God-Gifts of Christmas

We enjoy receiving gifts any time during the year, but we especially enjoy them at Christmas. Most of the time the wrapped gifts we receive include physical things, but other gifts, not wrapped, may come as intangible things like love and care by family members, good health, Christmas music, beautiful decorations, and celebrations with special friends or family. Did you know that the Bible tells us that God has given gifts to people? The phrase, “Gift of God,” occurs several times in the Bible and here are some of these God-gifts.

1)    The Gift of Salvation. The Bible says, “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). Salvation is God’s deliverance of people from the power and effects of sin through the work of Jesus Christ dying on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. Salvation is the sinner's rescue from death to life with God.

2)    The Gift of God’s Grace. The Apostle Paul tells us, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). Since all of us are sinners, we must rely on Jesus’ death on the cross on our behalf to receive forgiveness of sin and enjoy eternal salvation.

3)    The Gift of Eternal Life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is available to anyone who believes in Christ and trusts that he died to pay the penalty of sin which we deserved to pay. Without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible for us to live with God forever.

4)    The Gift of Righteousness. Scripture explains, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17). When anyone puts their faith and trust in Jesus alone, they step into righteousness, which is only available because Jesus died on the cross for each of us. We become righteous, not because of anything we have done, but on what Christ had done.

5)    The Gift of Life. The Bible says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (I Peter 3:7). Marriage is a blending of two lives, and when a man has found a virtuous woman to marry, she becomes a precious gift – the gift of life.

Obviously, these God-gifts originate with God himself. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father [God] of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). We can enjoy these God-given-gifts all year long, but they are particularly precious during the Christmas season. Have you personally received these gifts from God? They are yours for the receiving. Take time to thank God for what he has given you. Do not let Christmas slip by without showing your appreciation to God for the wonderful gifts he has provided for you.

What is Needed

Has someone ever done something for you which you appreciated but you failed to respond to them?  Maybe you just forgot to thank them.  Have you ever done something for someone who seemed to appreciate what you did, but did not respond to you?  Maybe they just forget to respond.   Obviously, there is something that is needed in these situations which is sorely absent.  That something is an expression of thanks from a grateful heart.

The Bible tells us that Jesus came upon 10 individuals who had a communicable disease.  They stood to the side (as they were required to do) but they called out to Jesus for help.  Jesus told them go show themselves to the priest.  When they did, each of them was completely healed.  Scripture goes on to say, “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice” (Luke 17:15).  What a gracious response this was.  Jesus asked him, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17).  Good question.  For the nine men, thankfulness from a grateful heart was missing.

When we have been helped or encouraged by someone, we need to be thankful, express our thanks to them, and give God the thanks that he deserves.  During this November and December let’s not get so busy that we forget to express our thanks when someone does something for us. The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This verse suggests several things:

1)    We need to be Thankful.  “Give thanks” implies that we should be active in our expression of thanks.  As soon as an act is completed, we need to say, “thank you”.

2)    We need to be Thankful in all Situations.  “In all circumstances” means that whether times are good or bad or even if thankfulness does not seem to be the right thing to do, we need to gratefully respond.

3)    We need to Remember that it is God’s Desire for us to be Thankful.  “God’s will for you” suggests that when we show appreciation, God is pleased and we are doing the right thing.

What about you?  Do you need to be more expressive in giving thanks to God and to others?  Let’s follow the example of the individual in the biblical story who came back to express his thanks.  Each day this month try to take time to express thanks to God for at least one thing he has done for you. Then, find one other person with whom you can share your gratefulness.

Our Response to the Military

The calendar has several days during the year that refer to the military.  However, three of those days are notable ones: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day.  These are days of remembrance when honor should be given to specific military members or families.

      Armed Forces Day is celebrated the 3^rd Sunday of May.  Those to be honored are still serving in the military.

      Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May.  Those who gave their lives in service to our country should be honored and families thanked.

·       Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11.  This day is to honor those who have served, but who no longer wear a military uniform.

The Bible identifies three action steps to take.

