Beyond Thanksgiving’s Dinner ~

Lord, give me gratitude,
sustaining and stable
not just for the yummy food
on today’s Thanksgiving table.

Let me give my thanks,
for all of Your blessings
not just for the yams
and corn bread dressing.

Let me be thankful,
to You for all things
not just for my favorite
crispy turkey wings.

Let me be grateful,
for all You have given
not just for the silver
and fancy table linen.

Lord, let me be appreciative,
for the bounty on my plate
not just for tonight’s dinner
but for each new one I’ll create!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 106:1

“Praise ye the Lord.
O give thanks unto the Lord;
for he is good:
for his mercy endureth
for ever.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

~ Happy Thanksgiving ~

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The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving ~

The sacrifice of Thanksgiving,
was made once and for all
it was always in God’s plans . . .
ever since mankind took a fall.

The offering of God’s peace,
came to us through His Son
as Jesus sacrificed His life . . .
for each and every one.

To have a thankful heart,
one must be with God united
in His ways and to His truths
one must be joyfully delighted.

To give thanks to God always,
and for all things . . . .
only comes when we accept
the gift that salvation brings.

For the good and the bad,
will only work together
when to God’s love and will
our lives we totally surrender.

The sacrifice of Thanksgiving,
came when God’s mercy sent
to the world a Savior . . .
now it’s up to us to repent!

~~~~~~~

Leviticus 7:12

“If he offer it for a thanksgiving,
then he shall offer with the sacrifice
of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled
with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed
with oil, and cakes mingled with oil,
of fine flour, fried.”

Luke 22:17-20

“And he took the cup,
and gave thanks, and said,
Take this, and divide it
among yourselves:

For I say unto you
I will not drink of the
fruit of the vine,
until the kingdom
of God shall come.

And he took bread,
and gave thanks,
and brake it,
and gave unto them,
saying, This is my body
which is given for you:
this do in remembrance of me.

Likewise also
the cup after supper,
saying, This cup is
the new testament
in my blood, which is
shed for you.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Grow Your Gratitude ~

Grow your gratitude,
it will increase your praise
then what comes your way
you will not be phased.

For God wants us to be,
for all things grateful
and then our praise to Him
will become a daily staple.

Grow your thankfulness,
it won’t disappoint you
then whatever God sends
you’ll be able to get through.

For God desires of us,
our earnest of devotions
not just the kind we give
when going through the motions.

Grow your thanksgiving,
gratefulness you will raise
so no matter what life brings
you’ll still offer God your praise!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 103:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Thank You Heavenly Father ~

Thank you Father,
for being there
for making me
to You aware.

Thank you Father,
for being kind
for allowing me
Your love to find.

Thank you Father,
for hearing my plea
for showing mercy
to a sinner like me.

Thank you Father,
for sending Your Son
for His grace to finish
what You begun.

Thank you Father,
for all You do . . .
thank You my heart
You choose to pursue!

~~~~~~~

Ephesians 1:4

“According as he hath chosen us
in him before the foundation of
the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Satisfied ~

Today I don’t need,
a feast on my table
for God’s goodness
is my everyday staple.

For, I am content,
sated and satisfied
as God’s lovingkindness
leaves me gratified.

Today I don’t desire,
a big turkey feed
for God’s generosity
is all that I need.

For, I am blessed,
pleased and satisfied
now that in Jesus
I have been sanctified.

Today I don’t need,
to consume or to eat
for, my hunger and thirst
in Jesus are complete!

~~~~~~~~

John 6:35

“And Jesus said unto them,
I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall
never hunger;
and he that believeth on me
shall never thirst.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Have A Blessed
Thanksgiving Day

Rejoicing Always ~

It’s hard to be rejoicing,
when things aren’t going right
it hard to give God thanks . . .
with so many battles to fight.

It’s hard to see God’s hand,
in the middle of the pain
it hard to be grateful
when all your joy is drained.

But we who have Jesus,
living inside of us
know how important it is
in Him to always trust.

For, to always be rejoicing,
takes prayer continually
and then our thanks to God
will come unceasingly.

It’s hard to be rejoicing,
with all that life brings . . .
but, we know it’s God will
to be thankful for all things!

~~~~~~~~

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you.”

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Always Something To Be Thankful For ~

There is always something,
to be thankful for
all you have to do . . .
is be willing to explore.

