“Thanks unto God for His unspeakable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:15)
In 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring the last day of November to be a National day of “Public Thanksgiving.” The dates for this celebration have varied over the years, and the changing of the date has brought the disdain of many, but the fact is that the Bible declares EVERY DAY as a personal day of thanksgiving.
More than once you have heard me say God only wants us to give thanks for TWO things. We are to give thanks IN EVERYTHING and FOR EVERYTHING, and certainly the giving God thanks is appropriate enough, and we have been reminded of that fact by the Apostle Paul (above). But, what motivates this spirit of thankfulness and why should I take part?
FIRST – Because God is the giver. James reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17). Christ is not a merchant. He has nothing to sell and if He did, no one could afford it, but He is a giver of gifts, and for that, we should be thankful.
SECOND – Because God’s gifts are always excellent. I’m sure every one of us has received at least one gift that we never liked. Perhaps there is an unworn tie in your closet, or some other thing considered worthless, but not so God’s gifts. Notice Paul does not say God’s gifts are unworthy, but unspeakable. His gifts leave us speechless. We stand in awe and wonder, especially as we recognize how unworthy we are to receive His marvelous gifts.
THIRD – Because you are a recipient of God’s gifts. Remember, God’s gifts are not given because we are worthy to receive them. He doesn’t offer His gifts because we have earned them, otherwise they would cease to be gifts, and so shouldn’t we want to offer a word of thanks. Isn’t that the least we could do?
FOURTH – Because to refuse His gifts comes at a very high price. God’s unspeakable gift is Jesus Christ and the free gift of salvation He offers to everyone who believes who He is and that he does what He says He will do.
I urge you, during your family celebration this Thanksgiving, GIVE GOD THANKS FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.
I Love being Pastor of the Journey church!
Pastor Jim
In 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring the last day of November to be a National day of “Public Thanksgiving.” The dates for this celebration have varied over the years, and the changing of the date has brought the disdain of many, but the fact is that the Bible declares EVERY DAY as a personal day of thanksgiving.
More than once you have heard me say God only wants us to give thanks for TWO things. We are to give thanks IN EVERYTHING and FOR EVERYTHING, and certainly the giving God thanks is appropriate enough, and we have been reminded of that fact by the Apostle Paul (above). But, what motivates this spirit of thankfulness and why should I take part?
FIRST – Because God is the giver. James reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17). Christ is not a merchant. He has nothing to sell and if He did, no one could afford it, but He is a giver of gifts, and for that, we should be thankful.
SECOND – Because God’s gifts are always excellent. I’m sure every one of us has received at least one gift that we never liked. Perhaps there is an unworn tie in your closet, or some other thing considered worthless, but not so God’s gifts. Notice Paul does not say God’s gifts are unworthy, but unspeakable. His gifts leave us speechless. We stand in awe and wonder, especially as we recognize how unworthy we are to receive His marvelous gifts.
THIRD – Because you are a recipient of God’s gifts. Remember, God’s gifts are not given because we are worthy to receive them. He doesn’t offer His gifts because we have earned them, otherwise they would cease to be gifts, and so shouldn’t we want to offer a word of thanks. Isn’t that the least we could do?
FOURTH – Because to refuse His gifts comes at a very high price. God’s unspeakable gift is Jesus Christ and the free gift of salvation He offers to everyone who believes who He is and that he does what He says He will do.
I urge you, during your family celebration this Thanksgiving, GIVE GOD THANKS FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.
I Love being Pastor of the Journey church!
Pastor Jim