Give Thanks and Remember
Reasons for Thanksgiving • Sermon • Submitted
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Scripture
Scripture
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: Make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: Talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: Seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, Ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: His judgments are in all the earth.
This psalm of Israel’s history opens with a call to praise and remember God’s wondrous works. Then it highlights the Abrahamic covenant (v8-15), the life of Joseph and Israel’s settlement in Egypt (vv 16-24), the life of Moses and the deliverance from Egypt (vv25-28), God’s care for them in the wilderness (vv. 39-41), and the entrance into Canaan (vv. 42-45). Some of this psalm is quoted in connection with David’s procession when bringing the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chron. 16-8-22).
It's amazing how many times we see the words "thank," "thanks" and "thanksgiving" in the Bible. In the KJV, these three words are found 128 times. Jesus certainly gave thanks to the Father, and Paul often gave thanks to God. For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:57, Paul said, "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." And in Philippians 1:3, Paul said: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."
God’s mighty works in Israel
From the Abrahamic covenant to Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt so Joseph could be exalted to second in command and Israel would come and live there and be protected during the famine.
Then even after they were made slaves in Egypt, God came to rescue them in a miraculous way by sending 10 plagues upon those who enslaved His people.
He led them out to the Promised Land, and even when they disobeyed, He fed them and provided for them until He eventually led the next generation into the land He had promised to give His people.
God sends people to remind them that even in tough times, God is at work and we are to sing praises, and remember and give praise for His wonderful acts.
1- Give thanks and remember His wonders
2- Give thanks and remember His covenant
2- Give thanks and remember His people
There are times in our lives, when our circumstances are pretty tough, that it becomes difficult to see the things we should be thankful for.
We need to realize, however, that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is much to be thankful for and recognizing those things and giving thanks for them glorifies the Lord and is what He wants us to do.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we need to always keep our focus on the hope of eternal life that we have been given through the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites faced this same issue.
They would often forget what God had done in their history and it would detrimentally affect their life going forward.
This is why it is so important that we remember and think about and give thanks and praise to the Lord and remember and tell of His wonderful acts.
Whatever happened to the words “Please” and “Thank you”? And “you’re welcome”? And “May I?” “Yes, you may.” And whatever happened to a warm handshake and a “Hi! How are you?” Are you quick to speak to others? Are you quick to greet others warmly or in a friendly manner? Are you quick to express gratitude?
Someone said, “You can’t expect excellent behavior at a restaurant (or anywhere else) if you’re not practicing it at home.”
Some people are downright unmannerly, rude, crude. The worst rudeness and crudeness of all is failing to express our gratitude to God! We owe Him manners, gratitude, worship, and praise!
We need to remember Him, what He has done and thank Him every chance we get! We marvel at His wonders: His creation, the starry universe which is far beyond what we can see or even imagine. We are amazed at the many facets of His creation: plant and animal life. And many animals which science is just now discovering and are naming. And the greatest miracle of all is when God saves a person and turns him or her into a better person!
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
We need to remember God’s big promise, that is, His covenant with us through Christ. He remembers it but we also must remember it.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
CLOSINGS
This is an amazing promise we need to remember -
Wherever we go, God goes with us!
1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
Omniscience simply means all knowing.
God knows everything.
Remember there is no question God cannot answer, there is no problem that can confuses God.
God is never surprised. He’s never shocked.
God never says, “I didn’t expect that to happen”
God has a purpose for you. God has a plan for you.
You are God’s masterpiece!
Remember we cannot escape God’s presence.
God’s presence is always with us, whether we are aware of it or not.
Remember He wants us to know Him.
He wants us to feel His love.
Remember He wants us to be the people He has called us and saved us to be. He wants us to be Dynamic Disciples.
God wants us to be more thankful than ever
-By speaking to God.
-By speaking to people about God.
-By singing His praises.
-And by seeking the Lord with all our hearts.
45 That they might observe his statutes, And keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.