Crossroads Community Church

October 16, 2013 · 0 Comments

This Thanksgiving we paused to reflect on the many blessings we’ve received throughout the year. We came together to praise the giver of all things, to worship the maker of heaven and earth; we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for his Son Jesus Christ. Pastor Don offered a prayer of humble gratitude and supplication. We pray for those around us who are facing many health challenges, we pray God’s strength and peace be with them. Pastor Don proceeded with a little history lesson on Thanksgiving.

“The origins of Thanksgiving dates back to our forefathers, the custom of giving thanks during harvest has been around for hundreds of years but was made official in 1879. At first in North America it was celebrated on the last Thursday of November, but in Canada it was made official in 1957on the second Monday of October due to our earlier harvest season. Giving thanks is innately part of us, the need to thank a higher power for the blessings the earth gives us; even indigenous nations have been found to practice this form of “giving thanks”. Coincidentally it is God’s will for us to do so, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus,” 1Thessalonians 5:16-18. This does not mean to be grateful for problems; it means to be grateful despite them. In difficult times our God comes through and turns challenges into good, to make us more like His Son. The attitude of gratitude sets us apart as followers of Jesus because He is faithful, (Psalms 118:1).

Society has a very distinct view on the source of happiness; it equates it to perfect circumstances and the ownership of things. When we choose to focus on God our source of Joy, circumstances or things don’t change our level of happiness,(Philippians 4:4). In every circumstance good or bad choosing God will give us the strength to get through all things,(Psalm 95:1-2). Gratitude is an inward attitude, not getting all we want but to live content with what we’ve got, having proper perspective on things helps us see the true blessings of God.

There are three attitudes that interfere with thankfulness. The first is pride, who says “I did it myself, I don’t need God,” sadly many around us have been taught that it is the way to be happy,(1John 2:16). The Second is a critical attitude, unhealthy criticism chokes joy, peace and eliminates gratitude. Critical people always find something to complain about therefore are void of thankfulness and snuff out the joy of those around them. If you know someone such as this, pray for them, it is the only hope for them. The third is carelessness, taking things for granted; when we live with a sense of entitlement it is easy to fall into that habit and eventually not display gratitude.

What does God’s word say about thanksgiving? It tells us to remember it and express it, “ Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation, “Psalms 100:4-5, Psalms 107:1. God wants our sincere gratitude, from the heart much like we appreciate when our children show their gratitude by thanking us in words and action; our Heavenly Father wants that kind of relationship with us, one of love, respect and gratitude, the way we show Him is by spending time with Him in prayer and Bible reading, by serving at church and in the community out of love for Him. He loves to hear our praises and inhabits them and He loves when we share His love with those around us. These are all tangible ways to show Him we are grateful, giving thanks in word and action. The apostle Paul practiced this, every letter he wrote began with thanksgiving to God for those he was writing to letting them know his appreciation for them, (Romans 1:8).

We have many reasons to be grateful, God gave us this earth and everything in it to cherish and enjoy, he gave us the people we love and care for because everything is His to give,(Psalm 24:1). When we acknowledge that all is from Him it becomes natural to be grateful for He has chosen to give us spiritual birth through Jesus, He has chosen to give us His word to hear and follow and we are his treasure,(James 1:17,18).

Beloved when life is difficult and seems bleak let us remember that with God nothing is insurmountable, what we go through in this life is temporary and pales in comparison to what the Lord has in store for us, (Romans 8:18). What we suffer now is for His glory so let us honor God by trusting Him and giving Him thanks for what He has blessed us with by sharing with those in need, let us show Him our appreciation for those He has put in our care by letting Him be our strength to do it, and let us honor the privilege of knowing Him by sharing the Gospel with those He placed within our reach, and we too will say as Paul says ,” I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong,(2Corinthians 12:10). Asherey Shalom…

To learn more visit: http://www.shelburnecrossroadschurch.ca/