For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38 (NET)

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. (Romans 8:38 MSG)

Devotion:

I love Thanksgiving. It’s without a doubt my favorite holiday. The air is usually cool and crisp, and beautiful fall colors are all around. I’ve always felt like Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that isn’t so commercialized and seems more simple. The focus is all on gratefulness for God’s provision in our lives. 

One of my favorite memories surrounding every Thanksgiving is the way Mom and Dad always find a way to make sure every person fits around one table. There’s no kids and adults table, there is one table and everyone has a seat. Let’s just say the table has grown over the years as my brother and I married and had children of our own. Actually, our parents expanded their small dining area to make a larger area for a really long table. There is just something special about every single person having a seat at the table. 

This year, as I’m reflecting on what I’m most thankful for, I’m just so incredibly grateful to have a seat at the table. Yes, the family Thanksgiving table, but what I’m referring to most of all is my Savior’s table. I am so in awe at what he has done for me, someone who had made an absolute mess of her life. 

I was so very lost in sin, guilt, and shame, yet he included me. I just can’t get over his unconditional love and how that has changed everything for me. If it were up to what I had earned or done, there’s no way I would deserve to have a seat at any table, much less his table. But yet, my Savior stooped down and picked me up out of the mess, and due to his neverending, unconditional love, placed me at his table. Occasionally, Pastor Marty will just take a pause in his message and tell us all how much we are loved by God or say, “I hope you know how much he loves you.” 

I well up with tears every time I hear him say it. Let me take that pause right now. 

Do you know how much you are loved? Do you know that you are never, ever excluded? Do you know that in him you are always enough and you don’t have to carry guilt and shame anymore? He took that guilt and shame to the cross for me and he took it for you. Would you please stop now and consider how much he loves you? Do you know you always have a seat at his table? Will you please understand that it doesn’t matter where you are in your life right now or what you’ve done in your past? His unconditional love is absolutely for you, no matter who you are, whatever your past, or where you’ve been. His unconditional love is what I’m so grateful for this Thanksgiving and if you haven’t experienced it, please, don’t wait any longer. 

You have a seat at the table. 

PRAYER

Dear Loving, Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so unconditionally that there’s nothing that can separate us from your love. Help us understand and accept your love, so we may share it with all those we come into contact with. Thank you for giving us a seat at your table. We are incredibly in awe of and so grateful for your love. 

Melissa Wilson

Connection Support Manager

Melissa Wilson is Connections Support Manager at Crossings Community Church. Her goal is to seek to add value to people every day so they may come to understand their value in God’s eyes.

Resources: 

• The Apprentice Series
• The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith
• Worship Song: “How Far” by Tasha Layton 

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