Always give thanks to God the Father for everything.
Like a fire that begins with a slow simmering burn before bursting into larger flames, so can we start with an ember of thanksgiving in our hearts that ignites within our hearts. In order for us to fan into flame the inner gift of thanksgiving, we need to begin by knowing to whom we give thanks. God, our Creator and Heavenly Father who made all things into reality by the Word of His Power is the only One who deserves this ongoing thanks.
Tis The Season For Some Heart Searching Introspection
Scripture tells us we ought to give thanks for always and for all things. As it is written in Ephesians, “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything.” But do we?
Consider the beautiful fruit of the Spirit that can be fanned into a mighty burning flame as described in 2 Peter 1:5-11. “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For it these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”
When We Give Thanks We Change From The Inside Out
As we set our minds on obeying God by learning to give thanks always and for everything, we will discover something powerfully enriching to our mental, emotional, and spiritual state. First of all, as we obey God by faith in matters both large and small, we learn that peace accompanies us as we submit ourselves to His divine wisdom and understanding not our own.
Second, as we choose to give thanks always and for everything, and yes, that means every little thing, we begin to change from the inside out. Our heart’s demeanor is no longer dependent upon favorable circumstances and positive surroundings. Rather, we will find ourselves freed from such binding temporal constraints.
Heart Transformation Can Begin Today
God and His Holy Spirit will enable us to see the eternal in the human and the mundane. He will give us eyes to see the good He is doing for our good and His glory. No longer are we held captive by the uncertain and the unfathomable. Instead, as we apply all diligence in serving our Lord and seek moral excellence in all things, we start to grow and change and mature and our lives begin to resemble our Savior and Lord. Amazing!
Give Thanks Always And For Everything
So at the outset of this holiday season where Thanksgiving is all about honing a grateful, thankful heart — let’s ask the Lord to open our eyes to all that He has blessed us with and let us beseech Him for eyes to see and hearts that truly give thanks to God the Father for everything.
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