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Msg #534 Wed, November 26, 2008
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in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Th 5:18)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow, as a nation – we celebrating the holiday of Thanksgiving. As we do, would you take a moment to consider the place of giving thanks in your life.
Giving Thanks is Christian
…give thanks…in Christ Jesus…
Giving thanks is meant to be a part of being a Christian, of being in Christ. Of all the people in the world, we have more to be thankful for. The reality of being “in Christ” brings us into such a tremendous existence – now and for eternity- that giving thanks ought to be a part of our lives – more than others.
Giving Thanks is to be Continual
in everything give thanks…
I want you to notice that we are to be in an continual state of giving thanks. In fact in Eph 5:20, it says: “giving thanks always”. Simply, giving thanks is not meant to be a sporadic, occasional thing…but something that flows constantly in our lives. Far more than one day a year….and not just every now and then – but always giving thanks.
Giving Thanks is to be Comprehensive
in everything give thanks…
Maybe this day finds you in a stage or place of life where it feels hard to be thankful. Maybe there are events playing out around you that bring you sadness or heaviness. Understand – God is not saying that we need give thanks FOR everything….but IN everything. How? In part by focusing on areas we can be thankful for today. Yet, even more, there is the solid understanding of Rom 8:28, that even in the most difficult times…God is working good. Today, no matter where life finds you…God would have you to be thankful.
Giving Thanks is what God wants
…give thanks; for this is the will of God…
There should be no doubt in this issue, God desires and wants you to be thankful today. If you are one that wants to know God’s will for your life and I hope you do…then know this – He desires you to be thankful…it is His will.
Giving Thanks is Necessary
…give thanks; for this is the will of God…
God wants you to give thanks. The reason God wants you to give thanks is because it is right, and necessary for the life He has for you. Maybe being thankful seems like a small thing to you…but it is not. It is interesting to note that as God describes a corrupt culture in Romans – one of the key aspects – is that they are not a thankful people.
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God,
nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts,
and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Ro 1:21)
Giving Thanks is to be Personal
give thanks; for this is the will of God … for you.
It is interesting to note how God brings this down to each of us, personally, in this verse. One of the dangers of this thanksgiving holiday tomorrow…is that many of you will participate in it…yet in a very impersonal way. You will eat, you will enjoy family and friends….and think you are celebrating Thanksgiving, yet all the while you will not personally be thankful. God does not want that from you! This verse jumps out and makes sure that you know …this is what God wants FOR YOU. Others might or might not be thankful…but YOU ought to be…and their being thankful cannot count for yours. You personally are called by God to be thankful.
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Th 5:18)
Jim
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