Thanksgiving

Of God’s gifts to mankind Scripture, prayer and the spiritual Church (and the institutional church) are special to us in that they are oriented to our needs, the world in which we live, without initial cost, creating an equality for all in information, comfort, problem solving, life meaning, courage, love and confidence in life extension.  On this faith and experience I determined to register 100 of my favorite verses. Although I quote from the King James Version of Scripture, the version that was my first influence in Christianity,

I commend most versions to meaning.  I now use them in understanding and interpreting Scripture for my life and thought.  Some of those versions are clearer in statement than the KJV.  I gave years to loving and memorizing the King James Version, and have found nothing of importance in the newer translations lining my book shelf that offered any change in principle.  Further, I have discovered that there are fewer persons memorizing Scripture since the newer, popular versions have emerged.  Even so, fresh casting helps us.

Mark 11:24 – What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe ye shall receive them and ye shall have them. (Prayer)

I Peter 2:19-20 – For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when you do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 1 Peter 3:17   (Humility and Acceptance)

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  (Faith, Presuppositions, Relationship and Communication)

Revelation 22:11 – He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he who is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. (Society, Freedom, Peace, Practical life, Acceptance – which does not mean approval)

John 5:24 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (Salvation)

John 3:16 – 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.  (Redemption)

2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  2 Peter 3:15-18 (Education, Inspiration and Authority)

Luke 2:52 – And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. (Jesus had a childhood normal for human life parenting, implying effective pattern in factors for all child nurture.)

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Christian life attempts to reflect the nature of God, positive in meaning and conduct.)

Exodus 4:11 – Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? (God accepts us as we are – to proceed to live well in the natural context.)

If space permitted this list would continue with verses of faith, work, service, hope, immortality, ministry and the list lengthens.    Revelation 7:12 puts the factor of Thanksgiving engagement into an eternal context. Thanksgiving is part of the human/spiritual compound of immortality/eternity.  It partly honors us in that it will never be lost.  We will always have evidence that says to the universe that God is God, and mankind is creation, but those that have engaged in thanksgiving are of the fraternity of those who have accepted the truth that God is our helper, whether we are in bounty or in trouble.  All this drives devotional persons to prayer, building up a rich faith, a heart of empathy, and dependence.  There is mystery in it that Scripture identifies as sacrifice.  Thanksgiving is part of what we give to that sacrifice.