Happy Thanksgiving

Today as we celebrate a day of thanks, may we celebrate it with full joy and true thanks.

I am reminded of some of the Jewish festivals during this Thanksgiving. As I have been studying the Old Testament for class, I have studied some of the festivals and history, and one thing I have realized is that the Jewish people were always in a state of thanksgiving and remembrance in almost all of their festivals. Just like most Jewish culture, the festivals are tied back into their history. That is why they are steeped in remembrance and thanksgiving. From the Passover to the Festival of Weeks, each festival explores the history of what their people as been through and from this narrative, they in turn give God the thanks.

With that said, my challenge for everyone this Thanksgiving is that may we embody the spirit of the Jewish festivals. That as we sit around with family and friends eating, fellowship, and watching football, may we remember to give thanks to God for everything He has done for us. May we remember our own exodus story of how God has delivered us from our own oppression, and how He has been our own Divine Warrior fighting our battles for us. And as we are remembering may we as a community, a family, come together and give thanks for what He has done for us.

So what are you thankful for? What has God delivered you from? How has God been your Divine Warrior? What will you do to show him how thankful you are?