Give Thanks

How Do We Give Thanks in All Circumstances?

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How do we give thanks in all circumstances?

We often find that it is easy to be thankful when things are working in our favor—when we are feeling great that day, receive unexpected money in our bank account, or experience something positive that naturally stirs gratitude within us.

If our thankfulness depends on favorable conditions, then we might conclude that gratitude is conditional. It rises and falls based on what is happening in our lives. Upon reflection, this is a sobering attitude to have toward our Creator, who remains faithful regardless of our circumstances.

The Word of God tells us that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Why, then, should we be ungrateful for the portion we have been given—or even the season God has sovereignly chosen for us?

Let us examine this verse more closely for a clearer understanding.

“Give thanks.”

This phrase reminds us that we are not merely recipients but also givers. Thanksgiving is something we offer to God. It is a conscious act of worship and obedience.

The Greek word translated as “give thanks” is eucharisteō, which means to be grateful, to feel thankful, or to express gratitude. True thankfulness requires us to actively engage in a response that transforms our perspective and reshapes our attitude toward our circumstances.

The word eucharisteō is closely related to charis, meaning grace, and chara, meaning joy. Gratitude, therefore, is rooted in God’s grace and produces lasting joy.

When Jesus took the bread, He recognized it as a gift from the Father and gave thanks. Likewise, we participate in eucharisteō through communion and in our daily lives when we intentionally choose gratitude.

In conclusion, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has given us the incomparable gift of eternal life. Life itself is a gift, and without it we would experience nothing on this earth. Although our circumstances are constantly changing, one truth remains steadfast: our life in Christ is eternally secure and forever sustained.

Therefore, thankfulness is not merely an outward expression dependent upon favorable circumstances. It is a spiritual transaction with God that acknowledges His grace, trusts His sovereignty, and chooses joy regardless of our situation.

We do not give thanks because every circumstance is good; we give thanks because God is good in every circumstance.

Thankfulness is not merely an outward action—it is a spiritual transaction with God. 😊

An Icy Trial

 On January 22, I embarked on a 25-minute journey back home after leaving work. It was about 5 p.m. in the evening. It was a snowy afternoon but one with a difference. The white powdery textured ice rained from the skies and blanketed everything in creation and tragically the roadways. As I delve into the story, you will understand the reason behind my seemingly melodrama.

I drive a 2015 Ford Fusion which is known by many to mean FORD (found on road dead). I have encountered these test of my life flashing before mine eyes a few times in the past. However, I am here writing this, so clearly I am very much alive and well. Past performance does not guarantee future results, that is what I have heard. But this statement is untrue when you trust in the one that created you. Old faithful, my white Ford, fully loaded, cuts and bruises, 10 years old, did the greatest performance a girl could ever experience.

I get in to my car and stated driving the route I usually take to get home. I soon realized it was impossible as I pulled up to the stop light that was green. I could not turn left for there were so many cars bleeding into the intersection. I decided to turn right and experienced a free flow of traffic heading in the opposite direction. Then, that feeling of glee would soon change to distress as I made my left turn onto a two lane icy road, jammed packed with cars. What I did not foresee was what usually is a ten-minute journey to the 10 (a name for a local road) would soon turning into my first of four hours’ journey home.

I became anxious as I a drove on what could now be described as an ice rink. I had no experience driving on ice and my 'old faithful' was only front wheel drive. As my journey continued I was given two very pertinent and vital information to continue this treacherous journey through an 'Icy Trial.' My desire was to make it home to my children. The first instruction was that as I went downhill on the ice, I am to engage the brakes to take me down very slowly. Secondly, as I went up icy hills, I am to accelerate to a controllable speed and not stop. 

Many times, things are easier said than done and this information didn't seem so nifty at first until I applied it. To give you some perspective of my terrain it is important that I share with you my geographical location. I live in Georgia and I am commuting from Stone Mountain. This suburb is quaint with high hills and low valleys. Based on the description I have given; it does not serve well when the roads are icy. An inch of snow can shut our city down for days.

Now that you have perspective, let’s go back to my journey. Cars were slipping and sliding, some just stalled for their own reason. The drive was slow and continuous, but I was adamant that I needed to make it home. I didn't want to be stuck on the road all night, I had no emergency food, and a need to use a rest room.

