DRUMSTICKS

THANKSGIVING IS NOT A DRUMSTICK

Thursday, November 22, 2018

   Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

   1Thessalonians [GW] 5:16-22  Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don't put out the Spirit's fire. Don't despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.

  Today’s title is a silly one, for Christian or not understands that thanksgiving is not about what is in hand . . . it’s from what is in our heart. A thankful attitude producing considerate words and actions is more than at any other time evidenced during times of difficulty, diminishment, or loss. These events are experienced small, mild, moderate, or intense by one and all. Experiencing such events tests us presenting option to shrink or grow.

  For the followers of the John 1:1 Word, Lord Jesus Christ, Logos living and written is our guide; for we as His people and sheep of His pasture are to give thanks for ever: showing forth praise to all generations. (Ps.79:13) For thoughtful consideration I share my personal morning review.

  Using eSword concordance we find 35 OT verses and 36 NT verses containing “thanks”. Reviewing them prayerfully is an edifying exercise. For me the most provocative being 1Chronicles 16:41 showing that people were chosen to give thanks, and in the NT reminding me that it is this “thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” (1Pet.2:19-20)

  Then, Jesus’ teaching: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Mt.6:9-13)

  Jesus later declaring: "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (ESV Mt.11:25-26; Lk.10:21)

  And Paul penned an important reminder: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (ESV Heb.13-16)

  And one of my all time favorites pertaining to our being God’s 2Corinthians 5:14-21 agents of reconciliation: “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2Cor.2:14)

  So, whether delicious drumstick in hand or drumbeat painfully aural, let us give thanks. (For our family gathering it will include both turkey but not this year my enjoyable baked ham glazed with my secret formula.)

EBB4