Give Thanks

In the month of November, we are in a time of year set aside for giving thanks. Certain things that I give thanks for include my family and friends, a home, health, food on the table and of course, our congregation.

You may have noticed, or at least I hope you did, that I didn’t mention God in this list. But not because He’s not worthy of my thanks…it was just to make a point. Have you ever noticed that when you ask peoplewhat they are thankful for, they will often reply just as I did with the items that are foremost on their mind? In our busy and often privileged world, with so many things to think about and surrounded by so many material gifts, we often put God in a place He doesn’t belong; at the bottom of the list or not mentioned at all. We are grateful for all the “things” in our life, but are we grateful for the “thing-Giver” Himself; His character, faithfulness and presence in our lives?

I’d like to share with you some of the beautiful scripture we have been given by our loving God in Christ Jesus.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107

“O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!… Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles.

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians.

Thanksgiving Day is a time to reflect and be thankful for all that God has given us. It originated with what we now refer to as the First Thanksgiving when the pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated a harvest festival in 1621. Then in 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, President Lincoln declared it a national holiday. Although most of us think as Thanksgiving Day to be an American holiday, other countries celebrate similar holidays and feasts including India, China, Germany, Canada, Nigeria and others.

For what are you thankful? How have you been blessed by the Lord?
I challenge myself, and all of you, to remember to give thanks not only for the blessings God has bestowed upon you and your family, but for God Himself.
I hope and pray that God, along with His word of truth, will always be at the forefront of your list of what you are thankful for. And not only one day each year, but let’s celebrate the greatness of our God with thanks every day!

 

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15.

In Jesus Name,
Pastor Scott