I came to my very first hill and had to apply the instructions I was given by my guardian angel. I saw many others tried and failed. Their vehicles would not carry them up the hill. Now, I was nervous but had to use the wisdom given and apply it. I waited for clearance. No one in my path I gassed it and never stopped. As I looked back in my rearview mirror, I was grateful. I was proud of myself for making it as far as I did. Pounce de Leon, Mountain Industrial becoming Hairston Road, I was defeating the odds. I prayed that the cars that tailed me wouldn’t slide into me, because I’d be stuck for sure. I only had a half tank of gas, no food, or blankets for warmth.

Redan Road, here I would be told to turn back. I thought, after what I went through to get to where I was, turning back was not an option. What was I going to turn back to? At this point the goal was to keep my car moving in a straight line so that my back wheels don’t cause me to slide into a ditch.  Continuous forward progress was my mission and turning back would mean to give up on my goal of making it home.

I had to make decisions to go around cars that were stalled not knowing what lies ahead. I finally made it to Panola Road. I crossed the intersection and after review my GPS, the road was red. This meant heavy traffic and I didn’t know how long it would take to clear up. This would be my first detour I encountered. I turned around and drove down Panola Road. I quickly came to a hill where cars were stalled. I was little more experienced with hills at the time and decided to go around the stalled cars and applied my gas a made it up the hill. Disaster averted!

I am going to fast forward a bit as Covington Highway was a breeze because of the slushiness of the highway provided for ease of travel. I get to the road where my home is located. However, I passed the overcrowded gas station that was going to be home for many for that night. It was about eight thirty now and I am stalled on a hill. Cars strewn at the sides of the road because of the slick ice on roads. This was hazardous to many who attempted the downhill slide into ditches on the sides of the road.

I was almost home and could not turn back. I gave thought to that option. I reasoned. There were peopled on the sidelines that told me not to attempt going down the sleek, icy hill. It was indeed a dangerous task.  I could possibly slide and hit cars. I contemplated walking. I attempted to get out my car but my foot was sliding. I knew then that walking was not an option. All reasons pushed aside, I would attempt the hill when grown men told me not to do. “That ice is very sleek on the hill, you should reverse and park behind me. I live right down the hill and I couldn’t make it. I am just going to park here for the night.” The raucous of noise in my ear caused my left leg to shake uncontrollably, as my right foot clutched the brake tightly. I was hyperventilating and tried to slow my breathing.

I would endeavor to keep going. I shut out the noise, and the words that tried to deter me and I took the hill. Silent and slow breaths, I gripped my brake and began to slide slowly. At a moment’s notice the back the car begins to tilt. “Take your foot off that break and let the car slide,” someone shouted. I concentrated on the instructions, trusted my instinct. I mean by this time I has conquered many other hills. When I felt like I was losing control I grip my brakes a little tighter. Half way there as I eased slowly down, defeating the hill. I made it. This time I did not look into my rearview mirror, because there was nothing left but to make it home and I did. As I turned on the blanket of snow in my driveway, I felt the stress and tension that surged through my body. Despite the feeling of tiredness, I felt sweet victory, accomplished, and like I had overcome the biggest obstacles ever experienced.

There are a few lessons that I learned after having an experience like this. I take this time in final words to share with you here.

Lesson One: Focus on your Destination

Everyone has a different path. The course you’ll take is unknown. The goal is to endure the journey no matter how long it takes. Sometimes you have to take the risks regardless of the unknown. When you step out from the crowds of stallers, procrastinators, onlookers, and discouragers you will soon realize that your goals will soon become tangible.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
    I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)

Lesson Two: Forsake the Distractions and Do Not Fear the Obstacles

Focus on your goal and be mindful that distractions will come. Challenges and trials will be evident. Remember you have been created with everything you need to succeed. Your dependability is not on other but is within you not without.

 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Lesson Three: Faith and Trust.

Sometimes in life you will have goals that you desire to accomplish. Know that you will encounter challenges along the way. You need to have confident trust in the one that holds you and guides you. God knows the plans he has for you, plans to proper you, and give you a hope and a future. You can arrive at your destination if you trust in the one that will take you there. Who you trust can be a fuel or a deterrent to you reaching your destination. The journey may seem treacherous but God will bring you through if you should keep the faith.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11) 

Lesson Four: Trust your Inner Voice and Block Out the Noise

The Spirit of God lives with us and sometimes you have to shut out the noise and trust in the ability that God has given you, God will equip and enable you for the task that is ahead of you. He will not leave or forsake you. He will not leave you desolate.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

No Complaint, your Lordship!

