Thanksgiving = America's most celebrated holiday!
92% of ppl. have a special family gathering and meal
83% offer special grace @ that meal.
Why???
Because: (1) We're blessed - as individuals, as a nation
(2) We (inherently) know it! (even without counting/listing blessings!
(3) We know we ought to SAY SO!! - thanks are due. People inherently know that blessings come from beyond us.
Thanksgiving = time to (1) Recognize our blessings
to (2) Recognize the Blesser - (ie: the source of the blessings)
Example: David's prayer - 1 Chron. 29:14, Deut. 8:17-18
Contrast with: Rom. 1:18-21 - Refusal to recognize Source of blessing leads to (a form of) depravity!
(definition: moral corruption, wickedness, degeneracy, indecency..)
Numerous studies indicate that showing appreciation, expressing gratitude, acknowledging goodness in my life has Positive Effects!! - physical health, mental health, relational health, attitude, outlook, expectation
Therefore: 1 Thess. 5:18
Is clear we should (1) develop a grateful heart - attitude
(2) give thanks - action
(3) develop a habit of thanksgiving
#1. Develop a Grateful Heart = An Attitude of Gratitude
How to develop that??
(1) focus/ "think on" - Phil. 4:8
(2) count (list your blessings --- literally!!)
Give time and thought to this.
#2. Give thanks - biblical references of "give thanks" to "be thankful" - 50:1
Verbal thanks = (1) an offering Psm. 50:23, Heb. 13:15
Bible is HUGE on "Give Thanks"
can be (2) a sacrifice (ie: costs) - 1 Thess. 5:18
#3. Develop a habit of thanksgiving
Illustration: contrast with "habit of complaint" - Psm. 107:1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-22, 31-32, 43
Add:
#4. (attempt to..) inspire others through thanksgiving
Example: saying grace in public place
To inspire Thanksgiving = to inspire Worship
To inspire Worship = connect people to God
On one hand, special Thanksgiving meal, prayer, focus, wristband = good thing!!
However, we know it should be year around!!
Closing Scripture: Psm. 106:1-2, 47-48
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment