1996-12-19 - Thankfulness
First, I would like to share some sad news with you all. We have found out that a member of our devotionals family has been very sick, and passed away on December 5th. Francine / REEDLOVE went to be with the Lord a couple of weeks ago. Please pray for her family and friends during this painful time. I had the privilege of working with her as a host in the Christian Fellowship chat room. She will be missed, as a friend, a host, a Christian concerned about bringing people into the Kingdom …
Hi everyone. In the last couple of weeks, I have come across, in several different places, reminders that I should show more thankfulness to God. So I figure there is a message there. ; )
Here are some characteristics that should describe our thankfulness:
We are to give thanks, in both bad times and good:
1 Th 5:18 (NIV) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
We are to praise God when we are with other people, like in our local church body:
Psa 22:22 (NIV) I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.
We should thank God for answered prayers:
2 Cor 1:11 (NIV) as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Thankfulness should be included regularly in our prayers:
Col 3:17 (NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Jesus was a good model of thankfulness:
Mat 26:26 (NIV) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
Mark 6:41 (NIV) Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
I am not big on New Year resolutions. I figure if we know something we should do, we should already be doing it! : ) But on the other hand, it's good if we are thinking of ways that we can be better people. So if we are going to think of some, how about committing to show more thankfulness! In fact, maybe we should call them New Year's commitments, rather than resolutions! That has more teeth in it! :D How about committing with me, to find something to thank God for each day.
Dear Lord, please help us to show more thankfulness to You. In Jesus' name, amen.