On Veterans Day, we will be honoring our veterans as we do every year. We have many veterans who attend our church. We will honor and thank them on their special day for the sacrifices they made.

Let me urge you, when you see a veteran wearing their branch of service cap, to take time to thank them for their service. That means a lot to them. Because they served allows you the freedom to worship as you please, and for all the other freedoms we have as Americans. Don’t take those freedoms for granted.

It is also the time of year we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. As you know, it is a day about gratitude and thanks. We should remember, and not just on Thanksgiving, to thank God and Jesus for all they have done for each of us.

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President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War. In his speech, he said, “Thanksgiving day is to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious being, who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will ever be. May then we all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks.”

On this day, look inward at what you have, not outward at what you want. We should ask God for forgiveness for our sins, repent for our disobedience, and express gratitude for all He has given us. We should also thank Jesus for the sacrifice He made for all of us.

Staying humble and being grateful is very important. Keep gratitude at the forefront of everything you do. Ask yourself if you could be doing more by volunteering at church or in the community. God gave you gifts to share with others.

On Thanksgiving, we will spend time saying thank you for the food on our table and the people around us. Also, give thanks to God for our pastors and this special place called Sac River Cowboy Church.

Veterans Day is a time to say thanks to those who have served. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for God’s blessings. Every day should be a time to give thanks.