1)    Pray.  The Bible says, “First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need” (I Timothy 2:1a).  “All people” means that we pray for everyone – including military men, women and their families.  Pray that God would provide good health and strength to those who are currently serving and those who have previously served.  Also pray for the families who have lost loved ones.

2)    Give Thanks.  The Bible tells us that we should “give thanks” (I Timothy 2:1b).  Prayers for the military ought to include giving thanks to God for them.  If we see a military person (or know one) we should take time to let them know we appreciate their service.  We should also remember that the freedoms we enjoy have come through both sacrifice and service.

3)    Honor.  Scripture says that we are to, “Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor” (Romans 13:7).  Honor and respect is due to all those who hold positions of authority or who have made significant contributions to our society.  Our appreciation for service rendered should be expressed with much gratefulness.

Do you know someone who has served or is currently serving in the military?  Say “thank you” to them.  Tell them that you appreciate what they have done. Either audibly or silently pray for them giving thanks to God for the freedom you enjoy because of what they have done.

The Object of Thanks

During the Thanksgiving season we are often encouraged to be thankful and that is a good biblical principle.  The Bibe says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18). If you examine the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible, you will discover that the words “give” and “thanks" are repeated together 33 times.  In nearly all these cases “thanks” is more than just having a thankful attitude.  There is an object towards which thankfulness is directed.  You would assume that the object of thanks would be people.  Why?  Because people give gifts, do nice things for others, or express words of encouragement.  Common sense tells us that we should be thankful for what others do for us.  However, the object towards which we should be thankful in the verses with the two words mentioned is the Lord.  For example, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

In these verses there are a number of occasions where thanks to the Lord is accompanied with worship.  The Bible says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7).  Singing to God is a way to worship.  Scirpture also says, “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High” (Psalm 7:17). These “give thanks” verses identify several important actions that all of us can take this Thanksgiving season.

1)    Direct your thanks toward God.  You might thank the Lord for His provision for you – the food you enjoy, the air you breathe, the family of which you are a part, the salvation He provides for you, the forgiveness of your sins, or the many blessings you receive from God.

2)    Include worship as you give thanks.  Praise God, as you speak, sing or as you hum a tune.  A church service would be a good place for you to worship God.  However, wherever you are – at home, at work, or on a long walk – let a hymn or words of praise flow through your mind or be on your lips as you hum or sing or pray.  If you sing, do not worry about singing on key; just make a “joyful noise” (Psalm 100:1) before the Lord.

3)    Give thanks whatever is happening to you.  You may be discouraged and lonely or “down and out.”  Even if you find yourself in these circumstances, there are many things for which to thank God like the rain that provides refreshment, the sunshine you enjoy, the cool breeze on your face.  Let’s make the Lord the object of our thanksgiving.

This year take time to think about how your giving of thanks can be focused on God.  Let the things for which you are thankful be saturated with the Lord who is the object of your faith. 

Thanks for God's Love

There are many things for which we can give thanks.  Take time to read this entire list and think about them as you read them.  The subject of thanks could be: family, health, freedom, life, strength, dexterity, joy, happiness, home, food, safety, worship, instruction, help, friends, air, sun, rain, mountains, trees, flowers, gardens, sky, stars, breath, life, laughter, sight, hearing, taste, feeling, the Bible, godly examples, grass, animals, birds, water, clouds, rainbows, lightening, thunder, fish, oceans, sand, light, atmosphere, temperature, doctors, hospitals, emergency personnel, moonlight, nighttime. Even though this is a long list, many things could be added to it. 

One psalm from the Bible identifies something that God provides for us.  In the 26 verses of Psalm 136 the phrase, “his love endures forever” is expressed 26 times – once in each verse.  This thought suggests four things that the psalmist wanted everyone to know about God.

1)      First, “His” – The Source.  At the beginning of this phrase the psalmist directly identified that God was the foundation of the love for which he was thankful.  The gospel of John identifies the person, character, and the work of the love of God when it says, “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” (John 3:16).  The psalmist publicly expressed thanks to God as the source of love, and the action of love that God had revealed to him.

