THANKS BE TO GOD

 

THANKS BE TO GOD

 

  1Chronicles [ESV] 16:7-14 Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers. Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Israel his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. (Ps.105)

  1Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

  “Thanks be to God!” is another old colloquialism oft heard an era ago in my younger ears; It typically voiced when fortunate thing, unuttered when annoyance and hardship.

  David and Paul have it right in that thanksgiving is to include all the Lord’s judgments and life events whether pleasing to Happiness Assessment, or not.

  Giving thanks in various circumstances is a common mark of the Christian trusting God; selective thanksgiving is not. This joy being a fruit of the Spirit; limiting or lacking said joy resulting in the suppression of God’s Holy Spirit within the believer. (Gal.5:19-26)

  Unthankfulness in and for all circumstances being (most?) common practice of hindering the work of His Holy Spirit within, especially as compared to that mentioned by Paul in 1Cor.6:15-20. This restraining practice frequently unrecognized because of lack of studiousness (or worse yet, known about, but not acknowledged or denied) resulting in Christians wondering and wandering oxen-like, shamefully murmuring about life as we stumble. (2Tim.2:15-16)

  I know that the above paragraph is harsh on my part, but, having stumbled, speak it I must for I care very much about Christian brethren unnecessarily stressed and bumbling about because of ungodly attitude and practice. “We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” ESV 1Cor.10:9-13; also note 1Cor.11:26-32.

  While gathering for Thanksgiving, I encourage you to truly make it a blessed time of godly thanksgiving, expressing gratitude without the narrowness of this world’s happiness standard. 

  Sincerely yours, continuing endeavor to practice Christ’ way.

EBB4