If you will open up,
your heart and your mind
all kinds of blessings
you will be able to find.

Some are so small,
they don’t get our attention
but, for each of them
God has a good intention.

Some are so obvious,
you don’t need to search far
for everyone can see them
from right where they are.

Whether our blessings
are big or if they are small
we need to be thankful . . .
to God who supplies them all.

Yes, there’s always something,
for us to be thankful for
and we need to be grateful
when God sends us more!

~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always
for all things
unto God and the Father
in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Make a Joyful Noise ~

Come all my friends,
come one and all . . .
let’s gather together
and let our praise fall.

Let’s make a noise,
to God that’s joyful
let’s sing why we are
thankful and hopeful.

Let’s loudly proclaim,
our love for Him
let’s tell why our cups
overflow from the brim

Let’s sing of our salvation,
the Rock of our strength
lets not keep our elation
from others at arms-length.

Come all my friends,
let us all assemble
so to the world . . .
Jesus we may resemble!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:19

“Speaking to yourselves
in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs,
singing and making
melody in your heart
to the Lord;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

A Thankful, Grateful Heart ~

Lord, give me a thankful heart,
one that is appreciative
one that to all Your blessings
is attuned and sensitive.

Let it be a heart,
that sings its daily praise
let it be my heartfelt gratitude
that to You I earnestly raise.

Let me have a heart,
truly thankful for all things
no matter what in my life
You should choose to bring

Let my heart flow with,
the rivers of Your peace
so my appreciation to You
I may continually release.

Lord, give me a thankful heart,
one that is steadily hopeful
let it be the heart of one . . .
who is to You truly grateful!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Chronicles 16:34

” O give thanks unto the Lord;
for he is good; for his mercy
endureth for ever.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

One Blessed, Single Plateful ~

On Thanksgiving day this year,
before the turkey starts roasting
my thanks, I will be singing
for the dinner I’ll be hosting.

I will set the dining table,
with the gratitude I feel
before anyone comes
to feast upon the meal.

I will spread the hope,
that I’m feeling inside
before I even serve . . .
the food that God supplied.

I will polish up on all,
the reasons I’m thankful
before I even dish up
one blessed, single plateful.

On Thanksgiving day this year,
before the food I present
I will let everyone know . . .
just why I am so content!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Timothy 6:8

“And having food and raiment
let us be therewith content.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Thankful In Every Season ~

You don’t need a season,
to be thankful . . .
every day of the year
you can be grateful.

You can all year-long,
bless God with your praise
your gratitude to Him
you can daily raise.

It doesn’t have to be,
just on Thanksgiving day
your gratitude to God
you can always display.

You can sing anytime,
to Him your appreciation
it does not have to be . . .
a holiday celebration.

Whether you are rich,
or if you may be poor
for and in everything
let your thanksgivings pour.

You can be thankful,
every day of the year
for your gratefulness . . .
God always wants to hear!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 68:19

“Blessed be the Lord,
who daily loadeth us
with benefits,
even the God of
our salvation. Selah.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

I Thank God ~

I thank God,
for all He’s done
for the gift
of His Son.

I thank God,
for what He will do
for His mercy
making all things new.

I thank God,
for what’s to come
for the hope
of His Kingdom.

I thank God,
for His peace
for the day
evil will cease.