2)     Next, “Love” – The Focus.  The love of God was expressed sacrificially when Jesus died on the cross, thereby paying the penalty of our sin.  In John’s epistle he says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (I John 3:16).  So, the psalmist was grateful for the way God’s expressed his love through Jesus, His son.

3)    Then “Endures” – The Extent.  The love that God shares is a lasting love.  In the book of Lamentations, the writer explains God’s love this way: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Similarly, Jeremiah says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).  These expressions reveal the magnitude of God’s love for mankind.

4)     Finally, “Forever” – The Duration.  The extent of God’s love goes on and on.  It has no interval of time when it discontinues. The psalmist said, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).  This quality of God’s love never wears out. The psalmist was grateful for this kind of love, and we should be too.

Think about these questions: (1) Have you experienced God’s love?  (2) Are you glad God loves you?  (3) Have you taken time to thank God for his love?  (4) Are you grateful that God’s love endures forever?  As you think about God’s love take time today to give thanks to God for the love that he has shown to you.

The Flag and Our Banner

Since September 11, 2001, and the terroristic attacks against the United States, Flag Day has taken on greater meaning.  June 14 is the anniversary of the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777 as Flag Day.  Celebrations on this day gained in popularity in the eighteen hundreds.  In 1894 the governor of New York ordered that the American flag be displayed at all public buildings.  President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first nationwide Flag Day in 1916 and in 1947, President Harry Truman signed legislation requesting that National Flag Day be observed annually.

The U.S. flag contains 13 red and white stripes which represent the original 13 colonies.  The 50 white stars on a blue background represent the current 50 states comprising the USA.  The colors of the flag are symbolic.  White signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  The stars, stripes and colors of the flag is why it is sometimes referred to as: “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “The Stars and Stripes”, “The Red, White and Blue”, or “Old Glory.”  For Americans, the flag represents all the above.

Not only do Christians stand under the American flag, but they have a special banner flying over them.  That banner is none other than God’s love.  The Bible says, “He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is love” (Song of Solomon 2:4). The Scriptures further state:

1)      God loves people so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

2)      We can have a positive relationship with God because of His gracious act of love. “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (I Peter 3:18).

3)      Being part of God’s forever family is based on receiving and believing.  “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

4)      Living with God eternally has been made possible because of Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The American flag should cause us to well up with loyalty and allegiance to our country.  God’s banner over us (His love) should also cause us to well up with gratitude and thanksgiving for His involvement in our lives and the many blessings He provides.

Get Ready. Get Set. Give Thanks!

What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things in your possession that you thanked God for today?  If that were the case, what might you have to enjoy or share?  If you are honest with yourself, most likely you could count on one hand what you thanked God for yesterday and probably have some fingers left.  By human nature we are an ungrateful people.  We so easily fall into the rut of thinking that things will be much the same today as they were yesterday, so we get in the “lean back and relax” mode.  If it were not for the grace of God, we would be woefully lacking in many of the necessities of life.

Usually, the Thanksgiving season is the time of year when people express thanks in some manner.  It is good for us to give thanks.  The Bible helps express this importance when the Apostle Paul instructs people to give thanks.  Notice that along with thankfulness, joyfulness and prayer are also included.  He says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).   In another place he says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).  Look carefully at the qualifications for these three activities.

1)      Joyfulness is to constantly be a part of our lives

2)      Prayer should be made repeatedly

3)      Thanksgiving should be expressed in all situations

According to these verses the giving of thanks is not to be reserved for just one season of the year.  Thanks to God ought to overflow from our hearts and be expressed from our lips every day of the year.  Here are three questions to ask yourself as you work your way through the Thanksgiving season.

 1) Am I joyful always?

2) Do I Pray continually?

3) Do I Give thanks in all circumstances?

Giving thanks should be a daily activity.  Let’s make sure that the fruit of our lips express thanks to God and the actions of our hands and feet show our thankfulness to Him and to others.  Let’s not relegate the giving of thanks to Thanksgiving Day in November.  So, Get ready. Get set. Give thanks!  And – and give thanks again and again.