Friends, sometimes I struggle with understanding the trial that I face and sometimes wonder why I am still going through it, and when will it come to an end. 

    When I considered the experiences of the children of Israel and how prone they were to rebellion I don't count myself lucky but I find myself thanking God for mercy and the example of His word.

    For forty years the children of Israel were led in the wilderness. This reassures us that our wilderness experiences are not in the absence of God, but an experience where the strong sense of God's presence guards us.

"Your clothes and sandal on your feet did not wear out"

"You did not eat bread or drink wine or beer-- so that you might know that I am Yahweh your God."

They defeated kings in battles, possessed lands, exercised ownership, and gave land as an inheritance.

The idea that 'I am just going through" has no ground, as it is a form of complaint and lack of trust in God.

1 Corinthians 10 tells of "Old Testament Examples" so that we do not fall into similar enticing sins against God. Verse 10 of 1 Corinthians 10 states, "nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer" (NIV). Other translations describe this as murmuring, grumbling, and discontent.

    I would like for us to take a few minutes and reflect on our lives individually and collectively as a family, and see how we can make the determination that God is in our story, that God has most certainly been present in every area of our lives. 

Let me give you some examples, a day did not pass when we had no food to eat, heat to warm us, the light didn't get cut off, the transportation didn't break down, you were still employed in a pandemic when businesses we closing, you didn't lose your home in the recession, you were clothed, you ran and were not weary, you walked and did not faint, and the list goes on. Certainly, these are sufficient reasons to give God thanks and praise.

    I beckon us to a place where we have an attitude of thankfulness to God who led us, who provided, sustained, healed and loved us through our wilderness experiences. Unlike our ancestors, we refuse to become a statistic and die in our wilderness experience! However, we chose to take a stand fully armored in Christ; so that we triumph by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) "We won't complain!"

The Mindset Shift

The image is taken from https://isha.sadhguru.org/  

What are dreams? I thought about what this concept of a dream, really means. In one aspect we think of the grandeur of things, places, and a way of being in life that seems so unattainable. Society causes us to believe that all that we have imagined in our subconscious mind is outside of our reach.

    Biblically dreams had a different impact on the dreamer, and even those around them. Moreover, I do not wish to give insight into dreams in this discourse but to face a realization that is often time not taught in our daily life.

    In all of our lives, we are faced with numerous experiences where sometimes they were lessons learned, and sometimes we paid a high price to learn those lessons. Furthermore, when we reflect on our lives and the tapestry we have hewn, let there be no regrets! Why can I say this? Because you have life. Your decision has brought you to this juncture and all you can do is seek the knowledge of the one who created you. 

    You have come to a point in your life where you realize, "yes, I have made some mistakes." However, this is the hour of realization that brings us to the understanding that the way we have tried will only lead to unaccomplished dreams and an unrealistic sense of peace and joy.

    Where am going with all of this babble? Well, I am trying to bring you into the knowledge of a real place called the Kingdom of Heaven. Moreso, how our sub-par existence, depending only on human understanding has been so distorted and misconceptualized from the time we were able to understand the sound of our own voice. We regurgitate what has been infiltrated into our minds by the ones that came before us.

    We developed through the years learning what our parents taught us from a diction of what their parents and fore-parents taught them. Now, I speak for myself that I am one confused human being. However, I realized at a point in my life when Jesus found me, that life did not have to be so complicated. Yes, it will have its problems and troubles but I don't have to struggle through it all.

    If I can be completely honest with you; friend, I have had my ups and downs, valley times, and mountain-top moments. But the hardest part is not being able to preconceptualize the vision the creator had for my life, for your life. We remain stuck until that moment of revelation comes and now we must walk in truth, the truth of God's word. Someone dear once told me, "the only truth is the one that you believe." I have come to dismantle that system of belief today. It does not mean; only, because you believe something that makes it true. To know the truth according to Dr. Myles Munroe is to know the creator and to know his mind concerning his creation. He further states, "All I know is what I have learned."

    In seeking truth we find our purpose. When we find purpose we are compelled to not remain seated in a place of stuckness. I no longer chose to operate at a lower level than which I was created to operate. We are spiritual beings existing in a physical dispensation. If we are to take on the mindset that we are from a kingdom that is not of the world. One to which God has given us dominion when he expanded his Kingdom on the earth, then will we be able to operate at an elevated level. Don't quit dreaming, but as you dream live the life that God intended for you.

