Day 64

Day 64 Through The Bible

Church Helps
March 05, 2025•3 min read

Day 64: A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Biblical Principle - Absolute Truth from God’s Word
Thanksgiving comes easily when life is calm and peaceful. It's natural to feel grateful when everything is going well when our circumstances align with our desires. But the depth of thanksgiving is revealed when peace is not readily apparent, life feels challenging, and the road ahead is uncertain. This more profound form of thanksgiving, which offers up praise amid trials, is illustrated powerfully in Scripture by the story of Elijah, the widow, and her son.

In Leviticus 7:11-13, the Bible speaks of the peace offering given to the Lord as an act of thanksgiving. What stands out is that these offerings were not meant for times of abundance and ease but were to be made even when circumstances were difficult. The offering included unleavened cakes, oil, and other ingredients, signifying a heart full of gratitude even amid hardship. The Israelites were instructed to bring peace offerings, not just when they were blessed but also when they felt the weight of life pressing in.

Elijah’s encounter with the widow in 1 Kings 17:13-16 demonstrates this principle of thanksgiving. Amid a famine, when food was scarce, Elijah asked the widow to make him a small cake before making one for herself and her son. At first, it seemed impossible, yet Elijah assured her that God would provide. He declared, “The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.” And just as God promised, the widow’s meal and oil never ran out. This is a powerful picture of a thanksgiving sacrifice—a woman who had very little obeyed, offered, and thanked God in the middle of scarcity and was sustained.

Practical - Works that Apply Biblical Principle
In our own lives, no matter what challenges we may face, we are called to give thanks. When we are living in seasons of peace and prosperity, it’s easy to offer thanks. But when the storms of life are raging, that’s when true thanksgiving becomes a sacrifice. Just as the widow gave in faith when she had nothing, we, too, can offer thanks for God's provision, even when our situation feels bleak.

Ephesians 5:20 calls us to “Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This instruction doesn’t come with conditions. It’s not about waiting for the right moment or the perfect circumstances—it’s about having a continually grateful heart, no matter what our day looks like.

Thanksgiving is an act of peace that comes when we trust in God’s provision and His faithfulness, even in difficult times. It’s about laying down our desires and fears, focusing on God’s goodness, and being thankful in the midst of whatever life brings. Whether we’re in seasons of abundance or scarcity, God is still good, and He is still worthy of our thanksgiving.

Conclusion
So today, take a moment to give thanks—not just for the easy things, but for the difficult ones. Acknowledge God’s provision, His faithfulness, and His unwavering love. Just as the widow’s sacrifice of thanksgiving led to her provision, so will our sacrifices lead to peace in our hearts, regardless of our circumstances. May our lives be filled with continual thanksgiving, not only in times of peace but especially when life calls for a sacrifice of gratitude.

Thanksgiving sacrificepeace offeringBiblical thanksgivingElijah widow storygratitude in difficult times Leviticus 7:11-131 Kings 17:13-16Ephesians 5:20peace in trials
Evangelist Dan Woltmann grew up in the home of full time Christian school teachers. Saved at the tender age of 5, Dan surrendered to preach at the age of 14; he preached his first sermon at 16 to his youth group. He was privileged to meet and to learn from many pillars of fundamentalism and outstanding preachers. From these men he developed a strong conviction on the truth of God’s Word. Dan’s ministry experience is vast and varied. From starting four Christian service Bible clubs in college, to revitalizing churches and church ministries now for nearly 35 years. Direct one on one to ministry leaders as well as demostrating Biblical Worldview in the corporate world.

Dan Woltmann

Evangelist Dan Woltmann grew up in the home of full time Christian school teachers. Saved at the tender age of 5, Dan surrendered to preach at the age of 14; he preached his first sermon at 16 to his youth group. He was privileged to meet and to learn from many pillars of fundamentalism and outstanding preachers. From these men he developed a strong conviction on the truth of God’s Word. Dan’s ministry experience is vast and varied. From starting four Christian service Bible clubs in college, to revitalizing churches and church ministries now for nearly 35 years. Direct one on one to ministry leaders as well as demostrating Biblical Worldview in the corporate world.

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