The Devotional

Papa J's rules for Livin #156

The giving of Thanks should cross the boundaries of twenty four hours and extend beyond eight thousand seven hundred sixty hours. Since this attribute of mankind is one that prepares us for eternity!

May your Thanksgiving Day be blessed with the presence of God, Family and Good Friends!

Psalm 75:1

We would not think that in judgment one could find thanksgiving, but we must learn that in all things, God provides good things for us. “We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

Marin Rinkart pastored in Eilenberg, Saxony, during the Thirty Years War. The Swedish army surrounded the gates; and inside the walls there was nothing but plague, famine and fear. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, and people began dying in large numbers. There was a tremendous strain on the pastors who expended all of their strength preaching the gospel, caring for the sick and burying the dead. One after another, the pastors themselves perished until at last only Martin was left. Some days he conducted as many as fifty funerals.

When the Swedes demanded a huge ransom, Martin left the safety of the city walls to negotiate, and there was soon a conclusion of the hostilities. Knowing there is no healing without thanksgiving, Martin composed a hymn for the survivors of Eilenberg:

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, in whom His world rejoices...

This song has been sung around the world ever since and is one of our greatest thanksgiving hymns. This is a time to focus our attention on God, who is the provider of; “All things good”