11-26-2015

Good Morning All!!     

   Psalm 69:30; “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

    Happy Thanksgiving!!  It is something that most people tend to think was invented in the United States.  We like to think it starts with the Pilgrims and reinforced by Franklin Roosevelt as being on the fourth Thursday in November.  Prior to this event, it varied state to state.  We like to think we invented Thanksgiving but Thanksgiving is far older than any of us. 

    Thanksgiving is as old as the Bible is.  In Genesis we have Cain and Abel making thank offerings to God.  Later in Exodus, we have God explaining how the thank offerings are to be offered.  God commanded the Children of Israel to give thank offering at various times and in various manners.  God commands that we offer thanks.  Did you ever wonder why?  Why does God command that we give Him thanks?  Is God on an ego trip?  Does he demand in order that he can feel good?  I think we know the answer to that; God does not need anything from any of us; so why? 

    We need to remember that when God commands us to do things, it is for our benefit.  It is for our good.  God commands us to give thanks because it causes us to look at our life and to see the things, the people and the events in which we see God’s benevolent hand at work.  God commands us to give thanks so that we will always remember what God has done for us.  We look back, even to events and actions prior to our birth.  We look back at the events in the Bible and we see God blessing us.  We see our salvation through Jesus.  We see the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide us through this life.  We see the promise that this world will not overcome us.  We see the promise of God to prosper us.  These are just a few of God’s promises that he has kept to you, so far.

    So as we give thanks, we remember, we remember what God has done for us.  We remember that God has made these promises and will keep these promises forever.  So as we remember what God has done and what he will do.  He will always be there for you.  He will always guard you and protect you; he will never leave you alone.  Remembering these truths can give us comfort when we face challenges that seem almost insurmountable.  When we look around and wonder how we can solve these issues, we know that God has already resolved them.

    So give thanks to the Lord.  Remember what God has done for you.  Remember that all that he has one for you in the past; he will do even more in the future.  We can rest in peace knowing that God has us in his loving arms.  We are God’s children, always remember that.  His mercy endures forever.

Father of mercy, in you we have all the answers.  Lead me to know your love and mercy and to never forget your promises.  Give me the wisdom to trust in your grace.  Guide me to share this truth with those who are hurting and lost.  We give thanks to you for all your mercies.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret