Thanksgiving: Food For Thought
The Act Of Thanksgiving, part 1 of 2
Many times we wrestle with actually giving thanks to God. While we are sometimes thankful or appreciative, the art of giving thanks to God isn’t always practiced. The apostle Paul says that in everything we should give thanks because this is the will of God. In this message, we will share some practical ideas, food for thought if you will, on how to make thanksgiving a lifestyle.
Pastor Vince DiPaola
Download the notes.” No one can live only on food. People need every word that God has spoken.” (Matthew 4:4, CEV)
I. Some spiritual food for thought
1. We all have so much to give thanks to God for!
2. Thanksgiving differs from thankfulness because it gives.
3. God’s greatness is best seen as we express gratefulness.
” Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)
II. Digging into the Thanksgiving meal
3 Key ways to give thanks to God (Psalm 100, 50)
1. Because God loves us, we thank Him by loving Him.
” Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs… Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise… For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:1–2,4a,5, NIV)
“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NIV)
2. Because God created us, we thank Him by living for Him.
” Know that the Lord is God . It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture… Give thanks to him and praise his name .” (Psalm 100:3,4b, NIV)
“…I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice— the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask ? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think .” (Romans 12:1–2a, NLT)
3. Because God owns it all, we thank Him by giving to Him.
“‘I do not need bulls from your stalls or goats from your pens, because every animal of the forest is already mine. The cattle on a thousand hills are mine…’ Give an offering to show thanks to God. Give God Most High what you have promised.” (Psalm 50:9–10,14, NCV)
“… Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11, NIV)