Happy Thanksgiving!

     In place of the monthly book review, and since Thanksgiving is this week, I decided to do something different. Thanksgiving is probably the one day of the year when many people actually stop to consider the Lord's blessings and thank Him for them. So what does the Bible say about giving thanks? When should we give thanks, why, and for what? Here are a few passages that speak on the topic of thanksgiving.

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

- Psalm 106:1

Why do we give thanks? Because His mercy endureth forever. The above passage then goes on to recount Israel's history during the time of the Exodus and how the Lord sustained them throughout it all. Has the Lord done marvelous works in the history your life? Remember to thank Him for them. 

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

- Ephesians 5:20

When do rejoice and give thanks? All the time and for everything. Even for the things that may not seem like a blessing. Do you have a "blessing in disguise" in your life right now? Thank God for it. You never know how He may use it for your benefit and His glory.  

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD."

- 1 Chronicles 16:8-10

Not only are we to thank the Lord, but we're to tell others about the wonderful things He's done! His most amazing act being, of course, dying on the cross to take away our sins. Has the Lord granted you the wonderful gift of salvation? Don't forget to tell others about it. 

     There are so many passages in the Bible that speak about why, when, and how we should thank the Lord. This Thursday, take some time to look them up and share them with your family and friends. May you truly have a happy Thanksgiving!