Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 19:14:06 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Nov. 10); BP: I Thess. 5:12-22; RBTTY: Heb. 7; Jer.
November 10 “The Grace of Gratitude”
“In everything give thanks—for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
&nb sp; I Thessalonians 5:18
They’re the two most powerful words ever spoken:
“Thank you.”
Today’s Manna is one of those “impossible” commands of our Lord. It’s hard enough to think about “giving thanks in everything” without tacking on “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Let’s face it:
So often we really don’t “want” to give thanks. We don’t feel like it; in fact sometimes we prefer grumbling. . .or complaining. . .or “venting” as it’s often called today. And, “getting things off our chest” may seem to help; however, it does nothing for us in the long run except make us feel a bit more justified in the injustices we’ve suffered, while garnering some type of sympathy/empathy from those around us.
But, in so doing, we forget what God thinks about such behavior (Ex. 16:8). And, we certainly forget our engaging in such violates His command in today’s Manna.
Again, this is an “impossible” admonition.
We’re not born with an “attitude of gratitude.” Even after the new birth, we’re still much more prone to harbor ingratitude than we are obedience. However, if we’re to truly experience the Lord Jesus’ Grace and “abundant life” (Jn. 10:10b), continual thanksgiving must become a part of our daily lives.
What’s preventing you from fulfilling this command in your life, Pilgrim?
Is it something that happened to you during your childhood? Were you mistreated or abused by those who were supposed to take care of you? If so, surrender those pains to Christ and begin “giving thanks in all things.”
Perhaps your difficulty in obedience stems from something you’ve just gone through or are currently going through. Maybe it’s the breakdown of a relationship. Or, perhaps you’ve been given a dismal (or terminal) diagnosis by your doctor. Again, “Give thanks in everything.”
Maybe you’ve been taken advantage of by someone you’ve trusted. They “promised you the moon,” but “never delivered the goods.” You’re hurt. You’re feeling betrayed and abandoned. You want to get even with them; yet, you know you should “give thanks in all things—for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Do not wait until you “feel” like obeying this command, Pilgrim—for the flesh dies slowly. Instead, “will” yourself to be perpetually thankful. “Cast down those imaginations and capture those thoughts” that constantly fill your waking moments, rendering you disobedient and ineffective. Remember: His “grace is sufficient” (II Cor. 12:9-10); therefore, stop right now and say “Thank you, Lord” and don’t quit.
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