Giving Thanks

Is it that time of year again? It seems like we just did this only a couple of months ago! The season for thanks and for giving is upon us once again. A time when we count our blessings and share with others. It’s a time of the year when, if you’re like me, we reminisce of times past and the way things used to be. The further back in time we go the more comfortable life seemed to be for us and there’s a longing for “the good old days” in our heart. We think on family and of Thanksgivings past, celebrated in fanfare far different than any other family gathering of the year. It didn’t matter if the family was rich or poor, with just a little effort and ambition some sort of special celebration was put together for this day of thanks. I pray your family enjoys a great day together.
Can you remember when it took the TV five minutes to warm up; nobody had a purebred or “designer” dog; when a quarter was a decent allowance; all your male teachers wore a necktie and the female teachers wore high heels and a dress; and laundry detergents had free glasses and dishes hidden inside their box? Do you remember when gasoline was 19¢ a gallon? Included in the price you would get your windshield cleaned, oil checked and gas pumped, every time, without asking. You didn’t have to pay for air or water, and you got trading stamps! Do you remember Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Doody, The Lone Ranger, Nellie Bell, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk? Can you remember when being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you when you got home? Well, longing for the good old days or not, I doubt any one of us would want to return any time soon, with the exception of longing for the gasoline prices. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for.[1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18] On November 23rd Americans will once again celebrate a national day of thanksgiving. It’s a day that’s been set aside to give thanks unto God for our great heritage and the many blessings He bestows upon us. For many, Thanksgiving has simply become a day off from work. It’s a time to overeat, enjoy parades and ball games, and visit friends and relatives. However, for the child of God, every day is truly Thanksgiving Day. In the scripture passage Paul admonished, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks”. So, what should the child of God give thanks for? GIVE THANKS FOR: God’s goodness and mercy (1 Chronicles 16:34); God’s holiness (Psalm 30:4); God’s creation (Psalm 75:1); God’s deeds (Psalm 105:1); God’s righteous judgment (Psalm 119:62); our food (Matthew 15:36); the body and blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28); the victory found in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57); the care and compassion of others (2 Corinthians 8:16); God’s unspeakable gift – Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 9:15); our brethren (Ephesians 1: 16); all things (Ephesians 5:20); the church (Colossians 1:12-13); all men (1 Timothy 2:1); civil authorities (1 Timothy 2:2); the hope of heaven (Revelation 11:16-17). Paul concluded “…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” [Matthew 6:25-34] Jesus teaches we are not to be anxious for the things we don’t have, but to seek the kingdom of heaven and all we need will be supplied. Winston Churchill said, “People occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off like nothing happened.” Stumbling over the truth of God’s Word, is worth your thanks, and praise.