Every fourth Thursday in November this nation celebrates our national holiday-Thanksgiving. This is a time for gathering with family and friends, eating good food, and playing plenty of football! For God's people, every day should be a day of thanksgiving for the many good things He has given us. Allow me to suggest just a few.
His Son. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." {Romans 5:6-8} God sent His only Son into this sinful, sorrowful world to die a cruel death on the cross. He did this because mankind needed a Savior, a divine remedy for sin. We could not help ourselves, and because God loves us, He solved our problem by giving us His very best-His Son.
His Word. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." {2 Timothy 3:16,17} God sent the Holy Spirit to reveal His mind to man {1 Corinthians 2:9-13}. God's word is a roadmap to lead us to heaven, if we follow its teachings and commands. That word instructs us in the way to live godly lives in an ungodly world {Titus 2:10-12}. By living godly lives, we set influential examples for good in a world that lies in spiritual darkness.
Real Hope. "For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." {Romans 8:24,25} Our hope, which is rooted in Christ Jesus, is not a pipe dream or a mirage. It is sustaining, sure, steadfast, and assured by our Father in heaven. A careful study of the OT prophets clearly shows that God always left them with a message of hope to encourage their obedience. Christians must never lose sight of, and always be thankful to God for, our hope in Christ.
Blessing of Prayer. "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." {1 Peter 3:12} Prayer is a wonderful spiritual blessing for God's people. We know we can talk to Him at any time, under any circumstance, and He will hear the petitions we make before His throne of mercy and grace. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" {Hebrews 13:5,6} Yes, God's people should celebrate thanksgiving every day for all the wonderful blessings He's given to us {James 1:17}. When a good friend of mine prays, he says it best, "we are truly a blessed people."