According to the National Archives News, "On Oct. 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, as an official holiday of 'sincere and humble thanks.' The nation then celebrated its first Thanksgiving under its new Constitution. On Oct. 3, 1863, President Lincoln made the traditional Thanksgiving celebration a nationwide holiday to be commemorated annually in November." Twice in 1 Timothy 4:1-5 we find the phrase translated "received with thanksgiving." Thanksgiving is a theme found throughout the Bible. Let's take note of three things in this passage.

First, notice the problem of apostasy from God. 1 Timothy 4:1 reads, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." Hebrews 13:9 reads, "Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them."

Second, notice the practice of asceticism for God. 1 Timothy 4:2-3 reads, "speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." In a message titled, "Fraudulent Faith," Ray Stedman explains that asceticism is the "denial of certain normal human enjoyments." He further explains, "...at the heart of asceticism is a conviction that self-denial somehow pleases God." Matthew 16:24 reads, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" Remember denying yourself things is not the same as denying yourself. The ascetic practice of "forbidding to marry" is corrected by the words of Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

Third, notice the prescription of agreement with God. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 reads, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." Amos 3:3 reads, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" Acts 10:9-16 records the account where "Peter went up on the housetop to pray" and "became very hungry and wanted to eat." As he waited for the food to be prepared, he fell into a trance and saw a sheet coming down from heaven with a wide variety of animals in it. Luke further recounts, "And a voice came to him, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But Peter said, 'Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.' And a voice spoke to him again the second time, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again."

May your divine blessings be "received with thanksgiving."

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.