I heard a story that happened long ago—so long ago I really don’t know if it is true. The story goes something like this: A devout king had a royal court. He was disturbed by the court’s ingratitude to God. So the king prepared a great banquet for his court. When all the invited guests were seated, a beggar (pre-arranged by the king) came into the hall, sat down at the king’s table, and began to have his fill of the food reserved for the king’s guests. Then, without saying a word, got up and left. The guests were infuriated with the beggar’s disrespect for the king. They asked the king for permission to seize the tramp and tear him limb for limb for his ingratitude.
The king replied, “The beggar has done only one time to an earthly king what each of you does three times each day to the heavenly King. You sit there at the table and eat until you are satisfied. Then you walk away without recognizing God, or expressing one word of thanks to Him.”
The story kind of makes you think—I know it did me—how much we take or use things and people without much appreciation (clothes, shoes; meat, drink; house, home; spouse, kids; … and all I have).
A pastor friend of mine would make the rounds to various youth events and have the youth respond to the phrase “God is good, all the time” with “All the time, God is good.” Some of you may have heard this phrase. My pastor friend used it as a reminder that, even when things seem to be unbearable or when we are at our wit’s end and don’t know if we can take another setback, God is in control and “God is good …” (well, you get the message). A simple reminder of God’s graciousness and providence—rejoice always and give thanks for the marvelous things He has done.
Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. His mercy endures forever! He has given Jesus Christ, His Son—for you!!!
Give thanks, give thanks.
Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family.
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