This week, we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving. What a wonderful holiday this is! (And not just because of the food) Christians should be known for their thankfulness. "Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). What do we have to be thankful for?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth." (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:2-3).
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7).
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4).
When we think of giving thanks, so often those thanks center on the material things of life. Let us all learn to focus on the spiritual blessings that we have through Christ (Ephesians 1:3). When we focus on these things, we will all be truly thankful.
-- Ralph Price, 2001 --
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