In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As we approach Thanksgiving our attention is naturally drawn to Family, food, and football. These are considered holiday staples for the majority of people in the country of the United States of America.

During my, youth Thanksgiving was a very special time. Many wonderful memories were made as it was kind of a mini-family reunion of sorts.

I believe the reason for this was that the times we lived in were much simpler than they are today. Not to say things we're perfect as depicted in the famous Norman Rockwell painting of the typical family gathering at the holiday table.

Today things are much different as love and family values have been replaced by commercialism, technology, and political views. For many, it has become a stressful time that's tolerated at best or avoided if at all possible.

How quickly we as a nation have forgotten our biblical roots that are the bases for this holiday.

The very first Thanksgiving was a time to give thanks to God for the opportunity to start a new life in a new country and to pursue the freedom to worship the God of the Bible without control or limitations.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

We also forget that giving thanks is not a wish but a command for those who have by faith placed their trust in Jesus for salvation.

Many unbelievers think this is a ridiculous request. But what they fail to recognize is it's not some trifle burden to bear but an opportunity to humbly stay connected to the author of all life.

1 John 2:17 - And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The first Thanksgiving shares a lot of correlation with the last supper. Jesus gathers with his disciples to share a meal and lays out the culmination of God's plans once he is gone.

Like 22:19-20 - And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Will you wisely use this time to aline your heart with his truth?