Actually Give Thanks

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1st Thessalonians 5:18

It's easy to think we are thankful, until we try to nail down specifics.

Here is a revealing exercise - Write down ten (10) things you are, specifically, thankful for, and don't get "churchy" (we all know you are thankful for God, Jesus, etc.). Try it, you may be surprised.

Put that list where you normally stop to pray, it will be a blessing.

Here is my list, in no particular order after the first item:
1. My wife, children, and family
2. A good job
3. A good vehicle
4. Lack of pain
5. A CPAP machine and the ability to sleep
6. Air conditioning
7. A good home
8. My orange tree
9. Our friends (remember, I said in no particular order)
10. Freedom to Worship.

- fritz

The Key that Unlocks God's Gates

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands...
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise. - Psalm 100:1,4

Gates are barriers preventing passage.

There are times when prayer is not comforting, worship falls flat, and God seems nowhere to be found - liked a locked gate, even for the believer.

"The key that unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart"¹

In those times of little feeling and difficult progress begin with thanking God specifically for the wonderful things he has already done AND for the specific things you expect him to do.

Giving thanks opens the gates and lets God's graces flow.

- fritz

Related Post: "Loving God Like He Is", June 16, 2010

^{1 - Pastor Steve Meeks, Calvary Community Church, November 26, 2006}