Choosing Gratitude Day 26

Day 26

Ezra 3:8–13

On October 3, 1863, at the height of 

the Civil War, President Abraham 

Lincoln issued a Proclamation of 

Thanksgiving, calling the nation to 

observe a “day of Thanksgiving and 

Praise.” This proclamation eventually 

led to the establishing of our national 

day of Thanksgiving.

The document began by listing multiple 

blessings the nation had experienced 

through the course of the year, even in 

the midst of a severe conflict. It called 

the American people to recognize the 

Source of those blessings and to 

respond collectively to the Giver in 

gratitude, repentance, and intercession.

Today, try crafting your own 

declaration of thanksgiving. Use some 

of the insights the Lord has been 

growing in you these last few weeks. 

Incorporate some of the Scriptures that 

have particularly touched you. And 

dedicate your life to what these words 

of yours are saying.

Then share what you’ve written with 

your family or a close friend. Be an 

igniter of gratitude by encouraging 

those you love and care about to 

cultivate a thankful heart.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.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. Col. 3:15-17

I'm still writing my declaration of thanksgiving, but wanted to share the above verses. We are to find joy and be thankful in everything. I don't know about you, but I have MUCH to be thankful for!!

Now it's your turn to write your declaration of thanksgiving. What are some particular verses that help you?

For His Glory,