THANKFULNESS

 

As usual I like to start with something kind of funny - A 4 year old boy was asked to give thanks before a big dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking God for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, even the Cool Whip. Then he paused, and everyone waited--and waited.  After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't he know that I'm lying?"

Some Thanksgiving Jokes - 

Q: Why did the police arrest the turkey? A: They suspected fowl play.  What happened when the turkey got into a fight?  He got the stuffing knocked out of him!

After a long Thanksgiving Day of eating and playing, my 3-year-old granddaughter asked her mother to carry her. When I asked if her legs were broken, Aislin said, “Yes, they’re out of batteries.”

Canada and United States say they celebrated the first Thanksgiving.  Here is the Canadian Version

Samuel de Champlain in Port-Royal on Nov. 14, 1606, which saw Europeans and Indigenous peoples breaking bread together. It was organized as part of the “Order of Good Cheer” dinner party series that was invented to make sure the colonists ate and drank enough to stave off scurvy and malnutrition.  It’s possible that the only reason any settlers even survived at all was owing to the help of the Mi’kmaq, who had taught them ice-fishing techniques and introduced them to a vital non-toxic berry rich in vitamin C. In return, the French colonists invited some Mi’kmaq men to the November 14 celebration, which included not just food and drink, but also musket-firing.  

On January 31, 1957, the Governor General of Canada Vincent Massey issued a proclamation stating: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the second Monday in October."

We’re told in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything.  It’s easy for me to feel gratitude when I run my hands through a grandchild’s hair, or a ride on my motorcycle, or my wife's kiss.  But what about tragedy, someone hurting us, or a bad incident.  We must remember that all things work together for Good.  Doesn't say all things are good but they work out for good whether or not I understand how

Why should I thank God for those things.  Giving God thanks for all things demonstrates a recognition that He is a good God (Psalm 118:29), regardless of whether I consider something to be a blessing or a burden.  whether or not I understand how.

So, what am I thankful for?

1. Faith (John 3:16): Almighty God, thank You that I don’t have to earn my way to heaven. Thank You for the gift of faith. I know that I have been made right with You because of my faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ.

2. Family (1 Timothy 5:4): Thank You, Father, for creating families. Thank You for giving me my family as part of Your plan for me and the promise of household salvation.

3. God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12): Jehovah God, thank You for giving us the Bible — Your Word. It guides me, comforts me and gives me hope.

4. Prayers of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27): Sometimes I just don’t know how to pray, Lord. I don’t know what to ask for and I don’t know what to do. That doesn’t surprise You, does it.  Thank You that the Holy Spirit understands my weaknesses and that He prays for me according to Your perfect will.

5. Love (1 John 4:16): Abba Father, when I read that love is patient and kind… not jealous or boastful… not seeking its own… keeping no record of wrongs… I feel so inadequate. But when I remember that You are love and that You will love through me, I have hope. Thank You for wanting to shine through ordinary people like me.

6. Daily problems (James 1:2-4): Jehovah-Jireh, You are my provider. If I didn’t have problems, my focus would grow inward. I thank You, by faith, for the trials of this life because they draw me to You and remind me that this Earth is not my home.

7. Creation (Revelation 4:11): Lord, as I see a golden sunrise filling the morning sky, watch a hummingbird outside my kitchen window, or gaze from the top of a mountain, I can’t help but praise You. Thank You for the beauty of nature and the promise that the best is yet to come. How great You are!

8. My inadequacies (Proverbs 20:24): Lord, there is much about life that I don’t understand. But You didn’t ask me to understand, did You? You asked me to trust You, and You are trustworthy.

9. I am not in control (Psalm 103:19): Jehovah-Nissai, the Lord our Banner, You go before me, and I am so glad. You know the many times I’ve prayed for specific things only to be grateful later that You responded, “No.”

You have the big picture. So often You’ve answered my prayers with something much better than I could have ever imagined. You are in control, not me. Thank You for that.

This Thanksgiving Day, and every day, I want to give thanks in every circumstance.

Scrptures on thankfulness. 

