Monday, November 3, 2025

How important is our thankfulness to God?
1st Thessalonians 5:18 says to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  Thankfulness is extremely important - commanded of us;  God's will is that we be thankful.  Notice that verse says we are to give thanks in all circumstances... not necessarily for all circumstances.   Some circumstances are just plain bad.  And, to be frank, some of what we think are "good" circumstances do not always turn out as good as we thought (try winning the lottery... everyone would want the money but it often turns out pretty bad for the people financially, relationally, and spiritually.   So -I take it back- don't win the lottery).  

Yet, in all circumstances, God's will is that we give thanks.  His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness never change.   We have much to be thankful for.  

We often quote Romans 1 in our current culture as it seems like God wrote that for Americans in 2025 (it's actually very timely always).  We see in Romans 1:21, that Godless, unrighteous people have failed to glorify God nor do they give thanks to Him. Thanklessness is the beginning of rebellion!  But gratitude to God keeps us humble and keeps our eyes on Him.  

All of our prayers are to be directed to God with thanksgiving.  In everything with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6-7) we are to let our requests be known to Him.  And why not?  Regardless of what we are praying about, He is our answer.  Instead of focusing on what is missing, we look to God for peace, joy and trust that He will strengthen us and even quiet our fears.

We've made much of being a witness for Jesus recently - evangelism and missions.  Your thankfulness to God is also a witness to Him.  When believers remain thankful even in the rotten circumstances or the worst of hardship, it shows others that our hope isn’t in circumstances but in Christ. Our trust in God’s goodness is an act of worship and evangelism.   We do have to let them know who this God is that we are thankful to, though.  Speaking of, are you out of tracts yet?   Have you given many out?  At least one?  Five?  Ten?  Ron would be blessed to know that every tract he got for us was given away.  Grab more this week if you need.  

As we get to November, much preparation is made for the day of Thanksgiving but my reminder to you today is that every day should be one of thanksgiving.  Thankfulness is the right response to who God is.  He is the source of all good.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).  When we fail to thank God, we subtly take credit... we tell the world "eyes on me."  But, when we are full of gratitude and thankfulness, recognizing our dependance on Him and His abundant generosity, it is as if we tell the world, "eyes on Jesus."   Be thankful.  

An "invite" you can use on social media, text, email, etc.

INVITE your veteran friends and family!