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Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: Psalms 50:14

The advent of November ushers in Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holidays. Not to minimize Christmas, but the commercialism of the Christmas holiday season adds so much static to the true meaning that it clouds and competes with the joyous wonder of Christ's first advent.

The first mention of "Thanksgiving" is found in Leviticus 7, relate to the thanksgiving offering. Thanksgiving -- or peace offerings -- were offered in thankful memorial of past mercies. As we look past harvest season toward a new year with new opportunities, we are bound to give thanks for the mercies of God.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalms 103:2-5

We have seen God heal many of diseases this past year, and yet there are others who still endure patiently trusting God in difficult circumstances. It is the assurance that no matter our circumstance, God's mercy floods our soul with hope as all other things will eventually fail. We give thanks knowing that not even death can sting the saint of God. There are times when we are tempted to allow circumstances to control us and even rob us of having an attitude of gratitude. It is then we remember the scripture is replete with great examples of men and women who gave heartfelt thanks to God before seeing the promise of God come to fruition. Hebrews 11:39 speaks of how the faithful saints of the Old Testament obtained a good report through faith even though they had not received the promise. From these examples, we learn that faithfulness is part of thankfulness.

In addition, the scripture teaches us that an attitude of gratitude is a decision, a choice we make. Eight times in the Old Testament the phrase, "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever" is recorded. Choosing to give thanks is a choice to believe God's character is good. His word is good. His desires for us are good. As the song goes, "He's a good, good Father".

The first thanksgiving in December of 1621 followed a very difficult winter in 1620. The Pilgrims had lost 44 of the 102 settlers the previous winter. Though times had been tough, God had provided, and for that a Thanksgiving feast was declared. What a great balm to heal the hurting heart. As we head into the holiday season, many grieve as they spend the first Thanksgiving or Christmas without a loved one. It is fitting that the first Thanksgiving followed such a tragic winter, it is a testimony to the mercy and grace of God upon the new colonists who were completely dependent upon His provision.

With all the angst accompanying this year's election season, it is refreshing to have a focus centered on thanksgiving to God. No matter what becomes of the election, personal tragedy, or life's difficulty, the child of God can and should maintain an attitude of gratitude. Our scriptural reality is so much greater than our present circumstance, good or bad that everyone who names the name of Christ has something to be thankful for.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

This Thanksgiving season, I'm thankful for my Lord, His word, my family and the opportunity to serve our church family and join them in accomplishing God's mission in God's power. As we look on the field this fall of 2016, don't miss the opportunity to count your blessings and name them one by one because as we count our blessings we see what the Lord has done.

If you are reading this and don’t have the hope and assurance of eternal life. I cannot stress how important it is to understand, believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus Christ was not just a historical figure or “good man”, Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies written centuries before his first coming. He came as a Lamb so he might die for the sins of the world (John 3:16) and satisfy the just wrath of almighty God. He died on the cross atoning for the sins of the world, was buried to rise again victoriously over the grave three days later. Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection, and left his Spirit to convict us of sin and teach us of his saving grace. If you would like to learn more about the claims of scripture how you can know you have eternal life, please contact us at www.hbfcass.org and we will return your message as soon as possible and visit further about how you can secure the hope of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.