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

Psalm 107:8 – “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

I Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:20 – “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…”

Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  I close with this story.  Margaret said, My paternal grandmother lived with us. She would sit in the porch swing and I would stand behind her and brush her beautiful long gray hair. As I brushed her hair she would tell me her two favorite stories from the Bible. The only thing better was when she would have me snuggle up close to her in the swing as she read to me. As I child, I surmised that they were just good stories but now as a mother and grandmother I realize she had an ulterior motive - she was teaching me a most valuable lesson - a lesson about kindness and thankfulness. She often added to the story of the Good Samaritan, "You never pass someone in need even if their skin is not the color of yours." And, "You should never pick and choose who you will be kind to, you just be kind," she would enumerate over and over.  I also learned as a child growing up that my mother always had a slip of paper fastened to the inside of a cabinet door in the kitchen. It was near the sink where mother was more apt to see it. At the top of the page were written the words, "Lest I forget." There was never a kindness extended to her or our family that was not found listed on her paper. In November of each year she would in some way once again let the person or persons involved know how grateful she was for their kindness. Mother often quoted the reminder to us, "Don't remember the kindness you do for another, but never forget kindness done for you."   May we each give thanks and remember all kindness given to us.

QUOTES FOR APRIL 27, 2026

 

REASONS FOR THANKSGIVING

 

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

 

1.      For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people.  This was the foundation of this prayer.  They had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  They were the just who lived by faith.  Their faith was well known and ours should be as well.  Next, they were known for their love for all people.  They showed it not through words but deeds.  They had been healed by God’s love and now were showing it by practical means.  Remember faith is dead without works. 

2.      I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  Paul reveals the secret of powerful prayers.  Giving thanks.  Remember in everything give thanks.  Prayer destroys selfishness and is the foundation for the intercession that Paul is showing here.   Paul says, that he remembers them in his prayers.   Prayer is the best thing we can do help others.  When you pray for someone it shows you love, care and support them.

3.      I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  Paul is praying to God and our father.  This is who God is.  He wanted them to be like Jesus in this matter.  He wanted them to have the Spirit of wisdom, the ability to know in a moment of time divine knowledge, understanding and what to do with it.  To have revelation, this is a look or glimpse into the supernatural realm and to see what God sees and knows.  The motivation is that we would know Jesus better.  The Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus, reveal and glorify Him

4.      That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his inheritance in his holy people.  He wants them to have their heart enlightened.  knew that where the heart was so was our treasure and direction of our lives.  He prayed that they which know the hope to which they had been called.  He wanted them to know the blessed hope that Jesus was coming back at any time for His church.  Next, the riches of the inheritance they have in Christ.  All the gifts, fruit, armor, weapons, the fivefold ministry, healing health, eternal, and abundant life.   All the benefits of heaven are yours and Paul wanted them to know and realize it.

5.      And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.  It is resurrection power and it dwells in us. That is why these signs follow them who believe.  That is why the apostles and Christians today see signs, wonders and miracles.  Paul calls this the mighty strength.  It is God’s power that brings strength and the ability to all that we need to do.  It is mighty strength that can it defeat anything.  That is done through prayer. 

6.      He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.  This prayer is also a statement of theology and truth.  God the Holy Spirit under the direction of the Father raised Jesus up from the dead.  Jesus now occupies a position of authority, power, might and dominion sitting at the right of the Father to judge the quick and dead.  In fact he is now making intercession and praying for us.  He is our advocate.  Satan tries to accuse us and Jesus as our lawyer before the Father refutes what satan says by reminding the Father about is sacrifice of forgiveness and that we belong to Him and are joint heirs of His inheritance. 

7.      Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Jesus is far above all rule and authority, power and dominion.  Jesus is above, worldly, satanic and heavenly authority.    His name is above every name.  Every name that is invoked.  Religious, philosopher, gods and demons of this world and not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  That means the antichrist, or the false prophet or satan himself.  Remember at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. 

8.      And God placed all things under his feet, Jesus is superior to all, no one is greater, more powerful and has more authority than Jesus.  Jesus has been appointed to be head over everything for the church.  We are going to reign, and rule with Him.  This is our inheritance.  We will be with Him when He defeats the devil, death, hell and the grave.  This is a prayer but also a statement of truth about who Jesus is and what has happened because of what He has done.