Action Permeated With Thanks

People take different kinds of action every day.  Some action is the result of a habit – like brushing teeth.  Some action is planned – such as taking a much-needed vacation.  Other action transpires in the spur of a moment – for example, when a new idea comes to mind on which a person decides to act quickly.

Some action is general in nature, some could be characterized as evil and other action as godly.  Godly action – that which pleases God – can be found in the Bible.  Every time scripture states a command, people can be assured that God wants them to take that specific action.  One God-pleasing action found in the New Testament in the book of Ephesians is the giving of thanks.  The Apostle Paul explains this action when he says: “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

This 17-word sentence clarifies the things that should permeate the action that needs to be taken all year long, but particularly during the Thanksgiving season.

1)    Giving thanks should be perpetual – “always.”  The text says that giving thanks is something that should be done at all times - not just once during the Thanksgiving season and then forgotten.  Thanks should be given continually, constantly, and repeatedly. 

2)    Giving thanks should be divinely focused – “to God the Father.”  Thanks is often given to people who have done something nice for someone else.  Of course, these people need to be thanked, but thanks should also be directed toward God.  He should be the object of thanksgiving.

3)    Giving thanks should be comprehensive – “for everything.”  Thanks is not complete unless it includes thankfulness for all things. Grant Richison said, “All things includes both bane and blessing, adversity and benefit, for the small and the big. We give thanks for the miserable things, the things we cannot understand, as well as the good. In other words, we surrender to the will of God no matter how it hurts. Only a Spirit-filled person can do this.”

4)    Giving thanks should be spiritually qualified – “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  In other words, thanks in the name of Jesus represents everything that characterizes Christ as well as all that He has done for mankind including providing salvation and eternal life.

Warren Wiersbe, an American Christian clergyman, said, “The word gratitude comes from the same root word as grace.  If we have experienced the grace of God, then we ought to be grateful for what God brings to us.”  Let’s let our thanksgiving permeate at that we do both now and throughout the year.

Contentment

Question #1: Are you a child of God?  According to Scripture, you are if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12).  Question #2: How do you live as a child of God?  The Bible says we are to live wisely (Ephesians 5:15).  Some people become anxious and fearful about things that happen to them.  Sometimes, even people who are children of God tend to forget that they are a member of God’s family and that they should entrust their lives to God.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Here are several life situations.  Think about what a child of God might do in these circumstances.

1)      A Strained Relationship.  Suppose a relationship with a family member has gone bad.  A child of God could think of persons who may have never known what it is like to love and be loved and pray for that family member.

2)      Purpose in Life.  Everyone wants their life to count for something.  A child of God can be thankful to God because God has gifted every child of His with abilities to do things well.  There are many people who struggle to find purpose in life.

3)      Unkind People.  Perhaps you might encounter someone who is unkind, bitter, or harsh as they interact with others.  If you are a child of God, you can pray for that individual asking God to help you be courteous and kind to them and to others.

4)      Physical Difficulties.  Some people do not have vocal cords with which to speak and sing or hands to use to help others.  You can thank God for what you can do and pray for contentment for these people.

5)      Failing Health.  You may find yourself with failing health or maybe you are unable to get around like you used to.  If you are a child of God, you can be thankful for the portion of health that God has given you and that He meets all your needs.  You can also pray asking God to help those who have difficulty in these areas.

The child of God should have a contented life.  However, notice that the Apostle Paul said that contentment is something that needs to be “learned” – it does not just happen naturally.  It does not matter what the situation is - even if you are challenged by your circumstances.  You can always give thanks to God and ask Him to give you an attitude of contentment.  What is the secret of contentment?  It is to trust God completely and trust Him in everything. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I challenge you to live a contented life.

Thanksgiving All the Time

Thanksgiving is just around the corner so let’s think about a verse from the Bible that reminds us to be thankful.  Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”  Who is “us?”  Who is “him?”  What do we need to do?  Since we are thinking about giving of thanks an additional question might be, “When are we to give thanks?”

