Giving Thanks Always

Text: Ephesians 5:20   IBCWPM    11/23/05

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

 

       Thankfulness is a delightful result of man’s sensitivity toward someone’s act of kindness. A thankful person is not a forgetful recipient of good things, but thoughtful enough to appreciate the blessings others had given him.

 

       God is the ultimate object of man’s thanksgiving and a thankful man will never be forgotten by our Loving God. In Psalm 107:8-9, it is written, Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (KJV) These heart-stirring passages from the Bible remind us that we should always be mindful of God and His loving-grace toward us.

 

       Giving thanks to God is a great privilege for mankind to carry out for His glory. An in-depth study of Luke 19:37-40 will make us realize that our praises to God must stand above all other creations of the Lord. How shameful we would be if the stones cry out and give thanks to God because we overlook our opportunity to appreciate God’s marvelous deeds. Our giving of thanks to the Lord should not be limited only during the traditional Thanksgiving Day, but should be frequently done day by day as a serious expression of our gratitude toward God.      

 

       In Psalm 106:1-2, it is written, Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? (KJV) Truly, human beings have the special privilege and capability of giving the best praises to our Almighty God.           

 

       (I) The Things We Must Thank God For

           Ephesians 5:20   

           -Everything

 

       If we believe that all things were created by God and all things work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to his purpose, then, it is only proper to thank God for everything.

 

       (II) In The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ

            Ephesians 5:20

           -Giving thanks to the right person

 

       The Bible tells us that there is no other way to Heaven except through the Lord Jesus Christ and there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Truly, believers got saved through faith in Christ; as Christians, bear the name of Christ; pray in His name; serve God in His name; and before we forget, the Bible tells us that all things were created by Him and for Him. Therefore, it is only proper that Christians give thanks to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

       (III) The Will Of God

              I Thessalonians 5:18

              - Giving thanks to God is an excellent way of doing

                His blessed will for our lives

 

       Living in the center of God’s will is the best life we could spend in this present world. Avoiding the will of God is undoubtedly an offense to Him. It gives grief to Him and surely kindles His anger to the offender.

 

      In Jeremiah 5:24-25, it is written, But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. (KJV) These relevant passages remind us how God rebuked the people for not giving thanks to Him for their blessings especially during harvest time.

 

       God is so good to us and He is worthy to be thanked for. Thanksgiving Day comes and goes, but be sure we are aware of its significance so we may not overlook the due thanksgiving to God who is faithful in providing all our needs. In I Thessalonians 5:18, it is written, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (KJV) Truly, every day should be Thanksgiving Day for every blood-bought and blood-washed sinner who is mindful of what God has done for him.