Thanks For reading as you continue to be enlightened. 

How do we Rejoice in Suffering?

 I am glad you have chosen to share this study with me on 'How to Rejoice in Suffering?'  

"Not only so, but rejoice in  our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance ; perseverance, character; and character, hope."Romans 5:3

We all go through some form of suffering in life. Sometimes we have individualized our 'suffering' to the point of reference of how each of us views this thing called suffering.

We must first define what suffering is, to bring a wider perspective out of something we have so commonly individualized. According to wiktionary.org, suffering is the condition of someone who suffers; a state of pain or distress. Wikipedia expands these conditions to be 

"Qualifiers, such as physical, mental, emotional, and psychological, are often used to refer to certain types of pain or suffering. In particular, mental pain (or suffering) may be used in relationship with physical pain (or suffering) for distinguishing between two wide categories of pain or suffering.

The New King James Version (NKJV) uses the term tribulation, and the New International Version (NIV) uses suffering. Other versions use other terms such as troubles and afflictions.

My hope is that as you read on, you come to the understanding of how to rejoice in suffering. The Greek word thlipsis translates suffering to mean;

1. a pressing, pressing together, pressure
2.  metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits

This suffering may be in the form of physical pressing or psychological pressing. Now let us define the meaning of the word rejoice which the writer uses. Rejoice (kauchaomai) means:-

1. to glory (whether with reason or without)
2. to glory on account of a thing
3. to glory in a thing

Now it is not deliberate that we caused to seek further understanding of what it means to "glory".

I share this with you for better understanding according to Strong's Concordance;

 

2744 kauxáomai – properly, living with "head up high," i.e. boasting from a particular vantage point by having the right base of operation to deal successfully with a matter (see WP at 2 Cor 5:12). 

[2744 (kauxáomai) likely comes from the root, auχēn ("neck"), i.e. what holds the head up high (upright); figuratively, it refers to living with God-given confidence.

 "To glory,"  speaks of your vantage point being held where you will not allow yourself to be buried low beneath your suffering to hold fast to the hope of the trust of God's word and his promises concerning you.

When we are going through sometimes it feels like we are not going to make it out of that place. It is an uncomfortable place. Our instinct of fight or flight kicks into gear you either fight with no desirable change in the outcome, or you try to run, only to feel like you are surrounded by the burden of these troubles.  

Luke 21: 19 states, "By standing firm you will gain life."  We all sometimes wish the road would be easy so that we could enjoy more joyful and peaceful days. However, understand today that your joy and your peace do not come from where you are positioned but from a posture of praise. 

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

The valley does not determine our praise and the mountain does not determine our posture. a position of unwavering faith causes us to hope and rejoice, knowing "this too shall pass."

The verses in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 talk about troubles being temporary. 

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

To rejoice is to hold one head high in the understanding that our element of faith must be tested; therefore we go through with our heads held high confident that the testing of our faith works in us the ability to persevere. To hold one's head high takes on the meaning of a spiritual posture of believing, hoping, and trusting in the author and finisher of our faith. When you reflect on your life and consider all the pains and anguish you have had to face, aren't you glad that you were tested?

We boast in God's ability to deliver and the power of his glory to work in us all things to ward the perfecting of our faith. 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; Hebrews 10:23

How do we rejoice, we take on a posture where we stand in solidarity with the truth of God's word, we know that under pressure you have the ability to press into his presence for the peace that passes all understanding. You may not understand the circumstance as it were but you know that a loving God is using the pressure to create in your maturity, and finally hope in the reward that is to be given. We persevere to receive an eternal crown, an everlasting fellowship in the presence of God.

 "Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.1:19 Or vindication; or salvation 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

 We are told, in Hebrews 10, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised” (vs. 23). We, the faithful, are to “hold fast the profession of our faith.” This means that, since we claim to have hope in Jesus and since we say we are saved and headed to Heaven, we are to live out that hope by remaining faithful to Him.

To God be all glory, honor, and praise! Continue to press on to win the prize of eternal glory, Amen.

Faith, the Fabric of our Lives

   

     We live our lives according to patterns we've learned and prescribed by those who were influential in our lives until we come into a consciousness of God who fashions us to fulfill his purpose on earth.

     I reflect back to a time in my teenage years when the folly of my youth would influence the trials of my young life. 

