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VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

We Have So Much to Be Thankful For

10/12/2013

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A few years ago one of my worship leaders taught us a song that was simple but at the same time, deeply profound in the truth it proclaimed.

We have so much, so much, so much so much
    So much, so much, so much so much
So much, so much , so much so much
    To be thankful for

After singing the chorus, the song allowed us to participate by identifying those things for which we give thanks.  We have our... (someone would identify a blessing)...to be thankful for.   Words like family, health, homes, church, country, etc., would be added to the song and then we'd come back around the chorus and declare again, we have so much to be thankful for. 

I remember the singing of this song was a lot of fun, but I also remember the looks of joy on the faces of our people as we recognized and gave thanks for the incredible blessings we have received from our heavenly Father; as we reminded ourselves that every blessing comes from above, from the hand of our good and gracious God.

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.  (John 1:26)

David recognized this truth when he said of God, "Everything comes from you...it comes from your hand, and it all belongs to you." (1 Chronicles 29:14, 16)

When we pause and reflect on all the blessings we have received we above all the peoples of earth ought to be filled with gratitude and praise.  But, we live in a culture where the sounds of gratitude are often drowned out by the sounds of dissatisfaction, discontentment and complaint.  A sense of entitlement often causes us to lose sight of the reality that we are a much blessed people. 

As we come to Thanksgiving Day, we have been given the gift of a national holiday to remind us we have so much, so much, so much, so much to be thankful for!  The Psalmist exhorts us, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good". (Psalm 107:1)

During our current teaching series, His Story, Our Story I have encouraged you to be "Counting Your Blessings".  Each week you have been asked to list at least five blessings and to rehearse them back to God in prayers of adoration and thanksgiving.  As we recognize we do indeed have so much, so much, so much, so much to be thankful for, our lists should be filled to overflowing with the numerous blessings we have received.  It is often the act of remembering, reflecting and recording such blessings that leads us to express our wonder and gratitude for all we been given and to be conduits of these blessings; giving to bless others.   David asked, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously?"  (1 Chronicles 29:14)

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I want to encourage you to express your humble gratitude to God in worship and adoration and to seek in a tangible way to bless someone in your sphere of influence.  We have so many opportunities to do good and encourage others.  May you be such a blessing as you give thanks and respond to our God, who has been so very good to us!

What a good God You've been to me
    Your goodness and your grace every day I see
What else can I do but give my deepest thanks to You
    What a good God You've been to me

Now, our God we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.  (1 Chronicles 29:13)

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    Author

    Ken Clarke has been the Pastor at Valley since 2007. He lives in the Oliver area 
    with his wife Janice ; they have three adult children, Lisa, Scott & Tiffany (Riley) and Andrea & Jason.

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