Thanksgiving is Giving Thanks

Scripture:
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:12-15

Thoughts:
I am writing this in response to a blog a friend of mine wrote. Thanks Tom for inspiring me to expand on your words of wisdom. 

I have heard it over and over, "Thanksgiving is my most favored holiday." Some may think, "Why not Christmas, the day celebrated for Christ birth, or Easter, the day we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior and Lord." When we really think about it we can celebrate and remember both these but, unless we are able to be thankful to our Father who made all things possible, and able to give thanks to each other then Christ coming into the world was in vain. You can argue that Thanksgiving was about the early pilgrims celebrating with their families and the Indians who helped them... but when you get to underlying purpose, it was to thank God and their friends for helping them survive their early days in America. 

Our service to God is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. The reality is that as we practice Thanksgiving we are thanking God for his indescribable gift of Jesus.  We received Jesus and we give out of our abundance. As we give to others it is an expression of thanks to God and a way that we profess the gospel of Jesus. It has a circle effect. We thank God by practicing thanksgiving to others. Others are blessed so they thank God and those who have blessed them. And the pattern is set. 

As we live our lives daily, we should remember we give thanks to God as we participate in Thanksgiving. 

Application:

1. How often do you give thanks to God?
2. How often do you demonstrate thanksgiving? 
3. How do you give thanks to God (prayers, worship, or actions) or to others (kindness, thankfulness, charity, cards, calls,)?
4. Shouldn't we give thanks to God by demonstrating Thanksgiving year round?
5. Who do you need to offer thanks to God for? They need to hear that voice of thankfulness as well. Can you offer Thanksgiving to them?

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me to show my thankfulness to you by my acts of Thanksgiving. Through my acts may others come to know your love and in turn give thanks to you. May you be glorified in all that I do. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.