Taking Time to Thank God

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.” 1 Chronicles 16:8 (KJV)
 
This coming Thursday, countless number of families in the United States of America will be observing the national holiday of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving patterns itself after a 1621 mutual harvest feast between English colonists (also known as Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. In the United States, Thanksgiving is a holiday heaven of tradition, often including a meal composed of a compilation of turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. My cultural pallet will translate into collards, yams, macaroni and cheese, honey-baked ham, cornbread, string beans, mash potatoes and turkey. Now let’s transition from “soul food” to faith-food for the soul.
 
In our opening text we are told to give thanks unto the Lord, talk to the Lord and tell others of God’s works among His people. One of the traditions that we embrace and engage in as a family is to take the word thanks or thanksgiving (depending on the number of people that are sharing the meal) and take each letter and turn it to point of praise and thanks to God. A letter is placed under each plate before we all sit down to eat. In accordance with my family tradition, let’s take the time to give thanks with the letters: T-H-A-N-K-S.
 
We thank God for His TRUTH.
 
“All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 (KJV, emphasis added)
 
We thank God for His HOLINESS.
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 (KJV, emphasis added)
 
We thank God because He is AWESOME.
“Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.” Psalm 33:8 (KJV, emphasis added)
 
We thank God because He provides exactly what we NEED.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (KJV, emphasis added)
 
We thank God because of His KNOWLEDGE.
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Psalm 139:6 (KJV, emphasis added) 
 
We thank God for His SALVATION.
“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” Psalm 18:46 (KJV, emphasis added)
 
So as the table is being set for your Thanksgiving meal, don’t forget to also set your table up to give thanks!

Not a Sermon But a Thought,

PBKSR