GPS-The 12 Days of Thanksgiving

23 / Sunday Read James 1:17

Overview: James 1:17 says that all good and perfect gifts come from God, so it’s appropriate to count our blessings and give God thanks. The “12 Days of Thanksgiving” song is a good way to remember to do this. Never heard of it? That’s because it’s brand new.

24 / Mon – Gifts delivered daily  |  Read James 1:16-17

Isn’t it great that we have a day each year to celebrate all that we are thankful for? What is on your list this season? God’s gifts come in all shapes and sizes. They can come directly to you from Him or He may use others to deliver them through their words or actions. This week, be watching so you won’t miss any of the wonderful things God has in store for you. He pours out His blessings daily. What blessing has He given you most recently?

25 / Tue – Gift of life  |  Read Psalm 100:3-5 / Psalm 139:13-18

Have you ever thanked God for making you? He puts breath in your lungs, a beating heart in your chest, and a brain that works. You have the ability to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. God has given you skills and aptitudes that uniquely fit the plans He has for you. He is accomplishing amazing things in you and through you, even now. And yes, even despite your imperfections. Why not pause in this moment to thank Him for bringing you into existence? You are a treasure!

26 / Wed – Gift of God’s word  |  Read 2 Tim 3:16 / Heb 4:12 / Ps 119:130 / Ps 119:105

Next to salvation, one of God’s most precious gifts is His written words in the Bible. It is quite a miracle when you think of how God has been able (because He is God) to preserve and protect His word. The Lord can speak directly to your heart or touch your soul or move in your spirit, but words, His written words, will be the anchor when thoughts and feelings fluctuate. The Word of God is powerful and changes lives. How is it changing yours?

27 / Thu – Thanksgiving Day  |  Read Ps 106:1-2 / Ps 107:1-2 / Ps 118:1-4 / Ps 136:1-26

This is the day many families gather to celebrate and give thanks. There’s usually good food and fun and maybe a football game or two. But it is important not to forget the origins of this holiday and how its roots go back to the Old Testament and the Psalms, when God’s people gave thanks to God first. According to the verses above, what was the foundation of their gratitude? How might this apply to you today?

28 / Fri – A daily gift to others  |  Read Matthew 25:40

Gratitude is a wonderful personal quality. For some folks, it comes naturally. For others, it has to be cultivated. How about setting a goal to express your thanks to someone else at least once a day for the next 33 days (the remainder of 2025)? Put it at the top of your daily to-do list or add a reminder on your phone. Then watch for opportunities. In the evening, think of at least one thing God did for you that day and thank Him. What a great way to finish off the year!

29 / Sat – Really?! Why? And how?  |  Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 / Hebrews 13:15-16

Sometimes it is easy to be grateful…but not always. Does God really command our gratitude at all times and in every circumstance? How is it even possible? Only with His help. There are times you have to grit your teeth and obey. Especially when you can’t see anything good in a bad situation. You do it even when you don’t feel like it. That’s why it’s called a sacrifice of praise. You choose to give thanks, not for it, but in the middle of it. Because God is good. Because He loves you. Because nothing bad lasts forever. Because God is working everything out for your good. So, just do it.