Topical Encyclopedia Thanksgiving, as a spiritual discipline, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is an essential aspect of the Christian life. It is an expression of gratitude to God for His provision and care, particularly concerning the supply of our bodily needs. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of offering thanks for the material blessings we receive.Biblical Foundation The act of giving thanks for our daily needs is grounded in the recognition of God as the ultimate provider. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). This petition acknowledges our dependence on God for sustenance and invites us to respond with gratitude when our needs are met. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he exhorts believers, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" . This directive includes gratitude for the provision of our physical needs, recognizing that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). Old Testament Examples The Old Testament is replete with instances where thanksgiving is offered for God's provision. The Israelites, after their deliverance from Egypt, were instructed to remember God's provision in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 8:10 states, "When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land He has given you" . This command highlights the importance of acknowledging God's hand in providing for their physical sustenance. The Psalms also reflect a spirit of thanksgiving for God's provision. Psalm 136:25 declares, "He gives food to every creature. His loving devotion endures forever" . This verse is part of a larger psalm that recounts God's enduring faithfulness and provision, encouraging believers to respond with gratitude. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Himself models thanksgiving for physical provision. Before feeding the multitude with loaves and fishes, He gives thanks to God (John 6:11). This act not only demonstrates His reliance on the Father but also sets an example for His followers to express gratitude for God's provision. The early church continued this practice, as seen in Acts 2:46-47, where the believers "broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God" . Their communal meals were marked by thanksgiving, reflecting their acknowledgment of God's provision. Practical Application For Christians today, offering thanksgiving for the supply of our bodily wants is a vital practice that fosters a spirit of contentment and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and encourages a posture of humility and gratitude. By regularly giving thanks for our daily needs, we align ourselves with the biblical mandate to recognize God as the source of all blessings and to honor Him with our gratitude. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 14:6,7He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 4:3,4 Library The Cry for Bread The Works of John Cassian. Lives of Faith and Trust One Worker Preparing for Another Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. Letter Liv. To Furia. The Water of Life; Another Wonderful Record of 25. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources Is the ACTS formula for prayer a good way to pray? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different types of psalms? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Philippians 4:6? | GotQuestions.org Thanksgiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thanksgiving of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thanksgiving: Christ Set an Example of Thanksgiving: Expressed in Psalms Thanksgiving: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thanksgiving: Saints: Abound in the Faith With Thanksgiving: Saints: Come Before God With Thanksgiving: Saints: Exhorted To Thanksgiving: Saints: Habitually offer Thanksgiving: Saints: Magnify God By Thanksgiving: Saints: Offer Sacrifices of Thanksgiving: Saints: Resolved to offer Thanksgiving: Saints: should Enter God's Gate With Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Praise Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Prayer Thanksgiving: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Men Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Things Thanksgiving: should be offered for Appointment to the Ministry Thanksgiving: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thanksgiving: should be offered for Deliverance Through Christ from In-Dwelling Sin Thanksgiving: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Wants Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thanksgiving: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thanksgiving: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thanksgiving: should be offered in Behalf of Ministers Thanksgiving: should be offered in Everything Thanksgiving: should be offered in Private Worship Thanksgiving: should be offered in Public Worship Thanksgiving: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: Always Thanksgiving: should be offered: At the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thanksgiving: should be offered: Before Taking Food Thanksgiving: should be offered: Through Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: To Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: To God Thanksgiving: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thanksgiving: The Heavenly Host Engaged In Thanksgiving: The Wicked Averse To Related Terms Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) |
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