Ah, Thanksgiving… the day we set aside each year to eat unhealthy portions of turkey, potatoes with gravy, vegetables and a smorgasbord of deserts!
It is a day to be thankful, yet it seems Thanksgiving gets lost between Halloween and Christmas day. It’s like a comma in a sentence, pausing after Halloween to get ready for the big event of Christmas.
It is good to have this day set aside, and it is greater to have a Thanksgiving Day mindset year long… giving each day we live to be thankful.
In both the Old and New Testament, God’s people are commanded to be thankful, reminded to be in a constant state of thanksgiving.
Words used in Hebrew and Greek language give us an expression – as in a verb – different from an adjective – a description of how it looks. Thanksgiving then is an action of activity… not a description of how one feels or thanks – we are to act in thanksgiving.
In Hebrew the expression is “toda” an extension of the hand with adoration, confession, and praise. When we extend our hand to someone we show appreciation, welcome, and a common bond. We are shown in scripture to extend our hand to God for He has already reached down to us to lift us in His presence. Ps 75.1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near…”
The Greek expression of thanks is from ‘charizomai’ which is a derivative of grace. The proper Greek word most commonly used in Scripture is ‘yoo-khar-is-tos’ meaning to be grateful, express gratitude – literally to say grace at a meal. It means to recognize we are ‘well favored’
The common questions of Thanksgiving that can be answered in the Bible are how, when, and why: how do we give thanks? When do we give thanks? And why should we give thanks? Each is important to understand.
Let’s look at some scripture that describes “how” do we give thanks?
Psalms 28:7 (NIV) … I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalms 30:12 (NIV) that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God…
Psalms 95:2 (NIV) Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
We express gratitude and God’s love by thanking Him in song and in word. We literally come before Him with our words of song and praise giving glory to God. We actively (verb of action) seek God’s audience in thanksgiving for His great works.
When our heart is full of what God has done for us we lift our voices and praise Him… we sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving… we even use musical instruments to praise God for His goodness.
We can assuredly lift a joyful noise to God because when we are full of thanksgiving it is a pleasant and joyful sacrifice to the Lord… even if we don’t have a voice that charms most men and women – to God our voices of thanksgiving are a sweet offering. Prayer is an expression of song and hymn - we speak great praise and thanksgiving to our God.
So when is thanksgiving proper? Is it only when we have come through a great trial? Is it only when we have “experienced” God in a great activity or event? Is it occasional, often, or sporadic? Can one ever ‘thank’ God too much?
Let’s look at some Scripture:
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) …And be thankful. (Note the word is perfect active tense… no timeline here!)
Psalms 95:2 (NIV) Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Psalms 35:18 (NIV) I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 30:12 (NIV) …O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
The Bible tells us to be in thanksgiving often and continually, to gather together corporately with thanksgiving in great assembly, and for all circumstances… and we will give thanks forever! [Now you know a major activity in the Kingdom of God… giving thanks forever because we are spared from His wrath!]
Why we give thanksgiving is most important; for when we understand ‘why’ it causes continual and eternal thanksgiving in action.
Scripture is consumed in showing the “why”; but here are a few that describe ‘why give thanks’:
Psalms 75:1 (NIV) We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.
Psalms 107:1 (NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! [What is His indescribable gift? John 3:16 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – worthy of praise indeed!]
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
Psalms 118:28 (NIV) You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
God’s mercy that He would look down on sinners such as you and I and resolutely from the beginning deem it necessary to rescue us by His blood shed on the cross – is at times unspeakable and unfathomable love; it causes us to pause and give song, praise, and honor to God!
Now the warning! Let us remember those who refuse to give thanks to God are in the dangerous path that leads to destruction:
Romans 1:21-32(NIV) [selected verses– not full scripture text] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. …and [they] exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. …Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
And so, Romans 1:18 (NIV) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness… The wrath is against those who in the beginning did not glorify God as God nor did they give thanks to Him.
Let us then be thankful in action towards the great gift and mercy God has bestowed upon us. Let us be thankful in action – and in word, song, praise, and thought – and so glorify our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
As you reflect on these Scriptures, share some of your Thanksgiving Day stories of past or present... I will try to post as many as are sent. May God bless you always!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Who Is Lottie Moon?
This weekend we begin our Lottie Moon offering focus. Those who 'grew up' Southern Baptist and attended the countless Royal Ambassador or Girls in Actions (including Mission Friends) classes remember well the stories of our missionaries who gave their life in service to the Lord Jesus. We have many in our church, however, who come from different denominational backgrounds and upbringing and might be unfamiliar with Lottie Moon or our Christmas offering. It is my prayer that this blog would help us refamiliarize ourselves with a worthy offering and be reminded of the importance of missions in order to reach the lost world. The following is found at the www.imb.org web site found in the link titled 'Lottie Moon':
Lottie Moon - the namesake of the international missions offering - has become something of a legend to us. But in her time Lottie was anything but an untouchable hero. In fact, she was like today's missionaries. She was a hard-working, deep-loving Southern Baptist who labored tirelessly so her people group could know Jesus.
Why was the offering named for this early China missionary? Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of those letters triggered Southern Baptists' first Christmas offering for international missions - enough to send three new missionaries to China.