    I grew up in a God-fearing home where my Grandfather was the epitome of what looked like Holy living. They were so many stories that surfaced to refute what that 'holiness' meant for those that knew him. 

    The one and only caution for my mother was that her girls never missed Sunday School. As I grew I remembered memory verses and was even able to quote a few of them in the KingJames Version. I remembered starting high school in 1998 and it was the most rebellious year of my life. Amongst the casualty of a step-parent, absentee father, and misguided desires, I never really think, did I know God? I don't really think so! I knew of him and that I had to attend church every Sunday. Even after the passing of the patriarch of my home, church-going was always encouraged, even when you were too sick to go.

    My life from 1998 to 2003 was so compartmentalized it was appalling. I had a church life, a home life, and a school life. If you were to view me in those different places respectively, the fabric of my life seemed so inconsistent. All in all the plans and the purposes of God will prevail. I never doubted there was a God; however, sometimes I questioned if he did exist because of all mess that transpired from time to time. I do believe that without the Spirit of God it is impossible to believe that God exists. 

Moreover, God will use things in nature to increase the measure of faith that he has placed inside all of us. I lived life according to my own understanding and I have done this for years. In my most recent years, I acknowledged how the consequences of our own choices can be dire if not Holy Spirit-led.

God is so gracious that his mercy looks beyond our, faults, and choices and sees our need for him. 

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

                                                                        Proverbs 14:12

    I have experience obstacles, hurdles, contention, disappointments, and self-defeating behaviors and choices which contended against my purpose. However, God's plan is always greater and it takes every experience you will ever go through to bring you to a realization that you are worth more to God than what your life dictates presently.

    A single-parent household, the resentment of a father, an aunt taking on the role f the patriarch, sexual and verbal abuse, suicidal thought and dissension, victims of decision, a soul that hungers for belonging more pain derived from such imbalances. Every experience is unique but what is common is that need and hunger for love and to belong, safety, and security, are chief human desires. We would never understand until we have come through that we gain knowledge of the fact that God is always at work in every aspect of our lives.

    In the twenty-seventh year, another decision of the intellect would cost me security, peace, and resources. At the same time, the God who sees working in the mess that caused me not to falter but placed me amongst His flock who would help to strengthen me and polish that which he has placed inside me to bring it into reality. Even in the mess, God established His word concerning my purpose and caused the decision I made to not take me out. 

    Thirty-six years later, I realize that I can't afford to make another decision without the leading of the Holy Spirit. I realize I don't want spurts of Glory but I desire to walk in the fullness therein.  I cannot delay the next decade of my life because of my selfish desires but to truly trust God with every step I would dare take. No, I am not perfect but I know that I don't want to waste no more of my life on what I think. 

    Through sin, we were separated from God and throughout our experiences, the measure of our God-given faith begins to take shape as it is germinated by the interventions of God. My prayer is that the fabric of your life will be interwoven with the faith to believe Christ is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him diligently.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

                                                                          Hebrew 11:6 

Beckoning the Billows

Oh, system of law-

Abiding citizens have become liable to rulership of self-interest.

 Neglecting the responsibility of putting others first. 

Self-serving perpetrators reason; once their joy is complete Kingdom assignments are being fulfilled. 

Now captivated by adversarial entanglements, we find it hard to break free but have not sought freedom.

Your mind tied to a set of ideas that goes utterly against the laws of Kingdom. 

We preach power, not peace. For Matthew says you, peacemakers have the kingdom of Heaven.

Vain pursuits of the money bag no one wants to see God. 

Pride has taken fold. How the mighty has fain to proceed down a path of no return less God sends Angelic enforcements.

You wrestle with authority the same authority you try to gain. But how fleeting is time? 

I pray rescue comes before it's too late. Cinderella would not have gotten the glass shoe. Yet she not created equally, had unique feet. Nonglamorous metaphors used to paint you a picture that God is not a God of the counterfeit. 

Hopefully, you realize there is only one you.

The mighty tumble, but the humble, Exalted king of the whole earth. 

He sees the untruth tellers, the cheats, the injustices done but the hunger of the One who hungers and thirst for justice is satiated. 

How dare you call yourself light walkers wandering around in dark shadows. 

Forget, relent, return to everything that is not self-seeking, world praising. 

For your reward of the Kingdom is imperishable. 

So Romans beckons, be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, yes 12:2, says that you, may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Amen.