ThanksLiving

November 24, 2024

Dr. Paul Cannings

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we often begin to think of all the things we should thank God for. We reflect on a series of events to determine how and when to thank God. Sometimes, we forget the fundamental reasons why we should say thanks.

A young man put it this way; “nine months ago, a Christian came to my house and said he wanted me to become a Christian. He talked to me kindly and encouragingly, pointing out the errors of my ways, and I became converted. I had been a hard drinker, but since that time I have not touched a drop of liquor. If anyone had asked who the most hopeless man in town was, they would have pointed to me.” Today, this man is the superintendent of a Sabbath school. Eleven years ago, when I went to Boston, I had a cousin who wanted a little of my experience. I gave him all my help, and he became a Christian. He did not know how near death was to him: He wrote to his brother and said: “I am very anxious to get your soul to Jesus.” The letter somehow went to another city and lay from the 28th of February till the 28th of March—just one month. He saw it was in his brother’s handwriting, tore it open, and read the above words. It struck a chord in his heart and was the means of converting him. And this was the Christian who led this drunken man to Christ. This young man had a neighbor who had drunk for forty years, and he went to that neighbor and told him what God had done for him, and the result was another conversion. I tell you these things to encourage you to believe the drunkard can be saved.” (from Moody’s Anecdotes and Illustrations. Biblesoft formatted electronic database. Copyright © 2014 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

“ThanksLiving” begins with keeping the value of being born again front and center. Salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-10). No person sought after God on their own (Romans 3:9-11). It was ONLY because “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son……” (John 3:16). Salvation, by God’s grace, provided the Holy Spirit who was poured into us (Titus 3:5-8), providing a spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10). Applying ourselves to use His spiritual gift blesses us eternally (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 15:18). Because He does not listen to the prayers of sinners (John 9:31) now saved, we are blessed!! He now hears even the groans of our hearts (Romans 8:86). The Holy Spirit empowers us to mature in wisdom and righteousness, providing material blessings (Luke 12:13-28; Psalm 112:1-3; 24:3-5).

Sometimes it is hard to swallow this because we often focus on what we don’t have rather than seek Christ first. He promises to ‘provide our needs according to His riches in glory’ (Luke 12:29-34).

Happy ThanksLiving!!