Thanksgiving comes at the heart of a life lived for Christ.
What does God want us to know about thanksgiving?
First, all of life is a gift of God. His mercies, compassions, and blessings are new every morning. As His blessings are new every morning, we should give thanks each day for the simple joys of life.
Second, thanksgiving should be part of the regular pattern of our lives. Paul demonstrated thanksgiving and demanded it of the members of the body of Christ. To the church at Colossae, he repeatedly encouraged the church to be thankful. Notice the emphasis in Colossians 3:15-17: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
The follower of Christ should be marked by peace, worship, and thanksgiving. This should be a regular part of life. It certainly should not be limited to one time of the year.
Third, thanksgiving should be in all things. Paul words to the body of believers in Thessalonica were to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.” Paul knew these virtues and practices to be God’s will for the believer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).
How can you be thankful in all things? Like most everything else in the life of a believer, we must determine ahead of time to give thanks in spite of the circumstances of life. Life will be filled with difficulties and trouble. We must ask God to help us to be thankful in every circumstance. As we ask the Father, He will graciously give us all things. The very act of thanksgiving will help us in the midst of trouble. A thankful heart will help produce a heart of joy and peace.
May God bless you today as you spend time with family and friends or simply with Him. May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.
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2 Responses
Happy Thanksgiving.
As I have watched the savings and investments of generations be pillaged because of one ego, I am thankful. As I have watched the deterioration of historical artifacts, markers of God’s intervention, I am thankful. As I have watched the stories of many who lived for Christ securing the blessings of our liberty fade, I am thankful.
As I watch the years and strength slip by and wither, I am thankful.
What has been built has been built by the Lord. What has been set aside for a reminder for His People was set aside by the Lord. The stories of Life, Trust, Hope, Faith, Perseverance were woven by the Lord. The years and strength were provided by the Lord. We live but for a season. The harvest is white. That which provided life, sustained life, multiplied life is nothing without the Lord.
May He who is able to turn a single heart, hold back the sun and the waters, modify the laws of physics and molecular biology for a season usher in His Season of Revival in knowing and showing His Thanksgiving offering for His People on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.
Blessings.
Thank You Lord Jesus for Your Love that exceeds everything I can understand! Thank You for Your Church and our local Church Family! Thank You for Waylon and Martha, all of our pastors and their families! Thank You for this and every day!