In everything... Week9, 2011

I missed out a basic Christian attitude. “Did you?” Yes; without it you probably will miss opportunities to witness and glorify God when things seemingly go the wrong way. “So what is it?” In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you 1Th 5:18(MKJV). We may not be able to control the way things happen around us all the time but we can certainly control how we respond! “You mean I should accept everything as being the way God wanted it to happen?” Of course not, but look for things to thank God for. “Things could have been worse, huh?” We-ell…you could thank Him that the present situation gives another opportunity for a testimony. You could thank Him for what His word says about your situation.
“I’m glad you said in everything and not for everything; some things are just not good.” Well, actually Eph 5:20(MKJV) says always giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. “I think that’s tough; sometimes the thanksgiving gets stuck at my throat.” Me too; but I’ve learned from experience that giving thanks from the heart marks a turnaround in circumstances. “You mean it keeps you from backsliding.” Not only that: remember what Jehoshaphat did when faced with an army too big for him and already in Israelite territory? And …he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever." 2Ch 20:21(ESV)
“Look God had already promised them victory…” Yes, but notice it was when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men … who had come against Judah, 2Ch 20:22(ESV). “I thought you were talking about thanksgiving.” Actually singing, praising and thanks giving go together:
Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God Col 3:16(CEV). “Someone once said it was when Paul and Silas were praying and singing in prison that their situation turned around (Act 16:25, 26).” How right. We must habitually be thankful to do all things in the name of Jesus: whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him Col 3:17(MKJV). “Okay! Thanksgiving coming up; and I expect an instant change... why are you shaking your head?” When will you get off instantaneous manifestations?