This letter that triggered our offering closed with the following words that have caused my heart many times to reflect on these words: "...who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime object of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God, and so aid in bringing the answer to the petition our Lord taught his disciples: Thy kingdom come." [L. Moon. September 15, 1887. emphasis mine]
This Sunday will begin our focus on the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. I would encourage you to consider the following action steps. One, go to the website listed above and read more on the life of Lottie Moon including her letters of urging. Ask the hard question about "following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God"... Lord, 'how will you use me?' Second, as a family sit down and pray as to what God would have your family give as an offering to this mission fund above and beyond what you give as a tithe. This amount God blesses by using 100% for missionaries - no administrative costs are absorbed with this money, it for the spreading of the Gospel. Third, go back in prayer individually and as a family seeking God's direction on how He would take you into the mission field (locally and abroad) to share God's good news - Salvation to mankind in the name of Jesus Christ.
May God bless you this Christmas with a needful reminder of why we celebrate this day... For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth on him will not perish but have everlasting life. God so loved the world! Do we in Christ have this same like passion for the world - in the manner in which we would follow the footsteps of Jesus to bring back a lost world to God?
God bless!
Pastor Fred
Lottie Moon - the namesake of the international missions offering - has become something of a legend to us. But in her time Lottie was anything but an untouchable hero. In fact, she was like today's missionaries. She was a hard-working, deep-loving Southern Baptist who labored tirelessly so her people group could know Jesus.
Why was the offering named for this early China missionary? Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of those letters triggered Southern Baptists' first Christmas offering for international missions - enough to send three new missionaries to China.
This letter that triggered our offering closed with the following words that have caused my heart many times to reflect on these words: "...who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime object of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God, and so aid in bringing the answer to the petition our Lord taught his disciples: Thy kingdom come." [L. Moon. September 15, 1887. emphasis mine]
This Sunday will begin our focus on the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. I would encourage you to consider the following action steps. One, go to the website listed above and read more on the life of Lottie Moon including her letters of urging. Ask the hard question about "following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God"... Lord, 'how will you use me?' Second, as a family sit down and pray as to what God would have your family give as an offering to this mission fund above and beyond what you give as a tithe. This amount God blesses by using 100% for missionaries - no administrative costs are absorbed with this money, it for the spreading of the Gospel. Third, go back in prayer individually and as a family seeking God's direction on how He would take you into the mission field (locally and abroad) to share God's good news - Salvation to mankind in the name of Jesus Christ.
May God bless you this Christmas with a needful reminder of why we celebrate this day... For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth on him will not perish but have everlasting life. God so loved the world! Do we in Christ have this same like passion for the world - in the manner in which we would follow the footsteps of Jesus to bring back a lost world to God?
God bless!
Pastor Fred
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Speak Boldly For The Lord
Acts 14.3-5 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.
It is known that those who would speak boldly for the Lord experience some who receive with gladness the message, some who are indifferent to the message, and some who persecute the messengers. As God's people we should never shrink back for fear of rejection, but rather by His grace be strengthened in knowing that God's word penetrates the very hearts of the hearers. It is not up to us who believes what is said... it is to us to speak boldly the word of God, for the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am reminded this week of news in our area of an advertisement that says, "Why believe in God? Just be good for goodness sake." Of course this is a humanist ad that believes man is inately good and that man causes all things to be. Many who believe in God are in an uproar.
May I suggest we not be in uproar, but be like the Apostles who followed Christ; "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." [Acts 14.14-17 NIV]
Let us in heart be torn in grief and keep reminding those who reject God's Word that He has not left us without His testimony. Of course, those who reject... will continue to reject, but some will be changed in heart to hear the Good News. By shouting, being angry, and focusing on the advertisement we miss the great opportunity to share in love the Grace of God come from heaven to die for mankind's sin and by His resurrection we can have eternal life if we confess the name of Jesus Christ. It is true that the advertisement will have an opposite effect to cause men and women to wonder of God... the harvest is great, but the workers are few.
May God bless you and your reading of His Word.
It is known that those who would speak boldly for the Lord experience some who receive with gladness the message, some who are indifferent to the message, and some who persecute the messengers. As God's people we should never shrink back for fear of rejection, but rather by His grace be strengthened in knowing that God's word penetrates the very hearts of the hearers. It is not up to us who believes what is said... it is to us to speak boldly the word of God, for the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am reminded this week of news in our area of an advertisement that says, "Why believe in God? Just be good for goodness sake." Of course this is a humanist ad that believes man is inately good and that man causes all things to be. Many who believe in God are in an uproar.
May I suggest we not be in uproar, but be like the Apostles who followed Christ; "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." [Acts 14.14-17 NIV]
Let us in heart be torn in grief and keep reminding those who reject God's Word that He has not left us without His testimony. Of course, those who reject... will continue to reject, but some will be changed in heart to hear the Good News. By shouting, being angry, and focusing on the advertisement we miss the great opportunity to share in love the Grace of God come from heaven to die for mankind's sin and by His resurrection we can have eternal life if we confess the name of Jesus Christ. It is true that the advertisement will have an opposite effect to cause men and women to wonder of God... the harvest is great, but the workers are few.
May God bless you and your reading of His Word.
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