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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Thanksgiving Questions

“May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.” ~ Colossians 1:11b-12a


Giving Thanks
A question for you:
Do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
If you are like most Americans, the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’  Of course, there are many reasons we observe the holiday, and I don’t even need to touch upon them.  Everyone has their own unique reasons for celebrating, their own traditions, their own food preferences, their own memories, and on and on.

But what I really want to know is:
What do YOU mean by Thanksgiving?
For Christians, the question is simple.  I’ve often wondered, though, what the word means to those who don’t have faith, who don’t believe in a Creator.  It’s understood that we all things in our life to be thankful of, but the very word ‘thanksgiving’ requires a recipient. 
As you gather with your loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, and to enjoy the food, fun, family, and friendship that characterize the day, ask yourself these two questions:
What am I thankful for today?  And Who is deserving of my gratitude?
Even if you are a non-believer, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect upon these things. 
The Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17),” “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23),” and “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).”
God loves us so much that His gifts to us are not conditional on our acknowledgement of Him, but are freely given long before we even cast an eye in His direction.  Reflect upon the blessings in your life, and give careful consideration to where they may have originated.
Give thanks to the Lord!

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