Give Thanks

Give Thanks

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"...in everyting give thanks;

for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:18

I got up earyly this morning, 3:30 a.m. to be precise, and was sipping my first cup of coffee when this verse in I Thessalonians came to mind. And as I sat there in my big over-stuffed chair I realized that I had so much to be grateful for:

-I am alive

-Jesus loves me

-My family is safe

-My life is full of purpose, i.e. to seek, know, love, and enjoy God,.

And of course the list goes on an on. The problem is we don't stop to think about how blessed and fortunate we are. It is so much easier to focus in on the negative that life throws at us, but...according to this verse...it is God's will that we give thanks. Because?

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift

is from above,

coming down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation

of shifting shadow."

James 1:17

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Our lives may not be perfect. Whose is? But the point is...God has blessed all of us in one way or another to one degree or another. It is our privileged responsibility to appreciate, acknowledge, and express our gratitude to Him. Speak well of Him. Praise and thank Him for who He is...what He has given...and all the good things that He has done. He deserves not only our attention but our praise. Besides...there are all sorts of benefits that are derived from having a thankful heart.

-We are free to enjoy life

-Our circumstances seem brighter

-The burdens that we are carrying seem lighter

-We become more optimistic

-We realize that, indeed, there is hope

John Piper wrote,

How can we not be thankful when we owe everything to God?

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Spend time over the holidays looking for all the good that is in your life. Make a deliberate and conscious effort to be exceedingly glad and express your gratitude not only to God but also to others. You will be surprised at how infectious thanksgiving can be.

Love in Christ, Patty Clark