Thanksgiving 2005

Give Thanks to God for his bountiful blessings this Thanksgiving. Don't just say a "special" prayer over the turkey. Take time this Thanksgiving to meditate on the way you live your life the rest of the year. Think of how you can express your gratitude to God for His constant watchful care over you each and every moment. Think about every breath you take (Psalm 104:29). Ponder where your food comes from (Psalm 104 14,15). Consider your strength and health (Psalm 41:3). Don't forget your mind (Daniel 4:34) and soul (Romans 8:1-39. Are you a grumpy sort? Stop it! Do you complain alot? Why? Turn to God our Savior, and ponder all our blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior on this Thanksgiving holiday.
One way to give thanks is in song. The following hymn by Matthias Claudius (1740-1815) is one we don't sing any more, though I don't know why. I don't know if it was ever among the hymns of the previous editions of the Baptist Hymnal. I learned it many years ago from the Presbyterian Trinity Hymnal. You can hear and sing along using the standard tune "Wir Pflügen,"by Johann A. P. Schulz (1747-1800, that accompanies this hymn (compliments of The Cyber Hymnal). Image compliments http://www.suffolkpunch.com/horses/mares.html

We plough the fields, and scatter The good seed on the land, But it is fed and watered By God's almighty hand; He sends the snow in winter, The warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine, And soft refreshing rain. Refrain All good gifts around us Are sent from heav'n above, Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord For all his love. He only is the Maker Of all things near and far; He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; The winds and waves obey him, By him the birds are fed; Much more to us, his children, He gives our daily bread. Refrain We thank thee, then, O Father, For all things bright and good, The seed time and the harvest, Our life, our health, our food: No gifts have we to offer For all thy love imparts, But that which thou desirest, Our humble, thankful hearts. Refrain