important for us to discuss. The other evening, I caught an episode of…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2018/05/24/one-way/
Prayer and Sovereignty – Andy Brown
If God is sovereign, then what is the purpose of prayer? Why do we pray at all?
Today I share an article I wrote a few years ago, trying to address this very subject.

A couple of years ago, I was challenged about my view of God’s Sovereignty. I once believe that He did not control all things, but rather had delegated some control (for want of a better term) to humankind. Yet, a careful look at the Bible made me question this view, and ultimately dismiss it. God…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2020/07/14/prayer-and-sovereignty/
Serving Christians (Psalm 100 #2) – Andy Brown
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his;[a] we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2021/05/20/serving-christians-psalm-100-2/
Shouting Christians (Psalm 100 #1) – Andy Brown
Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands!2 Serve Yahweh with gladness. Come before his presence with singing.3 Know that Yahweh, he is God. It is he who has made us, and we are his. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2021/05/19/shouting-christians-psalm-100-1/
Even the Demons Believe – Andy Brown
Do you believe in God? It’s a straightforward question I suppose, but often with a complex answer. Some might respond with: Which God do you mean?I believe in a Higher Power, if that counts?There must be something, right? How might you reply to the same question? If you are reading this blog, then the chances…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2021/01/06/even-the-demons-believe/
Holding Fast (RB)
A moment to meditate by the gentle flowing river, somewhere in Angus, Scotland. Photography courtesy of Ben Bremner. https://www.facebook.com/…
Holding Fast
Verses for meditation – 10 October 2022
I have been thinking about the following verse from James recently. Is there a more difficult command in the Bible? Perhaps…
James 1:2 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Taking the opportunity to find joy in our difficulties is hard indeed! how do you do that? I welcome your comments.
One way that I do this is to try to take an eternal perspective. I tried to ask myself, will this matter in 1000 years, when I am in heaven? Usually, the answer is no…
Thank God in the midst of your trials, and take joy and comfort from knowing Jesus Christ is Lord.
Have a blessed day!
Not me, but…Andy B Book launch update
I very much wanted to share this good news, but realise that straight away the title may cause confusion! This is not, in fact, a new book announcement from me! as much as I would like it to be…
Instead, this exciting news of a new book comes from another Andy… Andy of the Berry bunch.
If you are familiar with the site, then you will be aware of the two minute videos Andy frequently shares. These are great little nuggets of encouragement for every day. And what a great idea to turn it into a book!
I very much look forward to getting my hands on a copy, and hope you will grab one when it is available.
2 Minutes a day can change your world and Just a Thought… does exactly that! I’ve been working really hard trying to get everything finished for the …
Andy B Book launch update
This Sunday at Church: Pray for those who lost someone in their family this year
Another great post from the Domain for Truth today.
Many people suffer loss, and it can be one of the most difficult things to go through in life. It is right that we stand alongside other believers who are grieving.
Do look out for those in your church or life who may need some support at this time.
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Pray for those who lost someone in their family this year. This week I learned …
This Sunday at Church: Pray for those who lost someone in their family this year
Check Your Pastor #SundaySuggestion
In case you misread the title of this one, it is not a blog post about cooking – check your pasta! Instead, my suggestion this week is to check in with your pastor or church leader.
In my experience, church leaders can find it very difficult to manage their time and workload. This comes from the fact that they are not merely doing a job, but trying to fulfil a calling. For many church leaders, ministers and pastors, they are rarely off the clock and can be called on night and day for support. While many try to take a day off each week, the demands of a church family can encroach on that time. This is, of course, understandable at times and we cannot schedule our problems to fall on pastor’s working days! However, if a minister is frequently missing out of their time off, then it is only a matter of time before they run out of energy.
How is your #church leader doing? How can you support them this week? #Bible #Jesus #Christianity
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Also in my experience, church leaders are not always so good at asking for help. They are so busy ministering to others that they forget they need ministering to as well.
So, this week, why not check in with your pastor. Ask them how they are doing, and if there is anything you can do to support them. You may be able to pray for them, and indeed is something we should try to do regularly. In what other ways can you be a blessing to them?
Perhaps you can offer to take care of their children for the night, giving them and their spouse an evening off? Maybe you can drop them in a meal or two, saving them having to prepare something during a busy period. I am certain there are lots of things that could be done. You might have to draw in the support of other leaders in the church to find out what they really need or to find the best way of supporting them. It could take a bit of effort, but I am sure it would be appreciated.
Many churches in UK, and I suppose it is similar elsewhere, are rather small consisting of fewer than 50 members. If they have their own minister (as many share), that person might be the only member of staff in the church. That can be a lonely position, especially if they are unmarried. In such a situation, ministers can be left carrying the burden of a whole church on their shoulders.
I am reminded of this passage from the Old Testament.
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
Exodus 17:10-13 NIV
Moses could not bear the weight of his staff for a long time, so Aaron and Hur came alongside him and supported him. Can you stand alongside your pastor or church leader in a similar way?
Have a great Sunday!
Andy Brown 