Message topic: The concepts of Thanksgiving
Scripture text: Psalm 105:1-10
There are many things which some people do and do not have the true concepts for their actions, they have become ignorant followers of ideas which they do not know or understand the true meanings.
This statement includes sister Vivian, sister Gwen: and myself: let me tell you why: we were brought up under the British rules, and had no knowledge of the American customs or the common things which they practice annually, such as holidays.
Sister Vivian and I left our country Jamaica in our twenties for life in a country which we knew very little about, and find ourselves learning and adapting new customs, such as Halloween and thanksgiving among other things without knowing their true meanings.
Two days ago, a large percentage of the American people celebrate one of the days which is referred to as a major holiday for the American people, day of thanks giving for the native American and their relation with their new commers from across the sea and working together.
The true question which is yet to be answered is what should we be giving thanks for, and how should thanks be given, and to whom? We understand that the early American leaders, did believe in a supreme God and always seek His guidance in many of the decisions they wanted to make in governing a new country: so, When was the first thanksgiving, and what was it for?
Thanksgiving is a concept that has deep roots in the bible, we will explore what the bible has to say about thanksgiving, its meaning, importance, and practical ways to express gratitude according to biblical teachings.
In order to fully grasp the biblical perspective of Thanksgiving, it is important to understand its definition and significance in biblical times. Thanksgiving in the bible goes beyond a simple expectation of gratitude for blessings received. It is a profound act of acknowledging and honoring God as the ultimate source of all good things. it is a recognition of His faithfulness, provision, and love.
Biblical Thanksgiving is not merely a polite gesture, but an act of worship and surrender. it is an offering of thanks to God for His immeasurable goodness and mercy. It is an expression of humility, acknowledging our complete dependence on Him.
According to the bible, thanksgiving is more than just expressing gratitude for blessings received. It involves acknowledging and honoring God as the ultimate source of all good things, it is a recognition of His faithfulness, provision, and the love of God for mankind.
Biblical thanksgiving is an act of worship and surrender, offering thanks to God for His goodness and mercy. It is an expression of humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him. when we truly understand the biblical definition of thanksgiving, it transforms our perspective, it shifts our focus from our own desires and achievements to the goodness and grace of God. It reminds us that every good thing we have, comes from him. Are we hearing any hints of the way we Americans celebrated as thanks giving two days ago?
When was the first thanksgiving in the Americas, and who started it? It is a simple story started in November 23thrd. 1621: The Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower searching for religious freedom. The native people which they encounter welcomed them and helped them to survive in a new culture or way of life.
To celebrate their friendship, they sat down together to a thanksgiving feast, this is the traditional tale of the first thanksgiving, it should not be a holiday of feasting, but more so a day of thanksgiving to God for His help.
We are encouraged in Psalm one 105 and verse one with these words: Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless his name! this verse reminds us that thanksgiving is not just an act of gratitude, but a way to approach God with reverence and praise. It is an invitation to enter into His presence with a heart full of thankfulness.
Another example of thankfulness is found in Colossians 3: 17 which says, and what you do, in words or deeds, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. this verse teaches us that thanksgiving should permeate every aspect of our lives. Whether in our words or actions, we are called to do everything in the name of Jesus, offering thanks to God as a way of acknowledging His presence and grace in our lives.
We also find the words of thanksgiving in 1st. Thessalonians 5: 18 which states, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. As we reflect on these verses, let us remember that thanksgiving is not just a one-day event or a mere expression of gratitude, it is a lifestyle that God desires for us to embrace.
Let us cultivate a heart of thanks giving, entering into His presence with praise, proclaiming His goodness to others, and offering thanksgiving to God always for this is His will that all men would do.
Let us cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, entering into His presence with praise, proclaiming His goodness to others, and offering thanks in all circumstances. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of gratitude as we live out the truth of these biblical verses in our daily lives.