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“Thanksgiving” in the Bible

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 9 Comments ↓

Thanksgiving in the Bible

The Bible uses the word “thanksgiving” only 25 times (in the NIV), although you will find many other instances with the base word “thank.”

How the Bible Refers to Thanksgiving

Below is a recap of the 25 uses of the word “thanksgiving” with the Scripture references provided:

In the Bible “thanksgiving” is not about a meal with all the trimmings in which we indulge, although there was a “fellowship offering of thanksgiving” (Lev. 7:13,15) in the Old Testament and a “cup of thanksgiving” in the New Testament of Jesus’ blood shed on our behalf. (1 Cor. 10:16)

“Thanksgiving,” in the Bible, is not a holiday celebration, although joyful singing, shouting, and praising God accompanies it. (Ezra 3:11; Neh. 11:17; 12:8; 12:24, 27, 46; Ps. 42:4; 69:30; 95:2; 147:7; Isa. 51:3; Jer. 30:19; Jonah 2:9)

The biblical use of “thanksgiving” is not a once a year occurrence but rather a regular expression of praise to God, a way of life. (Eph. 5:4; Phil. 4:6)

In the Bible “thanksgiving” is not merely sitting around saying what you are thankful for but also being used by God to cause others to overflow in thanksgiving. (1 Cor. 14:16; 2 Cor. 4:15; 9:11)

Nor does the Bible describe “thanksgiving” as mere expressions of thanks for what or who you are glad for but rather is to be made for everyone and everything. (1 Tim. 2:1; 4:3-4)

The Bible does not describe “thanksgiving” as a time to get together with family and friends but even better an opportunity to go into the presence of the Almighty God. (Ps. 95:2; 100:4)

The holiday rendition of “Thanksgiving” has merit but falls short of the biblical use of the word. Let’s remember to give thanks at all times (Eph. 5:20) and in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18). And let’s remember to top the list of that for which we are grateful with Jesus. — “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)

How interesting that the Greek word for “thanksgiving” is “eucharistia” from which we get the word “eucharist” which is used of communion wherein the bread and wine remind us of that indescribable gift.

To help you, or those in your sphere of ministry, reflect on Thanksgiving beyond this once a year, one-day holiday, check out the Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides. (This resource includes guides for thirteen other holidays.)

Beyond a Cerebral Understanding of the Names of God

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Today we don’t often think of the meaning of a person’s name but in Bible times that was significant. And so, we find many different names for God in the original languages of Scripture. The names are significant to the circumstances around which those names were used. Understanding the context helps us understand how the names relate to life.
Names of God

Knowing the Names of God is Just the Starting Point

Scripture suggests how the name of the Lord can be used.

Call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 105:1)
Trust in the name of the Lord. (Ps. 20:7)

When you know how His name can be used, it is a matter of applying the specific names into life situations in ways that fit.

Call on God by name as you seek to navigate life. (circumstances, needs)
. . . How important it is to call on Jehovah-Raah to shepherd you.
Remember God by name as you seek to process your stress and anxieties as well as joys and celebrations. (feelings)
. . . How strategic it is to seek peace in the name of Jehovah Shalom.
Trust God according to His name to take care of you and those you love. (relationships)
. . . How critical it is to trust in Jehovah Rapha for the healing so desperately needed in relationships.

Whether you are studying about the character of God, the names of God, or any other theological topic, the key is to understand the implications and application of these truths to life. Knowing the names of God and their meanings is only the starting point. We need to get beyond a cerebral understanding to actually calling on His name, trusting in His name, and proclaiming His name.

If you are looking for a list of the names of God and their meanings, click on the links below for tools in our affiliate store, but remember to get beyond a cerebral understanding.

Demonstration of Love Driven by Hate?

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 6 Comments ↓

Yes, we have a God of love, but there are some things He hates.

For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. (Isa. 61:8)

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Prov. 6:16-19)

The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. (Prov. 20:23)

Demonstration of God’s Love Must Be Driven by the Fullness of Who He Is

Though a God of love, He is also a holy and righteous God so He can’t help but hate sin. Consequently there is a barrier between sinful man and God. Sin separates us from Him “for the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

God hates sin so much, He had to do something about it because He also loves so much.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

Praise God, He took care of the sin problem! He hates sin so much it drove Him to the greatest demonstration of love — “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13).

How Such Love Affects Us

What about our love for Him? Do we love the Lord enough to hate what He hates?

Let those who love the LORD hate evil. (Ps. 97:10)

To fear the LORD is to hate evil. (Prov. 8:13)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Rom. 12:9)

For More About God, Go To: Theology Resources

Ministry Blues? Reflecting on an Eternal God will Help!

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Ps. 90:2)

How Remembering We Have an Eternal God Helps Us in Ministry

Even though we have an eternal God, it is so easy for us to get caught up in the here and now. To get beyond the tyranny of the urgent, the turmoil of difficult circumstances, and the turbulence of human relationships, we need to remember the following in ministry:

1) With an Eternal God comes eternal purpose.

God accomplished His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph. 3:11) through whom He offers a relationship with Himself and the privilege of working in cooperation with Him. His intent is to not only give us an eternal inheritance but also to bring us into conformity to His Son (Rom. 8:28-30).

— Make your ambition be to line up with Him! That will set your sights on what truly matters.

2) With an Eternal God comes eternal perspective.

