Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that we all observe.  Yet, many times we overlook the true meaning of Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is more than turkey, football, and a family dinner.  The giving of thanks should be a daily part of our lives as Christians and individuals in this world.  All people of the earth have been benefited by the Lord’s favor.  Therefore, we should daily express our joy and thanks unto God for all his act of kindness to the children of men.

Thanksgiving Should Be Timeless!  The apostle Paul commanded, “Giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father” (Ephesians 5:20 ASV).  “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ASV).  These passages teach the fact that we all should be thankful each day to God for all the wonderful blessings we receive daily.  Our thanksgiving should be heartfelt and sincere.  Our God owes you nothing.  Therefore, we should accept God’s blessing gratefully.

For what should we be thankful?  First of all, we should be thankful to God for our material blessings.  God has blessed America above measure.  We are blessed with the privilege of living in the wealthiest nation in all of history.  We all sit at our tables full of plenty with our cups running over.  Do we realize where our blessings come from?  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17 ASV).

We should be thankful to God for our spiritual blessings.  God has provided for man’s spiritual needs in Jesus Christ. 

1) God gave mankind a great gift in Jesus Christ his Son to die for the sins of mankind.

2) God gave mankind perfect direction for our lives by his divine word – the Bible.

3) God made it possible for mankind to be adopted into his family and we as his children have

     his constant concern for our welfare.

4) As God’s children we have the privilege of prayer to the creator of the universe.

5) As God’s children we also have the hope of an eternal home in heaven, following our life upon this earth.

These are just a few of the blessings that Christians enjoy in Christ.

We should pause this Thanksgiving day and express our gratitude to our families.  Thanksgiving should be expressed to those nearest and dearest to us.  Words of sincere appreciation between family members will do wonders for the family relationship.  Thanksgiving should be audible.  Don’t assume that people know you are grateful for favors received. 

What is the result of the giving of thanks?  God will continue to bless you.  God will never leave or forsake those who faithfully serve and honor him. “Offer unto God the sacrifice of thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee” (Psalms 50:14-15 ASV).  Let us all pause this Thanksgiving Day and remember where our blessings originate.