MORNING MANNA          11/27/19

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”- 1 Thess. 5:18
The command – “In every thing give thanks”. Notice what we are to do – “give thanks“. That means more than being thankful. We are to “give” thanks – express our gratitude. That is a simple command. It can be understood by all and it applies to all. Notice where or when we are to do this – “In every thing“. Sometimes this seems impossible, but even then it is required. We are to give thanks even when we don’t feel like it. Thanksgiving is never out of season or without a reason. Even Job found reason for thanksgiving – Job 1:21. We are to give thanks always ( Psa. 34:1; Heb. 13:15). The Thessalonians had experienced great difficulties, suffering, and the death of many members, yet they were told to give thanks. That’s the pilgrim spirit. They faced great difficulties and half of them died the first year, but they found reasons to be thankful. What about you?
The cause – “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus”. Much more could be said but nothing more needs to be said. There are several benefits to giving thanks, but this one is of the greatest importance – it is the “will of God“. We shouldn’t need any other reason. Life is full of decisions, but there is one that helps us more than any other in that it helps us answer all the others. Here it is – “Is this God’s will?” That’s the question everyone should be asking about everything. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” tells us why. Thanksgiving was revealed by Him, required from Him, and for Him.
The congregation – “concerning you”. Although he was writing to “the church of the Thessalonians” (1 Thess. 1:1) this applies to all of us. No one has the right to ignore this command. Even the heathen are obligated to be thankful to God for His goodness toward them. There is not a creature upon the earth that dies not benefit in some way from His goodness. Most of all, the many blessing of believers ought to cause us to give thanks continually. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346