After their first summer at Plymouth Rock in 1621, the European settlers held a Thanksgiving to celebrate a bountiful harvest and to honor God. This tradition continues today in the United States on the 4th Thursday in November. This is an great opportunity for family and friends to honor God for all His wondrous works in our lives and His blessing of salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Oh, and don’t forget about the great food. However today we will be skipping the physical food of Thanksgiving and we will be talking about being Thankful.
1. It is good & pleasing to God to give Him thanks.
In Psalm 92: 1-5 David encourages us to give thanks to God. In Leviticus 22:29 God tells Moses that when sacrifices are offered they should be offered out of our own free will.
2. David recognized the importance of providing for Thanksgiving.
In 1 Chronicles 23:25-32 David established priests which were descendants of Aaron and elders which were descendants of Levi. David shows that he is aware of the importance for worship and thanksgiving.
3. A chance to focus on Him and not on ourselves.
In Psalm 50:23 Asaph who was a trusted servant of David encourages believers to focus their thanksgiving and thoughts upon God. In Psalm 105:1-5 David tells us to focus our attention on God through song, thinking of Him and His dwelling upon His wondrous works.
4. Searching for the Lord brings us Favor.
In Psalm 105:4 David encourages us to search for the Lord. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God rewards those that seek Him. And in Matthew 7:7 Jesus tells us to keep looking and we shall find God.
5. We are encouraged to be thankful for our redemption.
In Psalm 107:1-2 the children of Israel give God thanksgiving and praise after their return from Babylon.
6. Giving thanks gives us internal peace.
In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul encourages us to give thanks and be anxious for nothing. This gives us a peace beyond all understanding.
Ways of Thanksgiving:
1. Through Prayer.
In Psalm 67 David encourages prayer.
2. Through Song.
In Exodus 15:1 Moses and the children of Israel sang praises to the Lord after He had delivered them from Pharaoh. In 2 Samuel 22:47-51 David sings praises to God. In 1 Chronicles 16:8-10 David indicates he will sing songs of praise.
3. Through Obedience.
In 1 Peter 1:13-15 and 2 Corinthians 2:8-10 Peter and Paul tell us that obedience is pleasing to our Lord.
4. Through Public Worship.
As an example in Psalm 22:22-23 David promises to worship the Lord in Public.
5. Through Giving.
In Deuteronomy 26:10-11 Moses tells the children of Israel to give God the first fruits of the land.
God bless!
Copyright © 2018 by Jacob D. Olinger
Spirit Warrior Ministry 