Thanksgiving

I know quite a few of y'all got this in your news letter. But alot of our visitors wouldn't know of this, so I am posting it. This is also my sermon, on this coming Sunday.

Thanksgiving

For the Christian, Thanksgiving is not an annual holiday, it is a lifestyle. A spirit of thankfulness marks the person who truly loves Jesus Christ. Gratitude for His great sacrifice for us motivates our obedience, checks our sinfulness, and fans into flame our love and devotion unto the Lord.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, it is the second Monday in October. On this holiday, a Thanksgiving meal is prepared with all the trimmings; families gather together and talk, while others watch a game or a parade filled with pilgrims, Indians and other colonial figures. Some families may even have their own yearly Thanksgiving traditions.

What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Do you picture a time of thankfulness towards God-or is it merely one of eating, partying or watching football?

Sadly, the latter is what Thanksgiving has become to most. They have forgotten why the day was established. Its meaning has slowly deteriorated, and is now almost completely lost under a cloud of media hype, sales pitches, marketing tactics and blitz commercialism.

Although not directly mentioned in Scripture, Thanksgiving Day is a holiday specifically based on biblical principles and commands. It was to be a day to spend with family and friends, honoring and thanking God for the bountiful blessings He provides.

King David wrote in the Psalms, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms” 95:2 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” 100:4 And, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endures forever…Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” 107:1 & 8-9
The apostle Paul wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” Phil. 4:6 He also said, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Eph. 5:20.

To most nations, the concept of celebrating Thanksgiving Day is viewed as a holiday that is meaningful for North Americans, although certain other nations have similar harvest festivals.

However, the act of thanksgiving towards God should be done everywhere everyday by all Christians It is not just an American holiday, neither should it be limited to one day a year.

Before you and your family enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, or begin watching a parade or football game, be sure to take time to truly thank God in prayer and thought for the national wealth, power and prestige He has given this nation.

While there is still time, make sure that you and your family are not partaking in the nationwide, unthankful attitude. Be sure to give thanks to God in the same heartfelt, sincere manner that the pilgrims did on the first Thanksgiving in North America!

Resting in the hands, of the Lord.
Bob