Why Give Thanks?

November 23, 2025

Give thanks not just for what God has done, but for who God is. In this Thanksgiving message from Psalm 136, we’re invited into childlike awe, heartfelt testimony, and deep gratitude for God’s steadfast love that truly endures forever.

In this Thanksgiving sermon rooted in Psalm 136, we explore the difference between thanking God for His gifts and praising Him simply because He is God. Pastor Jim reflects on family stories, grandkids’ handwritten notes, and a four-year-old grandchild who drops to his knees under a starry sky—simple, powerful pictures of “just because” love and worship. From the opening verses of Psalm 136, we’re reminded to give thanks because the Lord is good, the God of gods and Lord of lords. The message then traces God’s mighty works in creation—heavens, moon, and stars—and His saving acts in history, especially delivering Israel from Egypt, pointing us to Jesus as our perfect Passover Lamb. The service culminates in a time of testimony, giving thanks for God’s deliverance, faithfulness, and never-giving-up love. We’re challenged to live every day in a posture of praise and thanksgiving, aligning our small stories with God’s great story.