November 19, 2023
Topic: GIVING THANKS ALWAYS
Text: 1Thessalonians 5:18; John 11:41-44
Memory Verse:“Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live”. – (1Thess 5:18).
The most inauspicious place to give thanks is at the grave of a dead man, who was not just pronounced dead, but buried for four days! (John 11:39). In times of sorrow, deep pain and tears, we are enjoined to also give thanks (John 11:35-36 & 38a).
Paul enjoined the brethren to give thanks always for “all things” (Ephesians 5:20). No grace is inconsequential! Our sleeping and waking up in strength to face the challenges of the day ahead, requires us to give thanks. Similarly, the preservation of our lives to return home safely despite the hazards and dangers of the road, compels us to raise a heart and songs of thanksgiving to God who preserved our going out and coming in (Psalm 121:8).
Do you have food to eat – give thanks; you do not also have, give thanks. Are you facing the storms of life? Then do not fret, call on the Master of the ship and He will rebuke the storms of your life and command peace to your hearts again (Matthew 8:23-27). When Paul commanded the brethren to give thanks “in everything” (1Thess 5:18) and “always” (Eph 5:20), he was talking from experience because even the prison chains could not stop him from singing (Acts 16:22-25).
As children of God, He who admonished us to “fear not”, may appear “to be asleep” (Matt 8:24), yet, He neither slumbers nor sleeps on your matter! (Psalm 121:3-4). The blessings of a grateful heart, even in trouble, moves God to do what humanly speaking is impossible – even breaking chains, causing foundation shaking earthquakes and opening “closed doors” (Acts 16:26).
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus; I thank you for the mountains and valleys of my life. I thank you for the successes and the low points I have experienced. Only the living can praise you; and as a living soul, I return praise and thanksgiving to you because I know you are fully in control of my life. I cry to you LORD, to speak to the storms of my life and restore peace to me, my family and my Nation, and that hitherto closed doors of opportunities can be opened in Jesus most precious Name.