Friday, November 6, 2009

November 6, 2009

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe." I Thessalonians 2:13
So, is thankfulness something you do or something you are?
Yes!
The Great Apostle said, "And we also thank God continually......"
Can you actually be thankful ALL the time? Read the verse!
How does that happen?
Paul gives us a few insights:
He was thankful for the Word of God.
God's Word is life to the believer. It shows us God's way and God's will and God's wisdom. It connects us with the Person of God and the power of God and the principles of God.
If you have any doubts about this just stop and remember what your life was like before you knew His Word. I think you will notice an obvious difference.
When you are thankful for God's Word you can always be thankful since it is always true and transforming.
He was thankful for the witness of God's people.
One of the blessings of living in a faith community is watching lives being changed through the Word as it is lived out in a local church fellowship. This is why I am passionate about healthy local churches. I have seen the powerful positive impact when a group of Christ followers commit to love God together, and love one another, and live out God's Word in a lost world. I am the product of such a church. I have been privileged to serve in such places. I am involved in one now.
We was thankful for the work of God.
Anytime a believer or group of believers commit to honor and obey the Word of God, He works in their lives and in their fellowship. No matter what appears to be happening, trials, hardships, struggles, or strife - GOD IS AT WORK! It is Who He is and it is WHAT He does! Paul had as many hardships as any Christ follower ever suffered. If anyone would have had reason to be discouraged or downcast it would have been Him. But instead, he is thankful because He understands the goodness of God and the power of His Word. So, because He knew God always works in every circumstance at all times He lived in thankfulness. His attitude was one of continual gratitude!
How about you? Is thanks something you give or something you live? What will it take for you to develop an attitude of gratitude?