I love the traditional songs of Thanksgiving and am sharing some with you today. It matters not whether you celebrate Thanksgiving Day where you live, what matters is the heart of the worshipper who hastens to make known God's manifest blessings to all who will hear! Take the time to read the words penned by Frederick W. Farber centuries ago and join in the chorus proclaiming your faith in this hymn of thankfulness . . .

Faith of Our Fathers
Lyrics Frederick W. Farber, 1814-1863
Music: Henry F. Hemy, 1818-1888

Faith of our fathers! Living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
When e'er we hear that glorious Word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers! We will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then be truly free.
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers! We will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

I hope you carefully read those words carefully as they can be a competent tool by which we judge our own faith.

Do our hearts truly "beat high with joy whenever we hear that glorious Word?"

Can we truly say "we will strive to win all nations unto thee?"

Will we make a commitment to "love both friend and foe in all our strife" and to "preach thee, too, as love knows how by kindly words and virtuous life?"

Are we committed to "be true to thee till death?"

Spend some time to consider the faith of those we passed before us while examining our own evidences of faith. Then, show your thankfulness to God for all He has done and every blessing He has given—His provision is abundant even when we lose sight of it.

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

Father, I am so grateful to You for life, for breath, and for the ability to live for You. I'm thankful for Your great salvation, for Your provision, for Your healing touch, for Your redemption, for Your grace, Your mercy, Your compassion, and Your love! There are no words to convey my heart as it swells with overwhelming praise because of Who You are, not just because of What You have done! I love You, Lord, and I offer You my heartfelt praise as I celebrate Your goodness in my "thanksgiving!" In Jesus' name, amen and amen.

© Jan Ross
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