In Everything, Give Thanks..... Not just Thanks-giving, but Thanks-living (11.24.16)

This devotional was written by Pastor Jeff Schreve.
I love this message and wanted to share with everyone on this special day.
 -  Marilyn

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In everything give thanks; for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we tend to focus on our blessings and giving thanks for GOD’s goodness. While that is certainly a good thing, it is not the best thing. The best thing is to turn Thanksgiving into Thanks-living. Regardless of the day or the situation, GOD wants us to be thankful. Why is that?

1. Thanks-living lets GOD know you have confidence in Him, no matter how deep the problems or how dire the circumstances. Thanks is faith turned inside out.
   
2. Thanks-living changes your countenance and disposition. Instead of being down and discouraged, spreading gloom and despair everywhere you go, you begin to radiate the joy of the Lord. The best witnesses for Christ are those who are facing life’s trials with a song of thanksgiving on their lips.
   
3. Thanks-living opens the door for GOD to work. GOD hates it when we grumble and gripe... but He loves it when we praise and give thanks. As we begin to live a life of thankfulness to GOD, He begins to work, even through the toughest trials and tests of faith. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison… and they sang a hymn of praise to the Lord. And when they finished singing, the Lord sent a jailhouse rock, and the prison doors were opened. You mark it down: GOD does miracles on our behalf when we choose to thank Him and praise Him, even in the deepest, darkest pit. 

Discipline yourself to give thanks in everything. 
Thank Him for the mountains …
and thank Him for the valleys. 
He is worthy of all your thanks and praise. 

~ Prayer ~
Dear GOD,
I hate to say it, but I have been guilty
of grumbling and griping about
all my problems and trials.

I have failed to be thankful and to remember
that You are at work in my life,
even through all the troubles.

Please forgive me, GOD.

I want to be a person who keeps my eyes on You
and praises You, no matter what may come my way.

So, thank you GOD for these blessings and these challenges.

I know You are in control of all things.
I know You love me and work all things together for my good.
I choose to trust You, Lord.

Teach me to be a “praiser” who always finds the good...
and not a complainer who always finds the bad.

In Jesus' name, Amen.