Jeremiah 30:19

From them will proceed thanksgiving

And the voice of those who celebrate;

And I will multiply them and they

will not be diminished; I will also honor

them and they will not be insignificant.

 

Now, What Do You Say?

In the check out line at  Wal Mart, a child begged for money to play the video games. The mother, already checked out,  purchases bagged up and ready to go,  refused, telling the little boy she had no cash.  The lady next in line handed the little blonde haired boy a dollar bill.  The mother trying to refuse, finally allowed the boy to accept the gift.  Looking at her son who was tightly  holding on to the dollar, the mother said, "Now what do  you say?"  The little boy replied, "Can I go play the game now?"

This being November, the month of Thanksgiving, everyone is thinking about thankfulness, something we should think about every day.  As we think of all the gifts that God hands to us, we should ask ourselves," What should we say?", not," Now can we go play?"

As I studied on thanks this week I found the Bible has so much to say about thanks.  God's Word suggests that we give thanks, commands that we give thanks, tells us how, where, when, why and how often we should give thanks.  God's Word also shows Jesus setting an example for us, His children, by He Himself giving thanks. 

Here are only a few of the verses that give us instructions on giving thanks.

Suggested

Psalm 92:1

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.

Commanded

I Chronicles 16:8 

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

How

(instantly)

Luke 2:38

And she coming in that  instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is. the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Where

II Samuel 22;50 

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee O Lord among the heathen, and I will sing praise unto thy name.

Psalm 105:1

O Give thanks unto the Lord call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

When

Psalm 119:62

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments

How Often

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why

(repeated seven times)

Psalm 106:1  Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good  for his mercy endureth forever

Psalm 107:1  O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever

Psalm 118:1

O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever

Psalm 136:1

O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever

Psalm 136:2

O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever

Psalm 136: 3

O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever

Psalm 136:26

O give thanks unto God of heaven for his mercy endureth forever

They Did

Ezra 3:11

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth forever toward Israel.  And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

JESUS DID

Matthew 15:36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 26:27

And he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying, Drink ye all of it.

Luke 22:19

And he took bread and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them saying, This is my body which is given for you this do in remembrance of me.

Surely We Will

Psalm 140: 13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name, the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Now, what do you say?

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 
Appointed To Give Thanks
 
Nehemiah
12:27
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.
12:31
Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
12:38 -
And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
12:40-
So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
 
These verses tell of a great time of celebration and thanksgiving in Jerusalem.  People were appointed to give thanks.  Their job was to walk around a wall and give thanks.  They did what they were appointed to do.  This week  I appointed, actually asked nicely, if some would share what they are thankful for.  I didn't ask them to walk a wall just write a few lines. Below are some praises from those on this prayer chain who are very thankful to our great God for his many blessings.
 
 
I am thankful that even when life seems hopeless God
is still in control and will provide for all of my
needs according to His riches in Glory.
 Tabitha McKnight
 
 
 
Things that I am thankful for:
Autumn Weather
Pumpkin Pie
My Family that I have now
The Friends God has given
What God has promised me
The Things I see coming into being
The Word that I have to read
This job that I love
This amazing church
The Truth that is in me
and of course my Rufus and Lillie
and on and on
I used to have a car tag that said THNKFL,
because I know God is my provider.
Don Tygett
 
This one is from a Pastor from Oregon on this prayer chain who is now serving his country and all of us ...

First and foremost I am thankful that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NKJV)  I am thankful that God saved me even though I didn't deserve it, for the blessings that God has put into my life, my Family, my Church Family and for the humble servants of God who continue to serve God with all of their hearts.  Thank you, Judy, for your ministry and for all the lives you have touched.  God Bless you!!

Pastor Dirk Rouen
Your servant in Christ,
SSG Patrick "Dirk" Rouen
South Camp
C Co 3/160 IN
TF Habeant Unit 31530
APO, AE 09833

I am thankful for life and love and a sound mind that I can choose to serve God with. I am thankful for a Church that is established on the WORD and a pastor and his family that lives that word. I am thankful for the breath that God allows my body to use every day that I can praise him and worship him with. The valleys that he allows me to grow in and the mountain tops that come in just the nick of time.
I am thankful for my Family and a great one at that!
I am thankful for my Jesus and his love and Grace and Power and that he died for me so that I might be saved. That I may be poor but yet I am rich and have a Heavenly Father that owns it all !!!! So what have I need for other than to thank him for everything?
Lisa Crockett

There are so many things I am grateful for: my family (church and natural), my healings (myself and all my family healings), my possessions.  I was thinking about what would happen if I didn't have my possessions, then I remembered when I did lose my home (it burned) and all my possessions,  God always provided somehow. No matter what I went through He was always there, even when I didn't acknowledge Him.  Where sin is present...Grace abounds.  I am most thankful for God Himself. He loves us even when we can't love ourselves. When He said He will never leave us or forsake us He wasn't just talking about those who have a personal relationship with Him, but He was talking to ALL of His children.  He was looking for me, trying to woo me into His presence. He doesn't change.  For that I am grateful. He is just too big for me to describe and for that I am thankful.  My heart is thankful for God being who He is, "I AM THAT I AM."

