Let’s start with what Thanksgiving, for the purpose of our discussion, is not. We aren’t talking about a table full of turkey, dressing (cornbread) or lots of cranberries. We aren’t talking about a quick bowing of your head and a series of words expressing gratitude for the food. We are not even talking about a prayer where you thank God for answering the desire of your heart.
We are talking about a way of life. The developing of habits which will bring us into a deep and honest relationship with God. Thanksgiving as a way of life represents a person attuned to the actions of the Lord from day to day, from hour to hour and from minute to minute.
Thank about a first love in your life. A crush you practically worshiped. You live those early days of falling in love concentrating on everything about this person. Do you remember those goofy days of oohing and ahhing over everything they say and do? Do you remember wanting to spend all your time with one person.
Time dulls this first love. You either grow deep into a real love as true friends or you grow apart. True friends appreciate one another. They want to spend time together. The early giggly love fades and a deep thankfulness for the other person settles in.
Christians know those mountain top moments with God. Those times when we are filled with an over the top love for the Lord. Maybe it was when we first accepted Christ as savior, an answered prayer, a time when Jesus pulled us back from a life headed into misery.
The first love moments die if we do not build a lasting friendship based on love and admiration. We have to be willing to spend time with the Lord, to keep our eyes on the beautiful things He does, to stay grateful He is part of our lives in the day to day. Or we will grow apart and the love will die.
Revelations 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left they first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
EXERCISE:
Make a list of your mountain top times with Jesus. Those moments when you were almost giggly about what God was doing in your life. This list is only for you, but try to put the details in about what caused the experience and how you felt.
New Play list Songs
Love Song for a King 3:23 Caleb Rowden
I Love You, Lord 3:20 The Maranatha Singers Songs 4 Worship: Holy Ground (Disc 2)
O, How I Love Jesus Randy Travis Glory Train, Songs of faith
Fourth Day Adventures 