There are many verses in the Bible that encourage the believers in Jesus Christ to give thanks to God. In Psalm 100, we are told to enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. In Colossians 1 and verse 12, Paul in his prayer for those believers reminds us to thank God for He has made us meet to partake in the inheritance of the saints in light.”  But there is one verse that always stands out in my mind when I think of giving thanks and when the Thanksgiving season rolls around each year. It is found in 1 Thessalonians 5 and is verse 18. It reads, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  Isn’t that amazing? God, in his infinite plan, has purposed that we should give thanks in everything, good or bad, for it is His Will for us.

How is it possible to give thanks for a drought, the floods, icy roads, dangerous storms, war, or terrorists? Why would God expect us to be thankful for sickness, loss of work, flat tires, bankruptcy, or hard times? Does He really will that for us?

You can get answers to these questions and learn more about exactly what God would have His children to do, in regard to offering thanksgiving praise, by studying a very special BBNBI course. The course number is 30300 and it is the study of the Bible book of First Thessalonians. Dr. John Walvoord teaches 4 lessons from 1 Thessalonians, which explain the Biblical truths found in this book written by Paul to the church. Dr. John Walvoord was Professor of Systematic Theology at Dallas Seminary for many years. Dr. Walvoord, who is now home with the Lord, was widely respected for conservative Biblical scholarship. His teaching is interesting and relevant for today.