His “righteousness is everlasting” and His “statutes are forever right.” We should therefore be praying, “give me understanding that I may live” (Ps. 119:142, 144). To live within that abundant life Jesus came to give (Jn. 10:10), we need His perspective on life.

— Make a conscientious effort to see life through His eyes. That will raise you above life’s petty concerns.

3) With an Eternal God comes eternal passion.

God has an eternal passion for those He created which grows out of His eternal characteristics. His love, kindness, and mercy toward us will never end (Jer. 31:3; Isa. 54:8; Ps. 100:5; 103:17) and cannot be measured. Because His righteousness and holiness are also eternal, His concern goes beyond how we feel in the moment to our eternal welfare.

— Make time to bask in His heart for you. That will motivate you beyond measure.

4) With an Eternal God comes eternal power.

We are without excuse for not trusting Him and living a godly life for “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Rom. 1:20). “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27).

— Make Him the first place you turn. That will make whatever you face seem do-able.

5) With an Eternal God comes eternal perseverance.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, … He will not grow tired or weary” (Isa. 40:28). He always was and always will be God who always was and always will be true to Himself who always was and always will work on behalf of His people. Even “if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).

— Make reflection on His faithfulness a part of your every day life. That will enable you to keep going on even when you don’t understand.

Perhaps the demands of ministry seem like more than you can bear. Maybe the burdens of those you are seeking to help weigh you down. If you get your eyes off of your circumstances and onto God, you will find strength, joy, hope, and power of eternal proportions. That is a sure cure for ministry blues!

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isa. 40:31)

God’s eternality is just one of the many attributes of God we need to remember in ministry. Check out the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download for alphabetical listing describing the kind of God who is with us in all we do.

Tapping into the Riches of the Knowledge of God

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 4 Comments ↓

The Knowledge of God is limitless.

Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? (Rom. 11:33-34)

As the One of whom there is no greater, God must be all-knowing. He must be able to see the big picture and fit all the particulars together in the best possible way.

Of significance is that Romans 11:33 does not say that God’s knowledge is deep, although it is. Rather, the riches of His wisdom and knowledge are deep. Out of His knowledge comes great benefit which He shares with us.

How the Limitless Knowledge of God Helps Us

The knowledge God has of us enables us to know our own heart, thoughts, and ways.

For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 Jn. 3:20)

The psalmist asked God to search and know his heart, thoughts, and ways (Ps. 139:23-24) because he believed in the omniscience of God which included God having intimate knowledge of all there was to know about him (Ps. 139:1-4). David’s prayer was more for his own benefit, a request for God to make known to him what God already knew about him. This was important because God’s knowledge, taken to heart, would help keep David on track.

God’s Knowledge keeps us on track.

We will stay on track morally if we act like He knows our ways. We will stay on track attitudinally if we manage ourselves like He knows our thoughts. We will stay on track motivationally if we pursue life like He knows our hearts. We will stay on track in ministry if we serve like He knows the beginning from the end.

The knowledge of God, as opposed to our limited understanding, takes us beyond our own limitations.

Our knowledge, in contrast to His, is so limited. If we don’t rely on His knowledge, we won’t always meet the challenges of ministry. We won’t always get it right. For example:

Because we can’t know the motivations of people’s hearts, sometimes we might misinterpret their behavior.
Since we don’t always know the end we sometimes might give up prematurely.
Not knowing all the possibilities at times, we sometimes might get stuck in our methodology.
Because we don’t usually know much beyond our own frame of reference and experience sometimes we might lead and serve according to our own limited perspective and personality bent.

We will falter in our ways if we do not trust in Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6) because we don’t see the big picture. We will be short-sighted in how we perceive hardships if we do not yield to His use of life’s difficulties to bring about a greater good. If we truly believe and live like God knows the beginning from the end, we will enjoy the reality of being “more than conquerors through Him” in all these things (Rom. 8:37).

Let’s acknowledge the futility of trusting in our own understanding and trust in the One who has unlimited knowledge. Let’s tap into the riches of God’s knowledge!

God’s knowledge is just one of many attributes we need to tap into. Get alphabetical listings of His attributes in the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download.

God’s Grace

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 8 Comments ↓

The more we grasp the significance of God’s grace, the more we understand its power to make a difference in our own lives, relationships, and ministry.

An Acrostic to Help Us Think Through God’s Grace

The following acrostic using the word GRACE gives fives aspects of this powerful trait and suggests its implications.

God

. . . It’s about what God does, not me. (Rom. 11:6; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9; Eph. 2:8-9) — So, let’s give Him the credit.

Reaching

. . . It’s about God initiating the reconciliation of people to Himself. (Jn. 1:14; 2 Cor. 8:9) — So, let’s first pray for people and then reach out in ministry.

Abounding

. . . It’s about God giving us more than we could ever expect or deserve. (Jn. 1:16; Rom. 5:17; 2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:7; 1 Tim. 1:14) — So, let’s let God be God and not limit what He may want to do in and through us.

Caring

. . . It’s about God loving us enough to send Jesus to die in our place as a sacrifice. (Eph. 1:7; 2 Thess. 2:16) — So, let’s love others as He loves.

Eternally

. . . It’s about God’s unending, unconditional acceptance of us in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:7) — So, let’s consistently and persistently rely on His grace to see us through.

You may also be interested in: The Grace of God, His Power for the Church

God’s grace is just one of His many attributes we need to grasp. For alphabetical listings about who God is and what He does for us, check out the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download.