Gratitude should specific.  Too often platitudes of gratitude get mucked up in generalities.  When thanksgiving isn’t specific, then giving of thanks becomes a load of verbosity to make us feel good about ourselves, rather than truly giving glory to the only One who deserves it.  Many years ago, I read an interesting article by A.W. Tozer about the problem with general, rather than specific gratitude.  He told the story of a farmer and his wife with whom he had stayed as a young boy.  They were not “church-going” folk and never professed faith of any kind, yet they constantly declared how thankful they were for their lives, possessions, and family.  Tozer wondered to whom they directed this deep sense of gratefulness they so often expressed.
          During the holiday season, we all have so much to be thankful for, and many, many people to whom we should express our thanksgiving.  But our ultimate expression of gratitude is very specific, and should be directed to Jesus.  Thank You Jesus Day is this coming Sunday, November 18.  Everyday ought to be Thank You Jesus Day, but on this special day we are going to express our thankfulness to God for all He has done in our lives and in our church family.   One way of expressing thanks is by giving the Lord a thanksgiving offering to reflect the depth of our gratitude.  We will collect two offerings this coming Sunday morning. The first offering will be for regular giving and tithes.  The second offering will be a Thank You Jesus offering which will go to support our short-term mission efforts around the globe and help with the purchase of our two new church vans.  These vans are used to pick up children all over Seminole so that they can hear the good news of Jesus.  I want to challenge the FBC family to give above and beyond her regular giving, and give to the Lord a thanksgiving offering to express your gratitude to the Lord.
          Following the worship service, we are going to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together, and hear thanksgiving testimonies of God’s grace.  You will not want to miss it!  The church will provide the turkey, so bring a side dish for your family plus one, and be prepared to be blessed!

Category : Tommy Talk