1)     The exhortation is for people.  “Let us” refers to all people (everyone) but particularly God’s people – those who have developed a personal relationship with the creator of the universe.

2)     We are encouraged to take action.  “Come” suggests that we need to make sure we are ready, willing, and able to take the steps that are important to do what God wants us to do.

3)     We are urged to come to the right person.  The “Him” in this verse is the “Lord.” The acknowledgment suggests that God should be the sole object of our thanks.

4)     We are challenged to have a grateful heart.  Our gratefulness is suggested by the words “With thanksgiving.”  It is easy for us just to be happy and enjoy our surroundings.  However, a grateful heart is one that is extremely thankful for a God who is concerned about us and cares for us. As a result, we should be ready to offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

5)     We are exhorted to worship and praise.  We are to “Extol him” by lifting up God’s name, admiring Him, and bowing in his presence because he is worthy of our praise and honor.

6)     We are advised to share our expression.  That sharing is to come through “Music and song.” These are ways that help our emotions turn to God whether it be with a melodious voice or a harmonious instrument.  Our expression to God should come from the grace of God in our hearts and spiritual joy that reveals our delight in Him.

When should we give thanks?  On Thanksgiving Day?  As soon as Halloween is over?  When the calendar tells us it is the time of the year to give thanks?  This verse does not suggest a specific day or time of the year to give thanks.  So, we should be ready to express our thanks to God all the time throughout the year.  Why not begin your thanksgiving today?

Great Delight

What is it that brings great delight to you?  As I began to reflect on things that bring me pleasure, enjoyment, a sense of satisfaction, and delight summertime came to my mind.  In the summer I enjoy being out-of-doors – walking by a lake or a brook, feeling the cool breeze blowing across my brow, observing ducks and geese swimming in the water, admiring beautiful flowers, and enjoying the warmth of the sun.  My electronic New International Version of the Bible tells me that the word “delight” is used 69 times in Scripture.  Looking through those verses I discovered some interesting things about delight.

 1)      We should take delight in God Himself.  The Scripture says, (a) “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).  (b) “Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God” (Job 22:26).

 2)      We should delight in God’s Word.  The Bible tells us to take delight in a number of things.  (a) Decrees – “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:16).  (b) Statutes – “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:24).  (c) Laws – “Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). (d) God’s Words – “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty” (Jeremiah 15:16).  Whatever Scripture is named it brings delight to those who are thirsty for God or in need of His comfort and care. 

3)      We should delight in what God does for us.  Usually the things that God does for us are called blessings.  This kind of delight may be the result of:  (a) God’s Deliverance – “Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high.  My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance” (I Samuel 2:1).  (b) The Salvation He offers – “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation” (Psalm 35:9).  (c) His Wonderful Works – “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2).  (d) The righteousness that He offers – “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation    and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).  Indeed, we are recipients of God’s manifold blessings.

 4)      We should rejoice because God delights in us. 

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).  This verse tells us several things about God and His relationship with us.  (a) His Presence – He is “with you.”  What a great comfort this is any time, but particularly in our time of great need.  (b) His Provision – He is “mighty to save.”  God has fantastic power to take care of us in every way, even spiritually.  (c) His Pleasure – “He will take great delight in you.”  Note that not only can we be delighted in God, but God takes “great delight” – in us as well.  (d) His Peace – “He will quiet you with his love.” God’s peace speaks of the great calmness that He gives us even when we are stressed out.  (e) His Party (celebration) – “He will rejoice over you with singing.”  When it comes to you and me, God is in the business of rejoicing.  Just think.  God delights in you.  Isn’t that amazing!  Take time right now to think about the wonderful things God has done for you.  Make a note of at least three of those things and take time today to thank God for them.

Overflowing with Thankfulness

Probably the most important part of November is Thanksgiving.  During this holiday season we enjoy family and friends and want to be with them.  We are also happy for the food we have to eat and thoroughly enjoy the bountiful provision and nourishment we receive.  We appreciate the wonderful country in which we live and delight in the freedom we enjoy.  All of these things are good and wonderful, but when it comes to thanksgiving, Scripture tells us that the expression of thankfulness needs to be directed towards God and our thankfulness needs to be a continual and an ongoing process in our lives.

