tabernacles ( after harvest )
   B. The two harvest feasts of Thanksgiving give us principles for being

thankful people
   C. If they were to be thankful under the Law how much more thankful should we be for Christ

II. Five Principles
   A. Thanksgiving is a time for RELATIONSHIPS - vs. 11
      i) observe thanksgiving with others ( sons , daughters , servants , Levites , strangers , fatherless , widows )
      ii) not a good time to be alone - church members should be our family
      iii) Bible is the best manual on relationships
      iv) Paul's letters are full of the names of dear fellow Christians - he was a master of relationships
   B. Thanksgiving is a time for REMEMBERING - vs. 12
      i) remember you were slaves in Egypt
      ii) everyone has problems ( some bigger than others ) but God says think on the good
      iii) don't remember the agony - remember release
      iv ) Ps.68:19- remember the Lord that daily loads us with benefits
   C. Thanksgiving is a time for REJOICING 11 , 11-14
      i) rejoice before the Lord
      ii) rejoice even if you have problems - sing and praise the Lord
      iii) the Lord is the one that can solve problems - he is the way maker
      iv) gratitude  lifts our spirits - don't forget to thank God
   D. Thanksgiving is a time for REFLECTING - vs. 15
      i) seven days keep the feast in the place which the Lord chooses
      ii) we need to reflect on the Goodness of God  - look at life in God's

reflection
      iii) people in need are more thankful than those in plenty
      iv) thankfulness is a learned trait
   E. Thanksgiving is a time for RESPONDING vs. 10 , 16-17
      i) give a free will offering to the Lord
      ii) it is thanks " giving "
      iii) there was only one leper that came back to thank the Lord - Lk 17

III. Take Homes
   A. We have problems but we also have God
   B. Don't let our current problems keep us from future blessings because we did not
thank God for what he has already done for us