Kathy Duhr

This one is from the missionaries in South Africa.

Please share from us, about the rain we have, it was very dry last month with no rain and temperatures of 97 Fahrenheit and God send the rain and the temperature is also down to 80.
 
Regards
Johan
Deo Valente Mission       -         Pretoria        -        South Africa
Community Development, HIV/Aids Care, Cyberspace Ministry
and Missionary Administration.
Website:
www.sachurchnet.co.za/missioncare
 
My Church Family
I just want you all you know
I treasure each and every one of you
You are the ones who lift me up
When the trials of life make me blue. 
You may just say a simple prayer
Or give an encouraging word when I'm down
Perhaps you sent a funny e-mail
That took away my sad frown
You may just pass along some wisdom
Or let me rejoice at a trial you overcame
You share so much with me from day to day
Without you life just wouldn't be the sam
You listen to all my problems
And pray for me when I'm in a trial
You cry with me when I am broken
And rejoice when victory brings a smile 
God is such an Awesome God.
He gives us just what we need
I count you as a special blessing
My church family, sent from Jesus to me. 
Cheryl Killman
 
And last, but not least, me...
 I am thankful God showed me His love through His amazing grace.
I am thankful for my family who God gave me to love.
I am thankful for my church that God gave me to teach me of His love.
I am thankful for my church family who loves and accepts me just the way I am.
I am thankful for God lovingly placing this ministry in me that allows me to have contact
with people worldwide who love and serve Him.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Today I send the poem I wrote to go with the Thanksgiving meals we sent out this weekend. The plates went to those who sometimes feel as if they are forgotten and insignificant; those in nursing homes, jails,  and homeless shelters.  The poem is a prayer I pray for all of those people.  As I sent this poem/prayer out I prayed the people who received it would actually read it and receive all the things the prayer speaks of that are available to each of them from God.  As you read this prayer, don't just read it, please pray it for all those who feel forgotten today.
May you each have a very blessed Thanksgiving.

A Prayer For You

Today I thank God for you and ask Him to bless.
Today I thank God and ask Him to give you rest.
I pray you find peace, joy, and fullness in your life today.
I pray God takes any sorrow, torment, or strife away.

Today may you walk with sureness in every step you take.
Today may you have divine direction in decisions you must make.
I pray you are blessed as you come and as you go.
I pray the very essence of our Savior, Jesus Christ, you come to know.

I pray you accept His healing from any diseases that may attempt to bind you.
I pray you accept His deliverance from any devices that may attempt to blind you.
I pray you accept His salvation from eternal death that cannot hold you.
I pray you accept His Spirit keeping you from all fear that cannot control you.

Yes, I thank God for you, my friend.
Into your life many blessings I pray He sends.
Remember to give thanks to God always in all things
To God always with a joyful noise may you sing.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 
Claim the joy that is yours. Pray.
 And know that your joy is used by God to reach others.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:17
 
Thankfulness.
 
What are you most thankful for today?
 
I am thankful for the joy of the Lord.
It is the one thing that no one can take from you. Even as tears stream down your cheeks, you know there is still joy deep inside that no one can steal from you no matter how hard they try or how sad you get.
I am thankful for the joy God gives,
 
 
The Grace of God is sufficient
for ALL our needs.
Read 2 Corinthians 9:8
 
 
I am thankful for God's grace. 
God's grace is enough for me. Grace is all I need. No matter what obstacles come to steer me off course away from His calling, His grace is enough to guide me back to the way He would have me go.
I am thankful for God's amazing grace.
 
 
 
When I am weak, the harder I lean on God.
I am weak but He is strong.
Read Phillippians 4:13
 
I am thankful that when I am weak God is strong.
I am thankful that little ones to Him do belong.
I am one of the little ones who grow very weak at times. I just ask Him to hold me really tight in His big, strong arms, and He does. The comfort  God's strong loving arms give renews my strength.
I am thankful for God's strength.
 
 
 
Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.
I am thankful for laughter that I know will come again after tears. 
 Laughter heals hurts.
I am thankful God gave us the ability to laugh after we have cried.
 
 
 
 

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning

satan shudders and says..."Oh NO... they're up again!"

 

I am thankful for each new day that God allows me to have.

 I am thankful I can get up and hopefully walk and live my life in such a way that the enemy does at least notice I have done a little damage every day to his plans of doom he has for me.

I am thankful for the good plans for a hope and a future my God has for my life each new day He gives me.

 

Happy Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for each of you who allow me to send these words to your inbox each week. It is a blessing that God connects people in this way so that we may build each other up.

May we always be truly thankful for all our great God has given.