Thanksgiving: A Must for Believers

All the glory to the lord, he reigns! 

All the glory to the lord he reigns!

He reigns! He reigns! He reigns!

All the glory to the Lord He reigns

It’s likely that you have heard this song before but if you haven't, please carefully read this through.

Many times, people turn to thanksgiving and praise when things go well or when they receive something great. Well, that's not wrong. It’s a good thing to always give thanks as instructed in God’s word. You got a new car? A new house? Or got engaged? Thank God!

But what happens when nothing goes well? What happens when you're in a shady phase in life? In this case, where does the dance of rejoicing, songs of praise, Halleluyah and  many “Thank God” go? Or doesn't God deserve to be praised everyday, every hour, every minute and every second?

I understand that life happens, but we're to follow Jesus' footsteps, just like the favorite Bible pair - Paul and Silas as recorded in the book of Acts 16:20-34. These two  performed a major miracle and the next moment, they were taken to the rulers on a practically baseless offense - with claims that they were troubling the city. How can two full grown men (on the go for the gospel) possibly trouble a whole city?

Read: How to Live with Persecution as a Believer

The Bible records that the rulers commanded them to be beaten, tore their clothes and they were jailed. You can almost imagine the pain these men were in. In our world today, people in this condition would curse God and declare that He has forgotten them. Well, News flash is - God can and will never forget you.

In Acts 16:25, we see what these men did. Scriptures record that they were thrust into the inner prison following the charge order and their feet were made fast in the stocks. Then midnight came, when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, to the hearing of the prisoners.

Paul and Silas did not cry or wallow in pity and regret. They didn’t curse or reject God. Instead, after all the beating and suffering, they praised God. This single act in itself is a wonder-working spiritual mystery that many believers have failed to understand. Literally, the hearts of Paul and Silas was actively beating for the gospel even after the torture and they expressed this by praising God. Like them, it’s my prayer that my heart and yours, beats for the gospel of Christ and may the joy of salvation we have in Him be with expressed. May we also have faith in God over fear, and by extension May this lead to our joy in thanksgiving.

Read: The Power of Faith over Fear

When Paul and Silas praised and prayed, help came for them and immediately, they resumed the work of preaching the gospel. With renewed passion, they got the guard and his household saved. This shows the vigour and passion in their hearts as well as proves that they were sold out to the gospel of Christ.

They didn't see the negative side of what was happening, they saw the positive side- being able to suffer for Christ. To them it meant more than gold.

If they didn't praise, if they sat there crying and weeping and letting the devil place evil thoughts In their hearts, don't you think this story would have been different?

It would!

God’s word instructs us to “rejoice evermore” in 1st Thessalonians 5:16. Verse 18 goes further to say “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”.

Jesus is the best person who understands you. There's nothing you've gone through that he hasn't experienced, yet we've been instructed to give thanks…in everything.

God knows and sees all and he expects us to be joyful all the time.

It's not easy but a 'believer must never be found gloomy". Why should you be in the first place? Don't you know who you are? Have you forgotten what the power of God can do?

Luke 10:20 assures us saying: “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Philippians 4:4 also reminds us to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Every believer has every reason to rejoice and be glad.

Sickness will not kill you.

Your bills will be paid.

You're protected because everything you need for life is in the spirit of God which is In you.

God poured out himself upon mankind, on you and I. That's some reason to rejoice!

The joy of a believer is unconditional. It's not dependent on any situation. It doesn't focus on the negative aspect of things. So, saying bad or negative things all in the name of being logical never glorifies God.

Do you think man can possibly fathom the extent of God's ways? No!

Listen to this song by Don Moen, God will make a way.

Speak faith.

Speak what the power of God can and will do.

Bishop David Oyedepo in one of the sermon's at Shiloh 2022 said that "Faith never goes on a journey and comes back defeated or empty handed". It'll always return victorious.

The most faith filled people are always joyous. Check it out - anyone operating in unusual faith is always full of joy. Joy stirs up confidence in the father as complains will do Nothing! Sadness too would only cause more damage.

Laugh, shout and jump in the holy ghost to show that situation that you’re the boss.

You wrote an exam, you didn't do well, you know you didn't do well, who said the power of God can't set in for you? Begin to sing in tongues, laugh in tongues, rejoice! And see what God's power can do.

It's a mystery, remember, you don't need to understand it, just know it works.

Instead of being sad you can't afford chicken today, rejoice because at least you have fish, you can walk and most of all you have salvation!

Rejoice!

You saw a bad result? Give praise because God won't leave you. Do you need money? Appreciate what you have already.

All these things are very simple yet extremely effective. 

God cannot leave you alone to live life. Sickness won't consume you either because the power of God is already working on your body to quicken it.

You're protected, because your angels are always on guard. Your needs are provided and there’s no need to worry. Don't forget that your father owns all and you're his heir.

Believe God! Things could always be worse but God didn't let that happen.

The miraculous is real.

THANKSGIVING 

*TEXT:* PSALM 118:1-4; 113:1-9. 

Thanksgiving is a form of expressing acknowledgement of what God has done in our lives. It is a means of expressing heartfelt gratitude. It is also an act of recognizing all the good things in Christ Jesus.

Why is Thanksgiving important?

We go through challenges in our daily lives and whether things turn out well or not, we are enjoined to give God thanks by scriptures. 

Thanksgiving is to the One that has Lordship over your life. Therefore, who is your Lord? Psalm 104:1.

This Lord is clothed with honor and glory. Psalm 113 talked about King David speaking about the Lord in a reverential manner because he had an understanding of who is Lord was and the question is still that when you came out professing to give your life to Christ, who became your Lord?

Our Lord has been given authority over all things and also worthy. 

Our thanksgiving is a sacred/holy sacrifice, a spiritual service unto a holy God.

- Thanksgiving is the responsibility of all believers and for a person not doing it means he/she lacks understanding- 1 Peter 2:5.

What makes thanksgiving spiritual is because believers have become new creatures in Christ. 

- Thanksgiving is the will of God- 1Thessalonians 5:18. 

Practical and biblical ways to offer up our thanksgiving are- 

- Be anxious for nothing- Phillipians 4:6. 

- In thanksgiving, walk in/with Him- Colossians 2:6.

- Epyh 5:20- Always giving thanks unto God in the midst of all situations- James 1:2. 

Benefits of Giving Thanks to God

- God sees believers as grateful people- Luke 17:16. 

- He gives us access into His presence- Psalm 100:4. We can always touch God if we know how to thank Him and give Him praise.

Who are the examples of grateful vessels in the scriptures?

- 1 Samuel 2:1- Hannah

- Psalm 52:2- King David

- Luke 17:12-17- The leper.

 Today we will be taking a drive through this topic.

What is thanksgiving?

This means to be grateful, an expression of gratitude, it is gratitude to God for all he has done and all he will do.

A grateful heart is a thankful heart. When we appreciate God for what he has done for us, he will do more than our expectations.

Only a grateful heart receives. 

No matter the situation, always be thankful and grateful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Don't worry or panic for things you don't have, be grateful for all you have now.

God requires us to be thankful and grateful into Him.

Let's be always thankful and grateful to God. Many people wish to have the type of life you have, some are less privileged, some wish they can praise and thank God like you, but they don't have the privilege.

Learn to spend quality time praising and worshipping God from the depth of your heart. 

Remain blessed.

A grateful heart is a thankful heart.

Prayer

Lord, just as your word instructs me to give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you, please help me to always give You thanks no matter the situation. 

If you’re not yet saved