Thanksgiving, Essential!
The Season of Thanksgiving is upon us. Giving thanks to Almighty God, our Heavenly Father is essential to our overall physical, mental and spiritual health. We have endured the prolonged consequences of living in a lost and dying world and the growing tyranny of the elite who presume their authority over us and stealing our freedoms. I fear “Thanks Giving” for many will be another victim in the decline of our country. May it not happen to us! More im- portantly, we are aware of their ways! They hate God and are killing our children! Alternative- ly, we have so much in which to be thankful and acknowledging the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Eternal Lord God Almighty. It is the fundamental, “essential” act of our Faith and Worship. Paul tells us: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was dark- ened.” (Romans 1:21)
The practice of Thankfulness to God necessitates at least three things from anyone. The first is to recognize the need to give thanks in the first place. The second is recognizing the need has been supplied and lastly, giving thanks to the one responsible for responding to and sup- plying the need. It is the last point that you will never hear from our lost culture. It is not will- ing to acknowledge that there is only one God, who alone is capable and responsible for supply- ing all their needs. Our culture today displays the demanding attitude of being self absorbed as a petulant child. A people who think they deserve a life free of toil, responsibility, pain and free from being offended and under no authority. Thanksgiving is then given with consideration of what they have and getting what they want. This type of “thanksgiving” results in a declara- tion of lifestyle attainment, instead of humble gratitude rightly given to the Creator God re- sponsible for it all.
The Bible exhorts us “to give thanks,” to God alone. Three such passages are: Psalm 107:1,2 which begins: “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlast- ing. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the ad- versary.” The second is Hebrews 13:15-16: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not ne- glect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” And the last 1 Thessalo- nians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Scripture shows us that true thanksgiving can only result when we rightly acknowledge Almighty God and all that we are and have, has come from Him. Through His love and mercy He responds to our cries by supplying our need or delivering us out of our distress. All mankind is in distress but only the Lord delivers His people from manifold troubles. It is the Lord whom we must fear, humble ourselves before His throne and acknowledge that He alone is the only God of creation. Of prime importance is our Thanksgiving to Him and Him alone for His eter- nal blessings and salvation given us through Jesus Christ. I commend this spiritual exercise to you, this “Thanksgiving Season.” Giving thanks to God puts you in proper perspective of ac- knowledging Him as our God, praising Him for His bountiful blessings to us. And as you do, you will receive confidence in your eternal relationship through Christ. Your Thanksgiving is essential! You will experience His presence and peace. You will witness deliver- ance from your battle with the world, the flesh and the Dev- il. Then true thanksgiving will take place in your heart and life. Indeed, you will not be able to contain your desire to praise your God, to give Him thanks to everyone around you! Tell of His Goodness! May the LORD bless you in this Season of Thanksgiving, your spiritual exercise! The exercise of a happy heart! I am thankful to our Lord God for you! How essential is that?
Pastor Robert
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