9.      which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.  We are His body and he is the head.  are the fullness of Him.  He dwells in us with all power, authority, night and dominion.  What He did we are call to do.  We are His ambassadors.  In us dwells God Himself.  He fills everything in every way.  God is using us with all His authority, power and anointing.  We hold back the forces of hell, we change our world through prayer, we have the gifts, armor and fruit.  This is because of Christ and our acceptance and alliance with Him. 

 

THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

 

Thanksgiving In Canada, the holiday was intended for the “public and solemn” recognition of God’s mercies.

 

And in that day you will say:  “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me,

Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.

 

1.      Isaiah says in that day.  Which means this day.  “Lord, I will praise you.”  Thank you for what you have done.  Though you were angry with me.  Our sin caused that.  James says sin is knowing what to do is right and don’t do it.  David said in Psalm 51, “Against you and only you have I sinned.

2.      You anger is turned away.  Jesus Christ did that by allowing his body to be broken and His blood to be shed.  His death, burial and resurrection satisfied the anger and wrath of God.  He who knew no sin became sin for us.  He paid a debt he did not owe; I owe a debt I could not pay.  Jesus paid it for us.

3.      After the anger and wrath were met the Lord comforted us.  The Lord eased or alleviated our feelings of grief or distress.  Paul knew this feeling so well.

 

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;

He also has become my salvation.

 

1.      "God is my salvation" means that God is the author or source of salvation, and it has not been brought about by any human hands but is to be traced directly to him. It means that we do not trust in might or wealth, or any manifestation of our own strength to save us, but we surrender to God and put our faith in his perfect Son.

2.      The result is that we will trust and not be afraid.  Faith is trust completely in the Lord.  We are not afraid because we have love, power and a sound mind as Paul reminded Timothy in 2 Tim 1:7.  We are not afraid because of God’s love and the hope He brings.

3.      For YHWH means God our creator, source, sustainer is our strength and our song.  Resurrection power is available, and it creates an outgrowth of song and singing according to scientific research does ten things

 

a.      Relieves stress.

b.      Stimulates immune response.

c.      Increases pain threshold.

d.      May improve snoring.

e.      Improves lung function.

f.       Develops a sense of belonging and connection.

g.      Enhances memory in people with dementia.

h.      Helps with grief.

i.       Improves mental health and mood.

j.       Helps improve speaking abilities.

 

4.       God become my salvation.  This is my identity, function, and goal in life.  It is who He is and now who I am.

 

Therefore, with joy you will draw water.  From the wells of salvation.4 And in that day you will say:  “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.

 

1.      Joy is the result of you drawing water from the wells of salvation.  Connecting your spiritual pipe to the waters of salvation.  Joy is the deep-seated contentment knowing the Lord is with you.  Jesus said out of your innermost being will flow rivers of living water.  He told the Samaritan woman that the water he gives will quench the thirsting of her soul. 

2.      When you are connected you will express thanksgiving and praise for what has happened. 

3.      The three results of this connection are you will continue to call on his name and make him the centre of your life.  You will testify and declare his deeds among the people in your world.  You will make mention of his name and you will declare his name to be exalted and lifted up.  Jesus said if He be lifted up, He will draw all people unto Himself.  Jesus said, “If His people do not lift Him up the rock and stones will cry out.”

 

Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.  6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

 

1.      Isaiah loved music and enjoyed the choirs appointed during the times of Uzziah and Hezekiah.  He encourages his audience and readers to sing, and the motivation is He does excellent things.  He goes above and beyond His love, kindness, goodness, grace, and mercy are some examples.  This is known throughout the earth.  Creation and conscience are the silent witness about the Lord.  Talk about the little boy and the Scottish Boatman.

2.      He exhorts the people of God to Shabback.  This is the shout of triumph.  This is a release of spiritual enemy which brings down the walls of opposition.  It is a loud tone designed to get everyone’s attention. 

