Oak Hill Church of Christ 11-24-24 Message: "What's For Thanksgiving?"

Oak Hill Church of Christ preaching minister, Randy Sterling, delivers a message on the importance of giving thanks toward God and appreciating His great gifts.

In many countries, there is a national day of thanks. Though they are held at different times, the result is the same: to spend a day focusing on the year's blessings, and focusing on the good things of life.

In America, the story of Thanksgiving is synonymous with the journey of the Pilgrims to the New World and their encounter with the Indians. Children have, for many years, learned the story of how the Indians taught the Pilgrims the proper way to grow crops which were most likely to survive in American soil. In gratefulness for their abundant harvest, following a harsh winter, they broke bread with the Indians to celebrate the blessing of a full belly and the prospect of future success in the New World.

The Pilgrims had many things to be upset about, to be sure. Of the 102 of them that came over on the Mayflower, only half were alive after the first winter. A ship destined to bring them relief supplies and foodstores brought 37 hungry people instead. They could have had a 'complaining day' instead, filling the air with all of their grievances, most of which would have been well-reasoned and valid.

Instead, they chose to give thanks to God for their survival and the hope for their future. It's hard to say they were wrong to give thanks, after all, their hard work and struggle became the foundation for one of the most advanced, safe, and prosperous nations on earth. They were right to think ahead at the bounty God had provided.

The message from God to us is that the same thing is still true. When we direct ourselves to consider our blessings and engage in a a positive forward outlook, we find that the old adage is often true: 'you get out what you put in.'

For our American viewers, consider this Thanksgiving what you're thankful for, and what you can look forward to God providing you in the future. Jesus rightly said in Matthew 6:34 that each day has enough problems of its own, so take this day to leave the future's problems behind and embrace gratitude for the Lord, and see if he doesn't begin to work in your life.

For our overseas viewers, why not join us? Have a nice meal this Thursday with your family or friends, and give thanks as well!