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No Thanks . . . .
Out of a true spirit of thankfulness a special day of thanksgiving was observed in the United States in 1621. This has become a cherished tradition for both the USA and Canada. The day was originally meant to be a day of special thanksgiving to God for a bounteous harvest. The day was spent by first of all going to church
where a few hours were spent in listening to lengthy sermons, followed by a bounteous thanksgiving dinner.
Today, of course, the feasting persists, and for the majority of people it is just another "long week-end". If, perchance, they do attend church they rather pointedly begin looking at their watches if the sermon should go over fifteen minutes. Thus, in effect, they are saying, "No thanks" to God Who is mindful of their everyday needs.
The Christian has things to be thankful for that are transcendent to material things. The Christian is thankful for the "gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23. This gift is possible through Jesus Christ. In our modern world there is a mania for "free gifts" with almost every purchase. The costs of these "free gifts" are hidden in the purchase price.
With the gift of salvation there is a hidden cost, but it is not passed on to the receiver of this gift. Yes, Jesus paid the price for us. "You are bought at a price." I Corinthians. 6:20; 7:23. The price has been paid so it is truly free. As long as a "free gift" remains in the hands of the giver, it is in his possession. It does not belong to the intended receiver until he actually takes possession of it.
To turn down a valuable gift with a "No thank you" would be considered the height of folly. Have you accepted this free gift of salvation through Christ? Or are you one of those who are saying "No thanks" to the most precious gift of all? If you will accept Christ as your own personal Saviour right now, then you can have a thanksgiving day every day of your life.
You will thank God for showing you that you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.
You will thank Him for providing salvation or it is impossible to save yourself for it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us," Titus 3:5a.
You will thank Him for daily blessings received, both spiritual and temporal, for He makes "all things work together for good to those who love God." Rom. 8:28.
You will thank Him for the "blessed hope" that you have for eternity, for "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them who love Him." I Corinthians 2:9.
Thanksgiving is mentioned in the Old Testament about 45 times. 30 of these are in the Psalms. (Example, Psalm 26:7). Thanksgiving is also mentioned about 45 times in the New Testament. (Example, Matthew 15:36 and II Corinthians 9:15).
We should "let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." Heb. 13:15.
We are to be found “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20.
Daniel gave thanks in the face of sentence of death. Daniel 6:10. Jonah gave thanks from the belly of the fish. Jonah 2:9. Ingratitude is a sin. "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobed- ient to parents, unthankful, unholy," II Timothy 3:2.
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. . . ." Psalm 92.1.
Western Tract Mission, Inc.
401 33rd Street West
Saskatoon, SK. S7L 0V5 Canada
306-244-0446
WesternTractMission.org
10/09
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