Focus of Thankfulness.  Notice the thankfulness that the Apostle Paul had when he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3).  He appreciated the people to whom he was writing; they were great friends of his and helped him during his time of need.  However, his thankfulness was expressed, not to these people, but to God.  When God is the focus of our thankful spirit, it is He who receives praise and honor for that which we enjoy.  By our act of thankfulness expressed to God we acknowledge our dependence on Him.  We acknowledge that we are needy people and that He is the only One who can meet the deepest needs of our hearts.

Extent of Thanks.  In another portion of Scripture, Paul shares these words - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness“ (Colossians 2:6-7).  Thankfulness is to be more than just the expression of the word “thanks”.  Thanks is to be in excess; it is to overflow.  When I purchase a bag of popcorn or an order of French fries, I like the container in which this food comes to be more than full.  I want it to overflow with the delicious morsels.  The same idea is expressed in Paul’s challenge.  He wants people to be thankful, but he wants their thankfulness to overflow.  Our thankfulness ought always to be in excess.  It should abound in both quality and quantity.

As you enjoy Thanksgiving this year my prayer for you and your family is that you will concentrate on these two aspects of thankfulness – (1) Let your thanks be expressed to God and (2) Let your thankfulness be characterized by an abundant overflow.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

May Day

May Day began as a spring festival long ago.  People gathered together on the first day of May to celebrate the coming of summer.  A lot of different customs have been a part of May Day festivities.  For example, some people would gather flowers and put them by their doors and windows to keep out troublesome fairies.  Some would put out their old fireplace hearth fires and gather with people in their village to start a new fire to take home.  One custom included cutting down a tree and putting up a Maypole in the center of town.  Ribbons were attached to the pole and woven together by dancers.  One other custom included filling May Baskets with flowers and other goodies to give to friends and loved ones.

We may not participate in as many May Day festivities as people did years ago, but in the Bible the Apostle Paul challenges us to do good to other people.  He says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  This text seems to tell us three things:

1)    We should constantly look for ways we can support others and share God’s goodness with them.

2)    We should be open to do good to everyone.

3)    We should especially do good to those who are part of the family of God.

During this month you might ask yourself a question – “What have I done to show kindness and goodness to others?”  Maybe this would be a great time to identify at least five people that come to your mind.  Plan to do something special for them.  How about a telephone call to one or more individuals just to say “Hi” and see how they are doing?  What about sending a note or an email to someone to tell them what you appreciate about them?  How about talking to someone and let them know that you have been praying for them?  Maybe you could determine that you are going to smile and be friendly to other people more often this month.  Let’s use May Day as a prod to encourage us to do good to others.

Reason for Thanks

During the Thanksgiving season we are encouraged to give thanks.  That is important because we ought to be people who are thanks givers.  As we express our thankfulness to God we usually do so by rehearsing a list of material blessings that we enjoy such as food, health, clothes, church, friends, or family.  All these are important blessings for which we ought to be thankful.  However, our thanksgiving should be more than simply giving thanks for material items.  The psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1).

The motivation and focus of thanksgiving should be God Himself just because He is good.  Goodness is the very nature of God.  In order to explain this goodness the psalmist says, “His love endures forever.”  In other words, the goodness of God has to do with the outpouring of His grace, love, and mercy to you and me in our sin and our need.  In spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be recipients of His goodness, we are.  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Isn’t that amazing?  God’s goodness, through His grace and love, is available to each of us in abundant measure and it is there for us to personally receive.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are Go’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2;8-10).  Let’s thank God for our material blessings, but let’s also thank Him for being good to us so we can possess and experience eternal life.  “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of god so that you may know that you have eternal life” (I John 5:11-13).

Have you received God’s goodness?  You can be a recipient of that wonderful goodness by praying a simple pray of faith to receive Jesus as your Savior.  Do it today and then make sure you give thanks to God because He is good.