HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving prayers were first uttered by God's people in the Old Testament and God ordained a specific sacrificial offering for thanksgiving. David, the psalmist, wrote many Thanksgiving devotions and Paul the apostle taught that we are to always pray and give thanks to God in all circumstances. When we use the Bible for devotions and for prayers, we are following after the hearts of men and women who led exemplary ideals for worshipping God. This November, if looking for good lessons to share with family or for prayers to pray during the holidays, turn to the Bible and find inspiration that turns a heart towards gratitude and finds the peace that much of the holiday season is promoting.

THE BIBLE

The Bible is a collection of sixty-six documents inspired by God. These documents are gathered into two testaments, the Old (39) and the New (27). Prophets, priests, kings, and leaders from the nation of Israel wrote the Old Testament books in Hebrew (with two passages in Aramaic). The apostles and their associates wrote the New Testament books in Greek. The Old Testament begins with the creation of the universe and closes about four hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

The History of the Old Testament

•      Creation of the universe

•      Fall of man

•      Flood over the whole earth

•      Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel)—fathers of the chosen nation

•      The history of Israel begins

•      Exile in Egypt—430 years

•      Exodus and wilderness wanderings—40 years

•      Conquest of Canaan—7 years

•      Era of Judges—350 years

•      United Kingdom—Saul, David, Solomon—110 years

•      Divided Kingdom—Judah/Israel—350 years

The details of Old Testament history are explained in the 39 books, which are divided into 5 categories:

•      Return and rebuilding the land—140 years

•      The Law—5 books (Genesis–Deuteronomy)

•      History—12 books (Joshua–Esther)

•      Wisdom—5 books (Job–Song of Solomon)

•      Major Prophets—5 books (Isaiah–Daniel)

•      Minor Prophets—12 books (Hosea–Malachi)