SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - NOVEMBER 22ND

Give Thanks

LESSON PASSAGE OUTLINE
1. Praying to God (Ps. 116:1-4)
2. Resting in God (Ps. 116:5-8)
3. Walking with God (Ps. 116:9-11)
4. Worshiping God (Ps. 116:12-19)

BIBLICAL TRUTHGod’s blessings call for our thanksgiving. - Commentary by Bryan Beyer, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia International University and School of Missions in Columbia, SC.

 I love being a grandparent! My wife and I derive much joy from watching our grandchildren grow and learn new things. We spend quite a bit of time with them and try to reinforce the values their parents are instilling in them.
 One habit they’re all learning is saying “thank-you” at appropriate times. The younger children often need reminding, of course; but over time they’re catching on and saying “thank-you” more and more on their own.
 This Lesson Passage focuses on giving thanks to God for His grace and goodness. The emphasis is on God’s people expressing their thankfulness to God through praying to Him, resting in Him, walking with Him, and worshiping Him. The lesson encourages adults to express their thankfulness to God.
 As adults study this lesson, they will be anticipating and perhaps preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. For many of them, this holiday means long hours in the kitchen or long hours in front of the television. On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued the nation’s first presidential proclamation, calling the nation to set aside a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to God, “who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks.”
 Unfortunately, our nation has in many ways turned its back on God. We need to return to the original intent of Thanksgiving by focusing—not on turkey, not on football—but on God, His grace, our need to repent of our personal and national sinfulness, and giving thanks for all of God’s blessings.