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Friday, 29 November 2019
Thanksgiving ... and building!

Happy Thanksgiving! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for forever is His lovingkindness/mercy. Over 70 times the Bible says to give thanks. So what should we do on Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is more than turkey with the trimmings. It's a way into the presence of the Holy One. It's good (tov) to appreciate what He has done for us, because of His loving-kindness (chesed). Psalm 75:1, "We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds." Psalm 107:8-9, "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Again and again, King David urges us give thanks to God for His wonderful deeds - both long ago and lately.

What wonderful things God has done for you and me! He created us in an amazing universe. Thank you God, "for we live and move and have our being" in You! We are fearfully and wonderfully made - for You made us! Moreover, You gave us good covenants and promises, which you are faithful to keep. Todah rabbah (thanks much)! Can you think of promises God has made and kept? How about the promise to Abraham to give Him many descendants—both physical and spiritual? Hodu L’Adonai kee tov! How about the promise to the children of Israel to bring them into the Promised Land? Todah rabbah! How about the promises to bring them back to their own land? Kee l’olam chasdo! How about the promise to send a Redeemer - Messiah Son of David - to Israel and to all who trust in His Name. Todah rabbah!

Then we can give thanks for the good things He has done lately. He let me and my lovely wife go on a wonderful trip to Florida and the Bahamas with many friends, all expenses paid. Thank you, Lord! Ever since I got back, I've been sleeping well in my own bed. Todah rabbah! Hey, I’m on a roll and I’m feeling good! Psychological studies link gratitude with increased satisfaction, motivation and energy; better sleep and health; reduced stress and sadness. Do you want some of that?

Join me in giving thanks for much progress on our building project: the bank issued our Letter of Credit, our plans have been officially recorded, our architectural plansfor the Ministry House are revised, our building permit application is ready, after the Township finishes their roof (takes about a month) and we close with the bank, we could actually get started (Lord willing, pray)! Plus: the PPL logger will begin taking down trees in front of our lot. Yep! Just got the call from the logger this morning. Saws are going to buzz at 1111 Grange Road on Monday morning! After the logger is done I expect PPL will move the poles and set up the new power lines - all at no cost to Beit Simcha!

Hodu l'Adonai kee tov!

Is God looking for a house made of animal hides or wood or stone or steel? No really. God wants a house made of living stones, who filled with praise and love. For more on this theme, check out sermons (on our website) and look for a message called "God's House" — it's the third one.

This coming Shabbat my message will be based on a powerful word that David Harwood gave at the Tikkun America Institute this past Sunday about "Heaven's Warlord!" The One on the throne, Adonai Tzva'ot - the Lord of Hosts, heaven's armies - is attentive to our prayers.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

Glenn David Blank, Messianic Rabbi

Posted By Rabbi Glenn Blank, 11:00am Comment Comments: 0