It is the last point that you will never hear from our secular culture. It is not willing to acknowledge that there is One God, who alone is capable and responsible for supplying all their needs. Our culture today displays the demanding attitude of a spoiled child. A people who think they deserve a life free of toil, pain and of being offended. Thanksgiving is then given with consideration of what they have and where they want to be. This type of “thanksgiving” results in a declaration of lifestyle satisfaction, instead of humble gratitude to the Creator God responsible 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 everlasting. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary.” 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 neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” And the last 1 Thessalonians 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 have, has come from Him. He responds to our cries by supplying our need or delivering us out of our distress. For all mankind is in distress but the Lord delivers His people from manifold troubles. It is the Lord whom we must fear, humble ourselves before and acknowledge as the only God of the universe. Thanksgiving goes to Him and Him alone for His eternal blessings and salvation given us through Jesus Christ. I commend this spiritual exercise to you, this “Thanksgiving Season.” Giving thanks to God puts us in proper perspective of acknowledging Him as our God, praising Him for His blessings to us. And as you do, you will receive confidence in your eternal relationship through Christ. You will experience His presence and peace. You will witness deliverance from your battle with the world, the flesh and the Devil. Then true thanksgiving will take place in your life. Indeed, you will not be able to contain your desire to praise your God, to give Him thanks, to everyone. May the LORD bless you in this Season of Thanksgiving, your spiritual exercise!
Robert Thompson has been the senior pastor of Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Snellville since May 2003. He graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1986. Robert is also Chairman of the Board of Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship. He and his wife Wanda have been married for 43 years. They have three adult daughters, Amanda and twins Rebecca and Sarah. Amanda is married to Jerry Jones and they have three daughters of their own. Rebecca is married to Wesley Payton; they have two sons. Sarah is married to Mark Magdziarz and they have two daughters and two sons.
Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church
3800 Lenora Church Rd.
Snellville, GA 30078
web: www.chapelwoods.org
e-mail: pastor@chapelwoods.org
phone: (770) 978 1445