3.      The reason for this is the great God f Israel and the people of God is in their midst.  God is present in His glory, essence, nature, and character.  Remember where two or three gather He is in the among them.  When we agree in prayer it shall be done.  Thanksgiving is about celebrating the blessings, benefits, and promises you have.  It is much more powerful and meaningful when done with others.  So today or tomorrow invite others and be thankful and grateful.

 

 

 

 

 

THE BLESSING OF CANADA

 

     We just celebrated Canada Day.  It is such a blessing to live in this country.  We are considered the best place to live in the world and St. Albert is one of the best places to live in Canada.  As you read this article for a moment bow your head and say, “thank you, Lord for allowing me to live here and now.”  We live in an amazing time and place.  Think about all the things that we have right now.  One hundred years ago, families were living without radio, T.V. fridges, stoves, microwaves and central heating.  For many they did not electric power, indoor plumbing or internet.  The transportation of that time for many was horse and wagon.  Many lived on rural farms and towns.  Things have certainly changed.

     In my lifetime I have seen many changes.  My first computer was a 286 and I bought it back in 1991.  I thought it was state of the art in that time.  Today we have internet, 5G, phones and so much more.  We can chat with relatives around the world via skype and messenger yet we seem less connected .  We have instant news and food yet we are getting less and less healthy.  We have all the medical advances that make us live longer and yet seem to be getting more bugs than ever.

     Canada has a population of around 37 million.  That is less than the state of California.  We complain about the long winters and the short summers.  Yet the truth is that we are so blessed.  There are billions who would take our place in a moment.  I was reflecting on the goodness of God.  I was born in Southern Alberta close to the mountains.  I grew up admiring the beautiful scenery.  I have lived the majority of my life in Alberta but have had the privilege to be a resident of BC and the NWT.  I have lived in some of the most beautiful spots in Canada.  All because of the goodness of God.

     Canada is a wonderful place. St. Albert is a beautiful city and like Johnny Appleseed said, “God has been good to us.”    People come from all over the world to live here.  Recently I had the privilege of knowing a man who came from Iraq.  He has been here for eight years.  They left just after the US invaded their country.  It took them seven years to get here.  They lived in Syria in refugee camps and life was hard.  Every day we talk he says how grateful he is that he lives in Canada.  Just recently he became a Canadian citizen and voted in his first provincial election.  He was so excited to be able to do that.  He wondered how Canadians who have this freedom could not vote.  His is just one of the many stories I had heard recently.  My own granddaughter just came from the Philippines.  She is amazed everyday about living in Canada.  Her life is so much better.  She has a mom and dad who lived here and are doing everything they can to give her a wonderful life. 

     So today as you reflect on your life here in Canada remember there are a hundred people who would gladly take your place to live here.  When you complain about the weather remember there are many around the world who live outdoors.  When you think about the high cost of living here.  There are people who earn less a day than you spend on a cup of coffee.  When you eat you next meal remember there are people who sometimes only have a meal every couple of days.  When you kiss your children or grandchildren good night at bed time remember are children who have no bed or even parents to love them.  We are so blessed.  I thank the Lord every day for living in Canada and the religious freedom we have.  Every Sunday I get to preach in a church without fear.  I can share my thoughts in this manner and not have to worry about government control or censure.  So today wave your little Canada Flag and thank the Lord that you live here.

 

QUOTES FOR APRIL 26, 2026

 

THE CALLING OF MATTHEW

 

The Calling of Matthew

9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

 

1.      Jesus had just healed a paralyzed man and the people will filled with awe and praised God for such authority had been given to man.  Then Jesus did something no one expected.  He sees a well-known tax collector sitting in his tax collecting booth.  Everyone knows who Matthew is and what he does for a living.  Then just like today many people are defined by what they do not who they are. 

2.      Matthew was part of group who were hated because Tax collectors were regarded as sinners. They were Jews who worked for the Romans, so this made them traitors. People resented paying taxes to the foreigners who ruled over them.  We need to remember God does not see us as we are but what we shall be. 

