A THANKSGIVING THOUGHT

Leviticus 7:12

Nearly 3,000 years before the pilgrims inaugurated the first Thanksgiving on American soil, the Israelites were told to offer a ". . . sacrifice of thanksgiving . . .", Leviticus 7:12. Giving thanks to God is an old tradition.

The New Testament word which gives us THANKSGIVING contains the word rendered "grace", in other places. Another part of it means well, or good. So THANKSGIVING is a proper response to God's Grace or favor toward us.

It would be frustrating to recognize the favor given, and be like the atheist who had no one to thank for it.

We are told: "be ye thankful", Colossians 3:15. This is a call to recognize the source of Grace. It seems selfish, or worse, to come this close and not express that gratitude. Recognition is one vital link in proper response. The next is in giving thanks or THANKSGIVING.

The Psalmist did well in saying: ". . . be THANKFUL unto him, and BLESS his name.", Psalms 100:4. This denotes a two-stage process:

"be thankful unto him"

"bless his name" ("bless" means praise)

I am grateful that Ray Felten acquainted me with another fine word: THANKSLIVING. That is, living like we are THANKFUL to God for His Grace shed on us.

1. Be THANKFUL

2. THANKSGIVING

3. THANKSLIVING - DDH.