Thanksgiving From The Bible Pt. 10 Give Thanks By Witnessing, Worshiping and Walking With God

 

We are taking time studying the topic of "thanksgiving." Thanksgiving is more than a national holiday where everyone gathers to eat on Thursday, and then prepares to shop like maniacs on Black Friday. 

"Thanksgiving" from a Biblical perspective, is a holy day set apart by all the people of God, to give thanks to Him for His bountiful provision and providential care of us. 

Thanksgiving has a long history among the people of God. Several times each year, Israel was commanded to cease from work and come to Jerusalem for a feast and time of reflecting on God's goodness.

Thanksgiving is a notable element of Christian worship, where believers in Christ gather to give thanks to God for all the spiritual blessings He gave us in Christ.

Thanksgiving and blessing go together. 

Psalm 128:1-6  Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2)  For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3)  Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4)  Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. 5)  The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6)  Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel. 

Although the words "give thanks" or "thanksgiving" are not used in this text, the spirit of what God is teaching us is very clear. The word "blessed" refers to finding true happiness and joy in knowing the LORD and loving Him. 

A happy home is one where the family knows God and walks in His holy ways. When we fear God and walk in His ways we will discover that He will provide for our needs. 

God will give us the physical and mental aptitude to provide food, clothing and shelter for our families. He will bless parents with children and no matter what is going on in the world, it will be well with the believer in Christ. Thus, we give thanks, for all that we do and have is from God. 

God's goodness is always on display.

Acts 14:17  Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 

Thanksgiving is connected to the blessings that we receive from our Father's hand. Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Asia and the people began to worship them, instead of God. This text is Paul's reply.

God always leaves a clear witness of His being. Creation itself, with it's seasons, and structures of time, and orderly movements of the sun, moon and planets, testify that God exists, and that He governs all things.

Paul pointed out some practical realities that show the goodness of God to all mankind. God always does that which is good and He cannot do otherwise.

He sends precious rains from heaven that are necessary for our survival. He send sunshine and rain upon both good and bad people (Matthew 5:45). 

It is the goodness of God that all people in all lands have the potential to reap harvests of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, for food. 

For all people of God in all ages, thanksgiving is a time to praise God for providing food, clothing, shelter, and for giving us the means to provide for our families. 

We thank Him for all the provision for our physical needs and for His protection and care.

We also thank God for His abundant provision for all of our spiritual needs, through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

We give thanks to Jehovah for giving us His Word, that we might establish happy, Christian homes. A home that is built upon the rock of scripture is a home that will endure the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-2). 

A home where Jesus Christ is elevated and where the Father is honored, is a home where happy hearts live. We give thanks to God for allowing us to have a home that is centered on Him, on the scriptures, on our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Give thanks to God in every circumstance of life. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

God makes it clear that a believer in Christ, must give thanks to the Father in everything. Does this mean I give thanks if I face financial problems, health issues or a family crisis? Yes! Does this mean I give thanks when I see our culture imploding under the weight of unchecked depravity and hatred? Yes! 

This is God's will, that His redeemed people give thanks to Him in every circumstance of life and every situation that we find ourselves in. 

Give thanks if we have much and give thanks if we have little. Give thanks if we are nearing the end of life and give thanks if most of our life is before us. 

Give thanks if we are hungry and give thanks if we are full. 

Giving thanks is a picture of believers being content with all that God has given us in Christ. 

When we have tasted and seen how good God is, then whatever challenges we may face, are just not that important. 

Why? Because we are in Christ and have been given all spiritual blessings in Him. 

Give thanks by witnessing, worshiping, and walking with God. 

Psalm 105:1-4  O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2)  Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. 3)  Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 4)  Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. 

We have the wonderful blessing of knowing Jehovah and to offer thanksgiving to Him. We have the great blessing of calling upon the name of the One, true, Living God who loves us, cares for us and hears our prayers. 

Thanksgiving includes talking about the wonderful works of God, His creation, His providential care, His salvation and His kingdom. 

Thanksgiving includes lifting up our voices in song to our All Glorious God. We sing Psalms to Him, which is the idea of words of scripture set to music and sing with all our hearts to Him. 

Thanksgiving includes glorifying God with our body, soul and spirit and rejoicing for all His lavish goodness and provision. 

Thanksgiving is seeking strength and grace sufficient for each day's needs, from Jehovah, and seeking His face as long as we live. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

If we are not grateful and giving thanks to God, we are missing out on something very precious that He has for us. 

A believer in Jesus Christ, who has been regenerated by God's Spirit, and granted new life in Christ, should be the most thankful person on the earth.

Let us be known as a people of thanksgiving every day of every year. Let us give thanks always to our gracious and merciful God. 

Let us give thanks by actively serving God, being His faithful witnesses, and dedicating ourselves to live for His honor and glory.

Bob