3.      Jesus walks up to Matthew and gives him a simple command, “Follow me,” That is the same command He gives us.  It is a summons to lose your life and find new life and ultimate joy in him.  It means that Jesus wants a loyal commitment not partial surrender.  Jesus expects us to follow Him.  Do His will, live His lifestyle, follow His commands and be His representatives.  Jesus expects a changed heart and life. 

4.      He went all way to the cross for us and He expects nothing less in return.  Follow Me!” is a call to obedience. It is no mere invitation, but an imperative command.

5.      Matthew got up and followed Him.  That is what is amazing.  Without hesitation and not fully knowing what it meant Matthew did. 

6.      I asked myself this question why Matthew would get up immediate and do this? Scholars tell us The disciples believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the person who would rule Israel and the rest of the world.  I think Matthew was tired of his life, vocation, religion, the prejudice, and the hatred and this was a chance to start fresh and new. 

7.      This was also a divine appointment that Matthew was not going to miss.  God obviously been working on Matthew and when Jesus came along his heart was already prepared.  Then it was just an act of the will.  He had heard about Jesus and decided this was his new master, mentor, and role model. 

 

10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

 

1.      Jesus goes to dinner with his disciples.  Matthew is so pleased with what is happening he throws a massive dinner.  Many tax collectors and sinners came to the dinner and ate with Jesus.  Now this is natural because that is who up to this point Matthew hung out with.  These are the only people Matthew knew. 

2.      This just shows that Jesus saw the heart, not the social standing, culture, family background or possessions.  He saw the heart. 

3.      Eating with someone established a covenant relationship of friendship, which normally also signified approval. In one ancient story, two warriors stopped fighting each other when they discovered that their fathers had shared a meal! The issue of eating with sinners was sensitive in Judaism since some believed that eating with such company conveyed an acceptance of that person’s sin. Jesus preferred pursuing relationships that might lead sinners to God rather than “quarantining” Himself from such people

4.      This of course brought a criticism from the Pharisees and so they asked the question to His disciples.  Notice they never asked Jesus.  Satanic religious and worldly criticism never confronts directly.  Lies can never stand in the face of truth.  This is a form of gossip, slander, and defaming.  You see to the religious spirit acceptance is not a desired option.  The Pharisees saw this as afront and blasphemy.  In their eyes Jesus was lowering his standards.

5.      They saw Jesus as a teacher and rabbi.  An elevated position and to eat with sinners were beneath Him in their sight.

 

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 

1.      Jesus then confronts them with three truths and explains His view of people.  It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick.  Sin corrupts, rob, kills, and destroy a person. Jesus viewed all people as someone who need spiritual help, health, and healing.  Jesus is the great physician who heals the who person.  When you respond to God’s love, you get healed and then help heal others.

2.      The Pharisees were known for the sacrifice, piety and law keeping but they lacked mercy, love, and grace.  Jesus’ address this so did Samuel with Saul.  No amount of sacrifice will win you God’s favor or salvation only His mercy.  As God shows mercy so we must as well.  I love how Mike Warnke put it.  If a person is good enough for Jesus, then they are good enough for us. 

3.      Jesus did not come for the righteous but sinners.  Jesus did come for those in a covenant relationship already.  He came for those who Paul says have come short of the glory of God.  Jesus knew there were those in His world who would not accept His message, kingdom, and love.  That is why He said many are called but few make themselves chosen. 

 

Conclusion

 

1.       What can we learn today?  When Jesus calls us to follow him it means to lose your life and find new life and ultimate joy in him.  It means that Jesus wants a loyal commitment not partial surrender.  Jesus expects us to follow Him.  Do His will, live His lifestyle, follow His commands and be His representatives.  Jesus expects a changed heart and life. 

2.      Jesus saw Matthew not as he was but who he was going to become.  Matthew wrote a gospel, became a Hebrew scholar, storyteller, and missionary to Ethiopia where he was martyred. 

3.      Keep the right perspective about people.  See them as trophies of grace and heirs of salvation.  In our service to God remember mercy is a greater virtue than sacrifice.  Matthew was killed on the orders of the king of Ethiopia while celebrating Mass at the altar. The king wanted his own niece, and had been rebuked by Matthew, for the girl was a nun, and therefore the bride of Christ.