Devotion for Today

Lead Me, Holy Spirit by Stormie Omartian | Get this book with a gift supporting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association this month.

Thanksgiving With Meaning

November 28, 2013

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

–John 10:10

It is the custom of many Christians to bow their heads in public places and give thanks for the food that has been placed before them. I have had scores of waiters and waitresses tell me that when we bowed our heads, it was the first time they had ever seen that happen in their restaurant.

Millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Few homes have a moment of thanksgiving at the beginning of the meal or at any other time of the day. Even at Thanksgiving time only a minority will pause and give thanks to God.

Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver. When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite “thank you,” it is the recognition of dependence.

Prayer for the day

Almighty God, You have given me real life through Jesus Christ. My soul praises You.

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30 Comments

sunday says 12.10.2012, 07:02 a.m.

Amen to that

Abebe says 11.29.2011, 5:40 p.m.

I thank God, the Father for he has Given us men and women who stand to preach the Truth, the Revelation that Jesus is risen!!!!!!!!! The Truth that opened doors of heaven for all who believe in Him. Billy, Be blessed!

Jane says 11.29.2011, 02:29 a.m.

I thank and praise the Lord.. in spite of my weakness and mistakes, He is always there to forgive and love me. Thank you Jesus!

Jason says 11.28.2011, 7:42 p.m.

Thank you for the word for today from the Word. I preached about the sufficiency of Christ yesterday. What confirmation from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:9. Thank you BGEA. Just a thought for other readers; if you are able visit the Billy Graham Library this Christmas season. You will be encouraged in your relationship with God.

Chuck says 11.28.2011, 5:57 p.m.

The Lord has opened all the right doors for me I just never went through them and I take responsibility for all that has happened to me, and I give God credit for all the blessings. I can't do it on my own. Lord please help me.

Ruth says 11.28.2011, 2:51 p.m.

I have been thinking lately that I cannot help what other people say to me but I can keep from saying what I would like to say in return. It's very hard but I believe that is why we cannot distinguish the sinner from the Christian.

Robyn says 11.28.2011, 1:21 p.m.

So hard to get past the guilt of an adulterous relationship and then married. it has been 2 1/2 years of carrying this guilt. It has consumed my life. Waking each morning with guilt staring me right in the face. I hate it!!! Spoke to my former husband recently to apologize many times over to him. He graciously said that he forgives me. Need to turn it ALL over to God. This devotion was just for me today. God help me!!

Ola says 11.28.2011, 1:07 p.m.

God help me to realize that I am insufficient of anything myself.

Dixon says 11.28.2011, 11:37 a.m.

Amen

Elizabeth says 11.28.2011, 11:28 a.m.

Amen to that. It s the word for me after losing in an investment. Now my heart is encouraged and now I wait for God's uplifting. Thank you

Sheree says 11.28.2011, 10:11 a.m.

It's through the trials of life that God has brought me where I am today to make me a stronger person in Him. When we let go and put our trust in Him that's when He truly begins to work in our life. Nothing is impossible with God.

Gerry says 11.28.2011, 08:16 a.m.

Self-sufficiency is Satan's trap. Do not be fooled or duped into such prideful thinking. I once thought I could accomplish anything I wanted, without anyone's help..........including God. I finally realized the opposite was true. I failed miserably at everything. Broken and in despair, I found and accepted Christ into my heart. The last 27 years I have been blessed tremendously, in countless ways. I give 100 of the Credit and Thanks to God.

Gerald says 11.28.2011, 08:06 a.m.

PTL ! am just going thru one grief moment, let down by ALL kind of feeling, I believe the deliverance is at hand, will evermore seek God's face.

Lynn says 11.28.2011, 07:58 a.m.

Only God can bring real peace and contentment and joy. He never leaves me. I could not live without Him!

Nancy says 11.28.2011, 06:40 a.m.

Oh Lord Oh Lord Please help me learn that sufficiency for good so it is ingrained in my being and help me be able to teach it to others.

Achiya says 11.28.2011, 06:17 a.m.

It's such a wonderful word. It's true!!! Without God we can do nothing, literally nothing...

Temeng says 11.28.2011, 06:11 a.m.

Without Jesus I am nothing. He is my sufficiency. Glory be to His name.

Wendy says 11.28.2011, 05:26 a.m.

It is always a blessing for me, when I come to your website periodically and there is waiting for me a "jewel" guised in Scripture verse...a "pearl" of great price that inspire me...a "diamond" waiting to shine brilliantly inside my heart. Thank you for the blessings of each and every Scripture verse posted on this site...that somehow manages to heal our heart.

Nana says 11.28.2011, 05:22 a.m.

Ricky, I agree with you so much with . Me too I have not met Billy Graham before but he is someone I look up to so much. If someone says to me today who would I like to meet taking into considerations all the famous people and presidents it will definitely be Billy Graham! There is something about Billy that just draws you closer to him and to God. Thank you for influencing my life and that of my family. God bless BGEA!

Annie says 11.28.2011, 03:17 a.m.

LORD Jesus, I'm saved not because of my righteousness, but by Your divine Grace and Mercies alone! Holy God, in Your holy presence there is liberty from, sickness, bondage and darkness. Thank You, for saving me JESUS! LORD, I pray, bring every one of us into that place of intimacy, into that place of love and union with You, in Jesus name, Amen!!!

mick says 11.25.2011, 3:24 p.m.

How often we think "self-sufficiency" will deliver us!

DANNY says 11.28.2010, 10:35 p.m.

It was at the bottom that God lifted me up and took me from loneliness to completeness and confidence in HIM. Jesus is the ONLY answer and way to God and He showed me that He will carry you!! Many are searching and need prayer for direction to the living and True God of Abraham and Moses. Continue to pray for people that are struggling with Suicide thoughts and sever depression at this time of the year. God Listens and Cares! Be BOLD and share CHRIST and the GOOD NEWS!!!!

milagro says 11.28.2010, 9:18 p.m.

I am so in love with Jesus. I am forever praising his precious holy name. On this day twenty eighth of november of two thousand ten for he is Lord. Blessings to all, in Jesus name. Milagro

Doug says 11.28.2010, 5:51 p.m.

Sometimes God may seem like he's eons away from us when in actual fact we can discover he is at our shoulder. Better still . . . in us!!

doug says 11.28.2010, 12:45 a.m.

I know this is true and have experienced it over the course of my life. But I so need the constant reminder that God is always there. Keeping watch and never stops loving me.

Brian says 11.28.2010, 12:29 a.m.

Amen, Gerry! Remember, it's a process. God's comfort is so sweet. Those mountain top experiences are so precious. You want to stay there, but His goal is to mold you into the image of His son. He Will Do It! Phil. 1:6

Ricky says 11.28.2010, 12:28 a.m.

Billy Graham though I haven't met you, you are an incredible inspiration to my life. Thank you for being a Godly influence. Kind regards! Ricky Phillips

vaiana says 11.28.2010, 12:02 a.m.

If it wasn't for the pain and heartaches in my life, I probably wouldn't have given my life to God. As painful as it was, my God is compassionate and brought me out of the pit. What an awesome God He is to personally take his time and seek me out when at the time I wasn't really seeking for Him.

Natan says 11.28.2010, 09:23 a.m.

É muito bom conhecer este site deste servo de Deus. It's great to know about this site, this servant of God

Gerry says 11.28.2010, 04:57 a.m.

When you wander away from God's Love and the rug of life comes out from under you and you hit the floor , all may seem dismal and bleak...........but cry out for forgiveness of your sinful ways and our Loving Heavenly Father will extend his hand and help you back up with a renewed joy in your heart.