Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Thankfulness matters. Personally, I think it is the one attitude that should characterize every believer. We are the ones who know the truth–everything we have, all that we are and will be has been given to us by God.
As James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
Interestingly, the Greek word for thanks is eucharisteo. The root word is charis, which means grace. Thankfulness is the fruit of God’s grace in your life.
This gives substance to Paul’s command that we give thanks in all circumstances. This is not a magic formula, or a mantra to be repeated. Genuine thankfulness reflects a heart rooted and growing in God’s grace. It means that in the circumstances of life you trust the One who works all things together for good. This is the will of God.
Month: November 2012
My Favorite Bible Passages — #4
Imagine that you are an heir to the Bill Gates fortune. If you do not know, he Tops the Forbes list as the wealthiest man in the world with a net worth of 62 billion.
As an heir, your name shows up in Mr. Gate’s will. What he chooses to leave you is outlined in that document. Upon his death, you will find out the good news.
You had nothing to do with Mr. Gates choices. He made his decisions based on his desires and wishes for you. Just imagine listening to the attorney read off all that is yours.
What if God had will like that for you? What if he made choices based on His desires for you? And what if His choices for you met your every need and heart’s desire?
Here is the good news. That will exists. It is called the New Covenant. The writer of Hebrews includes it in his letter. It is short, but all encompassing.
This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God,and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:10-12 )
For this will you do not have to wait to experience the benefits. The One who made it died. It is in effect. Forgiveness is yours. A new relationship with God is yours. Assurance of salvation is yours. A new heart is yours. In short, you have everything you need or could ever hope for.
God’s will for you is astonishing. You will spend the rest of your life learning of the height, depth, length and breadth of all that He has provided.