Let me rejoice in Thanksgiving
sermon by Manfred Schreyer

(Psa 106 NIV) Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. {2} Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? {3} Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. {4} Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, {5} that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.


• On Friday I heard a story by Paul Harvey. Paul is amazing. He always has great stories . . . some are unbelievable . . . some show the strength of people . . . some display the cruelty. But on Friday he told the story of a young boy who had a disease and he had to save off his hair. He did so because he had to and he did it willingly. But when he got home and he was laying with his brother in the same room, he mentioned that he was embarrassed to go to school and that he would not go. His bother just listened. When his brother went to school, he told the story to his friends, who in turn told their friends, etc. And two days later the boy with no hair went to school. Not feeling embarrassed but as one of them, as all had shaved their hair in school.

• Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the moment of the year where we can reflect on ourselves and the goodness of God.

• When I lived in Germany, we have what is call “Thank You for the Harvest Fest.” And while I lived over there I was really never aware of the significance of this day.

• When I came to America and immigrated, year by year I learned to appreciate this day more and more.

• It allows me to reflect upon the things that make all worthwhile to live and to enjoy life as it is given by God.

• As with the story of the boy I learn in my old age that I really have to look beyond what I wish for in my life, but look toward those who look toward me and wish to have what I have. The privilege to assist those who are in need of something what I have or can offer, gives me a deeper feeling of thanksgiving.

• I told the story last year:

• As I was writing this sermon, I remembered a visit recently to our member Mabel Simmons. Mabel is 84 years old and she has her ailment as everyone at that age I guess. But while we were sitting there she repeatedly mentioned that she may not be very well now, but that she has wonderful memories of her life and that she was thankful for them. In fact I believe these memories keep her going. Martha and Jane were with me during that visit and we were able to listen to some of the stories of her life. But in the car both Martha and Jane told me that she was always there for other people. She was a giving person. She took the hand of others instead of reaching her hand toward others.

• When we come together at bible study or for service we always ask for joys and concerns. In almost all cases the concerns outweigh the joys.

• Could it possible be that we don’t remember God as much when we experience the good things life has to offer?

• I would like to tell you that God created us and as a gift he has given us life. Life is rich of things we too often take as “owed to us” But the reality is that our God created a perfect world for us and sometimes we can see this perfect world like a glimpse in our daily lives. And when we see it we then take it for granted.

• In our western society we have sometimes given up on appreciating what we have in our life, because we very seldom are confronted with circumstances that allow us to see true suffering. We have enough food, we have roofs over our head, we have jobs, we have a little saving, we have our kids in college, we go on vacation. . . .and so on. The truth is that we allow these things to be normal . . .

• When was the last time you thanked God for your family? When did you thank God the last time when you knew you had a best friend in you life? When was the last time you thanked God for your health? When was the last time you thanked God for His church and for His love and for His goodness?

• When we read the word of God, it becomes clear that God asks us to praise Him and to give Him Thanksgiving. Now, you may say . . . ”Well that seems a little selfish of a powerful God to demand Thanksgiving and praise” But think about it: We know that God does not need any praise . . . we are the ones who need to give praise. We need to give praise and Thanksgiving so we are able to recognize the wonderful gifts God has given us and is willing to share with us.

• This one day during the year when we sit together with family, when we smell the tender smell of turkey, when we see the dishes prepared by those we love and are dearest to us, when we thank God for the food, when we play with the children, when we feel tired . . . this one day “Thanksgiving” we remember who is the Maker of all things in this world.

• Actually we will never be able to give “Thanks” if we constantly try to be like those who have more. We will only be able to offer “Thanks” when we are able to reach down and give those a hand who are less fortunate then we are. Only then will we be able to see how blessed we are and we can share our blessings with others.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, …… and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:3,12-14

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." - Ephesians 1:15-16

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I would like to give you time and reflect upon your thankfulness today.
 

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