Thankful Hearts

Wednesday, November 23

Thankful Hearts

Week 4 Focus: Celebrations

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

Today, I am thankful for … differing CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE.

This is the last day of our Thankful Hearts devotional...And what a better way to end our study than to think about all the different celebrations that each of us have had throughout our lifetime!

Births and birthdays.

Weddings and anniversaries.

Graduations and promotions.

Retirement and vacations.

Holidays...Home-going...eternal life!

On April 12th this year, my first grandson was born: Simon David Gilmer. How can I explain the joy this little one brought to all of us who were counting down the days til his birth? The little bundle of blessing wrapped in a blanket was met with a thousand kisses by this one Mimi!

And then in contrast, on November 17th, just last week, my family celebrated my Uncle Bud's life-well-lived. He, a marine, a lover of God, family, and country, died on Veteran's Day. God could not have assigned a better day to call him home. We grieve the loss, but not without hope. My uncle was embraced by Jesus himself. His faith is now sight!

Our God loves to celebrate--feasts upon feasts are ordained by him in Scripture. Two hallmark celebrations of our Christian faith are Christmas, Jesus' BIRTH, and Easter, Jesus' death and RESURRECTION! It is good for us as his image bearers to mimic him. He loves to see us have celebrations of LIFE and all that it brings us, both on this earth and in heaven.

It is good to raise our hands in praise.

It is good to shout for joy!

It is good to gather for thanks-giving!

Take a moment to think of a significant milestone in your life. What celebration comes to mind? Share it in the comments so we can celebrate with you!

Let's remember the great things God has done for us! He is worthy to be praised!

Scriptures: Exodus 14:26-31,15:1-3; Ruth 4:13-15; 2 Samuel 6:12-15; Luke 15:10

Dear Lord,

We want to honor you with our thankful hearts! We praise you for all the different milestones, small and great, that we have experienced in our lives. You have granted us each one; thank you for your ongoing generosity. Please Lord, help us to realize that all the celebrations we have on this earth will only pale in comparison to what we have to look forward to in heaven. We praise you in advance for this living hope. Amen.