For All the Saints – Thursday, November 12, 2020: We Give Thanks and Remember
7For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, 8a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, 9a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. 10You shall eat your fill and bless the Lord your God for the good land that he has given you. 11Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today.
17Do not say to yourself, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” 18But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today. (Deuteronomy 8:7-11, 17-18 – NRSV)
Dear friends,
This time of year, we commonly share answers to the question, “What are you thankful for?” Whether it’s part of a Facebook challenge, or taking turns around the dinner table at Thanksgiving dinner, chances are most of us will answer that question at least once this year. It is a great question, and one we do well to answer with forethought and heartfelt gratitude to God and to our loved ones.
In the reading above, God tells the people of Israel about the wonderful land and great prosperity into which he is bringing them. But then he instructs, “Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God…” God has granted them every blessing, and even the ability to achieve wealth and success in their lives.
In our American celebration of Thanksgiving, we remember God’s provision for some of the early European settlers, and we remember with thanksgiving God’s continued provision for us today. Just as with the people of Israel, may we never forget where our blessings and our abilities come from.
This season, as we give thanks, let us be sure to remember God’s blessings. And each week, as we give thanks at God’s Table, let us remember the most important blessings – Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and salvation. For this we are eternally thankful!
Joining you in celebration of Thanksgiving to God,
Pastor John
Daily Scripture Readings for November 12 – November 26
Thursday, November 12
Ezekiel 6:1-14
Revelation 16:1-7
Psalm 90:1-12
Friday, November 13
Ezekiel 7:1-9
Revelation 16:8-21
Psalm 90:1-12
Saturday, November 14
Ezekiel 7:10-27
Matthew 12:43-45
Psalm 90:1-12
Sunday, November 15
Zephaniah 1:7,12-18
Psalm 90:1-12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Monday, November 16
Zechariah 1:7-17
Romans 2:1-11
Psalm 9:1-14
Tuesday, November 17
Zechariah 2:1-5; 5:1-4
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Psalm 9:1-14
Wednesday, November 18
Job 16:1-21
Matthew 24:45-51
Psalm 9:1-14
Thursday, November 19
1 Kings 22:13-23
Revelation 14:1-11
Psalm 95:1-7a
Friday, November 20 1 Chronicles 17:1-5
Revelation 22:1-9
Psalm 95:1-7a
Saturday, November 21
Isaiah 44:21-28
Matthew 12:46-50
Psalm 95:1-7a
Sunday, November 22 – Christ the King Sunday
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 95:1-7a
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
Monday, November 23
Esther 2:1-18
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Psalm 7
Tuesday, November 24
Esther 8:3-7
Revelation 19:1-9
Psalm 7
Wednesday, November 25
Ezekiel 33:7-20
John 5:19-40
Psalm 7
Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day)
Zechariah 13:1-9
Revelation 14:6-13
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19