THANKING GOD - XII

Psalm 118:21 - I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

Good health is a great blessing, but it could be gone tomorrow. Our tables may be loaded with food today, but we could be out of work tomorrow and wondering about our next meal.

How about taking a new approach to giving thanks today? Instead of focusing on the traditional areas of our work, food, family, friends, etc... let’s thank God for what we cannot lose - the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Read Rom 8: 35-39).

More Miracles occur from Gratitude and Forgiveness than anything else.

THANKING GOD - XI

Psalm 69:30 - I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

To "magnify" is to make great; but God cannot be greater than he is. He is greater than all... But he is magnified when his greatness is realized and declared, and that is ascribed unto him; and particularly when "thanks" are given to him for favors.

Reflect on and serve those less fortunate than you. This will remind you of how gracious God has been to you, how far he has brought you, and how much he has blessed you—which will in turn motivate you to be grateful to God.

Living life in gratitude is living in a continuous state of blessing.

THANKING GOD - X

Psalm 92: 1-2 - It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.

It is not uncommon to compile wish lists at Christmas, & draw up a shopping list. But there is another list we often overlook - a prayer list of all things for which we are to be thankful.

Thanklessness promotes depression and feelings of hopelessness because we become focused on our problems rather than on the Lord. Being thankful is an easy way to focus on the Lord.

Gratitude is not a feeling that dictates your choices; it is a choice that affects your feelings.

THANKING GOD - IX

Ephesians 5:4 - Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving.

Human beings are social in their nature; and if they do not assemble for good purposes, they will for bad ones, for  jesting, idle, petty, and impolite conversation, low wit, etc..., which is the way of the world. (Read Rom 12:2).

It is much more appropriate to the character of Christians to come together to sing praises to God in thanksgiving, than to sing secular songs; to pray than to jest; and to devote the time to a contemplation of the Word, than to trifles and nonsense.

The impurity in outward expression reveals the impurity of the inward soul.

THANKING GOD - VIII

Deut 8: 17-18 - Do not say to yourself, "My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth." But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth..

We are warned against the danger of ungratefully forgetting God, which follows so easily from the pride of wealth. Gratitude is a discipline, a habit that must be consciously developed and deliberately cultivated. Prioritize thanksgiving in your prayer life.

Material affluence promotes ingratitude!

THANKING GOD - VII

Romans 1: 21-22 - for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give THANKS to him , but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools...

See the dangerous consequences of thanklessness.. futile in thinking; minds became senseless; minds were darkened; they became fools... Thanklessness is dangerous to self and others. It dishonors God and leads to proud dependence on self or others rather than God.

Life can be lived meaningfully AND joyfully only with grace and gratitude.

THANKING GOD - VI

Col 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.

Nothing can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and add therein thanksgiving.. For those mercies which you have already received, in answer to your former petitions or others praying for you.

Surely, you always have something to thank God for... May be you are unmindful and so can't count your blessings!

How should it be expected that a person should succeed in a present request, who is not thankful for a former kindness?