I thank God,
for each day
for the Truth
the Life and Way!

~~~~

Psalm 107:1

“O give thanks unto the Lord,
for he is good: for his mercy
endureth for ever.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Thankful For the Right Reasons ~

Lord, as I enter into,
the season of Thanksgiving
may I do so without . . .
any qualms or misgivings.

May I be grateful,
for all You’ve given me
especially for the things
I am still yet to see.

May I be satisfied,
with all I have got
may I be content
with what I have not.

May I be appreciative,
for Your every blessing
may I be at peace with . . .
those I’ll not be getting.

Lord, as I enter into,
Thanksgiving’s season
may I be truly thankful
for all the right reasons!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always
for all things unto
God and the Father
in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

The Voice of Thanksgiving ~

May the voice of thanksgiving,
be heard joyfully today . . .
may words of gratefulness
be sung heartily as we pray.

May our heartfelt thoughts,
offer God His due praise
may we be grateful
as our thanks to Him we raise.

May the voice of gratitude,
be heard loud and clear
may our humble thanks
be detected by every ear.

May our praise be sung,
at our dinner table today
may our thanks transcend
beyond Thanksgiving Day.

May the voice of thanksgiving,
be our joyful noise today . . .
may our words of gratitude
be heard by God everyday!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 66:1

“Make a joyful noise unto God,
all ye lands:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

~ Have a very Blessed Thanksgiving ~

Give A Joyful Shout ~

May you give a joyful shout,
on this Thanksgiving Day
may your elation be seen
as you go about your way.

May gladness fill your heart,
for all God has given
may you remind yourself
just why you are forgiven.

May your thankfulness flow,
in a chorus of gratitude
may the joy of your salvation
reflect in your attitude.

May your praise be heard,
across Thanksgiving’s table
may you proclaim to all
God supplies our every staple.

May you give a joyful shout,
one filled with gratefulness
may you give God due thanks
for His loving graciousness!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 32.11

“Be glad in the Lord,
and rejoice, ye righteous:
and shout for joy,
all ye that are upright
in heart.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Grateful Every Day ~

We don’t need a special day,
to show we are thankful
for every day to God . . .
we need to be grateful.

We can come together,
any day of the year
and share the cause behind
our joy and good cheer.

We can give our thanks,
no matter the season
a special holiday
needn’t be our only reason.

We can enter into,
the gates of thanksgiving
anytime, anywhere
without a single misgiving.

For, God doesn’t care,
when or how we show
our thankfulness to Him
He just wants to know!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 100:4

“Enter into his gates
with thanksgiving,
and into his courts
with praise:
be thankful unto him,
and bless his name.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

The Bread, Way, Truth and Life ~

As we gather,
on Thanksgiving Day
lets not make light
when our thanks we pray.

We need to be,
genuinely grateful
for all things
we must be truly thankful.

We need to express,
our thanksgiving
with praise and joy
sans any misgiving.

We need to thank,
our Father above
for sending His Son
out His pure love.

We need to express,
our joy and elation
for the freedoms
of our salvation.

We need to convey,
to God each day
our thanks for the Bread
the Truth, Life and Way!

~~~~~~~

John 6:35

“And Jesus said unto them,
I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall
never hunger; and he that
believeth on me shall
never thirst.”

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth,
and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Beyond Thanksgiving Day ~

Thanksgiving is more,
than food and football
it goes way beyond . . .
turkey on the table.

Thanksgiving isn’t about,
just one meal we share
it goes way further . . .
then a dinner prayer.

Thanksgiving is about,
each day of the year
making sure our praise
God is able to hear.

Thanksgiving isn’t about,
a single day with family
it goes way past . . .
our sated apathy.

Thanksgiving is about,
being thankful for all things
no matter what in this life . . .
to your table that it brings!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 4:6

“Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer
and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests
be made known unto God.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Tis The Season For Thankfulness ~

Tis the season . . . .
for inward reflections
a time to share
outward expressions.

A time to be,
for all things thankful
a time to convey to God
just why we’re grateful.

Tis the season . . .
for inner thoughtfulness
a time to thank God
for His kindheartedness.

A time to see,
how much we’re blessed,
a time for our gratitude
to be openly professed.

Tis the season . . .
for thankful contemplation
a time to say Thank You God
whatever our situation!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 95:2

“Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving,
and make a joyful noise
unto him with psalms.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

O, Taste and See ~

I’ve tasted the goodness,
from God’s banquet table
I’ve feasted on His Word
and now its a daily staple.

I’ve supped on the truth,
with my Lord and Savior
and now His Life and Way
I’ve come to daily savor.

I’ve been to the buffet,
of God’s benevolence
and now I understand
the meaning of excellence.

I’ve dined with my Redeemer,
my healing, Comforter
and now I know who is
my daily bread Provider.

I’m blessed beyond measure,
and I’m loving the fullness
now that I have tasted God
I’m filled with all His goodness!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 34:8

“O taste and see
that the Lord is good:
blessed is the man
that trusteth in him.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Thanksgiving Dinner ~

Every year at this same time,
we sit at our dining tables . . .
feasting upon what has become
Thanksgiving Day staples.

We gobble down the turkey,
mashed potatoes and candy yams
then we sit back and disclaim . . .
I can’t believe how full I am.

But, this year I am not serving,
the traditional Thanksgiving fare
instead a healthy fruit salad . . .
is all I’m planning to share.

