1Thess 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Thanksgiving is the season when most people take the time to give thanks for all that the LORD has done. But when we think about it, the scripture says, “In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” How many of us know that the giving of thanks is not just for a specific time and season? We should be thankful at all times, and give thanks to God for each and everything that he has blessed us with, and done in our lives. The Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Heavenly lights, in whom there is no variance or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) In other words, God is the source of every good and perfect thing that we have received and achieved. Think about it, if God is the creator of all things, and he is, then we should give thanks for all things, because it came from him.
Paul said that the giving of thanks is the will of God in Christ Jesus Christ concerning us! This is powerful. In other words, God’s desire is that we be thankful. God does not want us to be ungrateful. Why is this God’s will concerning us? Because he is the source of all good things! Lets be real. No one likes an ungrateful or unthankful person!
The scripture also says in Rom 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I want you to know that God is working it out for your good and his glory. Just give him thanks and praise him for the victory! Sometimes we get discouraged because of what we don’t have or what we did not accomplish. How many of us know that it is not over until God says it is over! The Bible says that in Phil 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
As long as you have breath in your body, there is a new day for a new opportunity! We should give thanks to the LORD for waking us up this morning, starting us on our way, and giving us the strength and grace for a new mercy each morning! Think about this for a moment. We may not have everything we want, but God said I will supply all of your need according to my riches in glory! (Phil 4:19)
The scripture also says in Psalm 100:4, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and enter into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” One thing I believe God in all of his glory does not like is selfishness and ungratefulness. I am sure we can all agree that if someone is unthankful or ungrateful, it comes from a spirit of pride. Humility allows us to be grateful and thankful. We should always have a spirit of thankfulness in our hearts not only to the LORD, but to one another.
The Apostle Paul said in Col 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” If someone has blessed your life, be thankful. If someone has encouraged you be thankful. If someone has done even the smallest thing in your life, always be grateful and thankful. A grateful and thankful heart opens the door to even greater blessings in your life.
Today, let us think about everything we have been through this year. God has given us the victory! Even if you have not seen the manifestation of what you are believing God for yet, give him thanks and praise him in advance! I am truly grateful and thankful to all of our leaders, members and friends of the ministry that have shown toward Firm Foundation Christian Fellowship and my family. Thank you for your support, service, sacrifice and servitude unto the LORD. May God bless you all.
God bless! Pastor Quinn