“For the Christian, every day is Thanksgiving Day.” — Billy Graham

Thanksgiving does not happen in ignorance. From Colossians 1:9-14, we learn that thanksgiving is the result of deeper knowledge and understanding of God and the things He has done.

Think of constantly sending out gifts and the recipient never calls or writes to let you know that they received the package. The main purpose of thanksgiving is to acknowledge receipt of past mercies from God. When we fail to give thanks, we forfeit greater mercies. You cannot give thanks passively. Thanksgiving is actively expressed in words, thoughts, and actions.

Philippians 4:6 teaches us to give thanks in prayer while making our requests. Thanking God in advance expresses our confidence in His faithfulness as we anticipate His help. Such faith moves God.

Thanksgiving precedes multiplication. If you want to see an increase in anything, begin to give thanks for it. ‘‘And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.’’ (Jeremiah 30:19).

In difficult times, thanksgiving keeps the believer from the temptation to complain and grumble against God. Gratitude is the believer’s shield when the enemy attempts to take away their joy. Some of the happiest people you will ever meet are those who live with an ‘it could have been worse’ attitude. This attitude keeps them focused on what they have received more than their problems. Choose to consciously practice a lifestyle of giving thanks.

From all of us at Jesus House Tuscaloosa, we say Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved one.

Thanksgiving is good but thanks-living is better. – Matthew Henry