Thanks by Minister Owen Mitchell

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

This coming Monday October 12, Canada will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. I was so amazed to read this statement, “Canadian Parliament officially proclaimed the second Monday of October in 1957 as a day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed”, well said! The holiday is an autumn harvest festival geared to the giving thanks for blessings, good health and food of the past year.

Todah and Eucharisteo are the Hebrew and Greek words for thanks. Todah, found in the Old Testament, means to praise or give thanks. Eucharisteo, on the other-hand, is found in the New Testament which also means to give thanks. “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: …., O give thanks unto the God of gods: …. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercies endureth for ever,” Psalm 136:1-3.

David in Psalm 23 said this of the Lord; He’s my Shepherd, He allows me to lie down in green pastures, He provides the still water. He restores my soul and leads me in path of righteousness. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear because God comforts me. If that wasn’t enough, He also prepares a table for me in the midst of my enemies and anoints my head with oil. Who does this?

Thanksgiving is an expression of a Christian’s faith and it speaks to our relationship with God. Our giving of thanks is a response to God’s character and works. It also recognizes His sovereignty which fosters a person’s growth and contentment. Happy Thanksgiving.

God Bless.