I’m going take some gentleness,
stuff it full of God’s love
along side of it will be the peace
that comes only from above.

I’ll pile high on each plate,
some joy and some goodness
right next to them I will place
some faith and some meekness.

I’ll top it off with patience,
and for the piece of resistance
I’ll pray for those whom I serve. . .
to have a lot of temperance!

~~~~~~~~~

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
 joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance:
 against such there is no law.

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

~ Have a Joyous Thanksgiving ~

Thanksgiving Verses

Psalm 26:7

That I may publish with the voice
of thanksgiving,  and tell of all
thy wondrous works.

Psalm 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving;
and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God
with a song, and will magnify
him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2

Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving, and make a joyful
noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices
of thanksgiving, and declare his
works with rejoicing.

Psalm 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice
of thanksgiving, and will call
upon the name of the Lord.

Psalm 147:7

Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving;
sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

Isaiah 51:3

For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort
all her waste places; and he will make her
wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the
garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall
be found therein, thanksgiving,
and the voice of melody.

Jeremiah 30:19

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving
and the voice of them that make merry:
and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few;
I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

Amos 4:5

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven,
and proclaim and publish the free offerings:
for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel,
saith the Lord God.

Jonah 2:9

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice
of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have
vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:15

For all things are for your sakes,
that the abundant grace might through
the thanksgiving of many redound
to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing
to all bountifulness, which causeth
hrough us thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12

For the administration of this service
not only supplieth the want of the
saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God;

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto God.

Colossians 2:7

Rooted and built up in him,
and stablished in the faith, as
ye have been taught, abounding
therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in
the same with thanksgiving;

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, and commanding
to abstain from meats, which God hath
created to be received with thanksgiving
of them which believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God is good,
and nothing to be refused,
if it be received with thanksgiving:

Revelation 7:12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory,
and wisdom, and thanksgiving,
and honour, and power, and might,
be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

King James Version
by public domain

Thanksgiving Verses

~ Thank You Jesus ~

Thanksgiving Day Prayer 2015 ~

The world’s full of chaos,
of it, man’s made a mess
nonetheless, I do pray . . .
on it, God will truly bless.

So my Thanksgiving prayer,
this year is going to be . . .
for every soul to let Jesus
from their sins set them free.

Free from all the wickedness,
the hatred and dissension
free from the fits of rage
the discord and faction.

Free from evil spirits,
idolatry and debauchery
free from sexual immorality
impurity and lechery.

Free from self-ambition,
jealousy and covetousness
free from self-indulgence
fornication and drunkenness.

The world’s full of chaos,
wickedness is everywhere . . .
and for the lost souls in it
I’ll say a Thanksgiving prayer!

~~~~~~~~~~

Galatians 5:19-21

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,
which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings,
and such like: of the which I tell you before,
as I have also told you in time past, that they
which do such things . . .
shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

Forget the Turkey ~

Forget about the turkey,
the dressing and the sides
forget about the pumpkin
pecan or chocolate pies.

Instead lift up your voice,
with shouts of joy and praise
to God your loving Father
let your thanksgiving raise.

Forget about the cleaning,
the flowers and table setting
forget about all the stuff . . .
over which you’re sweating.

Instead show the Lord,
your genuine gratitude
give your thanks to Jesus
for His gracious servitude.

Forget about the dinner,
and cooking that big bird . . .
instead let your song of praise
to God,  be forever heard!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 95:1-2

O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
 let us make a joyful noise to the
rock of our salvation.

 Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving, and make a joyful
 noise unto him with psalms.

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

Thanksgiving Day Prayer ~

Lord, this year bless my family,
not just with food on the table
give them a real good helping
of everything, that You are able.

Give to them daily provisions,
of hope, mercy and grace
supply them with the strength
for running the faithful race.

Give them eternal patience,
for all the ruts in the road
let them grasp the meaning
of You, taking up their load.

Give to them daily renewal,
of mind, heart and soul
fill them with the Holy Spirit
so their lives, You can control.

Lord, this year bless my family,
with more than food on the table
may seeking Your perfect will . . .
become, their lifelong staple!

~~~~~~~~

1 John 2:16-17

“For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride
of life, is not of the Father,
but is of the world.

And the world passeth away,
and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God
 abideth for ever.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!