From Thanksgiving to Thanks-LIVING
Pause for a minute and imagine what the world would look like if we all routinely pondered all of the
things, we're thankful for. It is especially important for Christians to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and
thankfulness throughout each and every day.
The ministry that for sure everybody is capable of doing is the ministry of Thanksgiving to God.
1. Thanksgiving must be daily
I Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
2. Thanksgiving must be continually
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built
up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In verse 18, Paul instructs believers to be controlled by the Spirit. He frames this in contrast with being
controlled by alcohol, naming drunkenness as something Christians are to avoid. Verse 19 offers several
expressions of being spiritually filled.
This verse adds another expression, which is an attitude of universal thanksgiving. Being controlled by
the Spirit includes gratitude. The Spirit-filled believer is a person who is regularly thankful for what God
has done in his or her life.
Filled with the Spirit, believers are always to give thanks for all things to the Father through Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving is almost a synonym for the Christian life. It is the response of gratitude to God’s saving
activity in creation and redemption, and thus a recognition that he is the ultimate source of every
blessing.
In heaven, we shall give thanks to God always for all things, without exception, and throughout eternity
we shall magnify his holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” So thanking Him now is just a warm-up
for heaven
3. Thanksgiving must be exceedingly.
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up
in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Our thankfulness to God must exceed to what we normally do everyday
It’s extraordinary or above what is normal.
With the degree of specialty.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.
Thanksgiving should turn into EVERYDAY THANKS LIVING for the rest of our lives!
To Have a Thanksgiving once a year does not in line with our text.
Thanksgiving must be in all situations, conditions and in all
The Power of a Grateful Heart
It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.
It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all of the little things, which
often we may forget to thank Him for...but they really are the biggest, most important things in
this life. It takes our attention off of our problems and helps us instead to reflect on, to
remember, the goodness of His many blessings.
It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-
sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all
blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and
filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can't stand to be around hearts that give thanks
and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
It opens up the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. Our spirits are refreshed
and renewed in Him. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness
and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.
In heaven, we shall give thanks to God always for all things, without exception, and throughout eternity
we shall magnify his holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” So thanking Him now is just a warm-up
for heaven
