1 Thessalonians: Active Decision

1 Thessalonians 1:3

remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 

Verse 3 is a continuation of the thoughts in verse 2. This verse describes the people for whom thanks were given in verse 2. 

Remembering: to be mindful of, to call to mind: to think of and feel for a person
Without ceasing: uninterruptedly
Work of faith: an act, deed, thing done; the course of conduct which springs from faith; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation
Labor of love: the labor to which love prompts, and which voluntarily assumes and endures trouble and pains for the salvation of others; intense labor united with trouble; love which centers in moral preference; "to prefer" 
Patience: remaining under, endurance; steadfastness, especially as God enables the believer to "remain (endure) under" the challenges He allots in life
Hope: joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation
In the sight of: in the presence of

The one aspect of this verse that I want to focus on, is "labor of love". In an instant gratification society, we have lost the real meaning of longlasting, work through the troubles and turmoils kind of love. 

Look at the definition of love — moral preference, "to prefer". It's a choice! It's an active decision. 

Labor of Love. It's a commitment no matter how hard it gets. You do the work, because of love. And you love through the work. 

But the labor of love is based on the "work of faith". The reliance upon Christ enables one to then perform the labor of love. Faith is what provides the stamina to endure when the troubles arise. 

Remember, it's a choice. A labor of love is an active decision. 

1 Thessalonians: Activity Express Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

Give thanks: to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards)
Always: evermore
All: means "all" in the sense of "each (every) part that applies. The emphasis of the total picture then is on "one piece at a time. Then focuses on the part(s) making up the whole – viewing the whole in terms of the individual parts.
Mention:  recollection; by implication, recital -- mention, remembrance; a bringing to mind, a mention (recollection); a personal remembrance recalling a particular aspect of a person
Prayers: earnest prayer; addressed to God
https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_thessalonians/1-2.htm

"Please" and "Thank You". Words that as a child I was reminded to say often. Sadly, in our society today, those words have disappeared. Expressing gratitude is only in fashion in November as we celebrate "Thanksgiving. But that's shortlived as the sales start on Thanksgiving day. We can't even be grateful for what we have for a single day? We have to begin to "get" after a few hours?! 

In 1 Thessalonians 1:2, the focus is not on being grateful for things, but rather people, in particular, the Church in the City of Thessalonica. And as we see from the meaning of the word, "all", but only as an entire group, but EACH individual in that Church. 

Give thanks to God always for you all. 
Stop and think of the people in your life. First, those who live in the same home as you. Next, those with whom you work. Then friends and acquaintances. When was the last time you stopped and thanked God for those whom He has brought into your life? 

Activity express gratitude to God for the people in your life. That's action. And I think a very good challenge! 

Will you accept the challenge of activity expressing gratitude to God for the people in your life? 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. Psalm 75:1

God's surpassing or extraordinary works demand a recount that reminds us that God is ever-present. For who God is, and all that He does — we give thanks! 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanks Living: Sacrifices of Joy

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 27:6

God lifts me high above those with thoughts of death and deceit that call for my life. I will enter His presence, offering sacrifices and praise. In His house, I am overcome with joy as I sing, yes, and play music for the Eternal alone. (VOICE)

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God. (MSG)

Where in this verse is the word "thanks"? Reading this verse the idea of thanksgiving, is there. David is expressing this thankfulness to God for all that He has done for him.

Sacrifices.

This was an expression of thanksgiving. 

Thanks Living.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 27:6

I've been studying this verse for the past week or so... I'm stuck on the phrase "offer sacrifices of joy".
Do I really even understand the concept of "offering sacrifices". Do I contemplate the COST associated with a true sacrifice? Do I take into account the reverence associated with a true sacrifice? Do I realize the need associated with a true sacrifice? Do I even offer a true sacrifice of joy? How do I?

Thanks Living...... offer sacrifices of joy..... something to think about.

Thanks Living: Can't be Contained!

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Abounding: "all-around" which indicates abundance or surplus – exceed, go beyond the expected measure, i.e. above and beyond

In it (faith): in the realm (sphere) of, as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside conviction of the truth of anything, belief

With: as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within)

Thanksgiving: thankful for God's grace working out what is (eternally) good; grateful, which literally means "grace-ful (thankful) for God's grace"; actively grateful 

As I read Colossians 2:7 and came to that word, "abounding", I couldn't help but think of the videos of dogs so excited to see their "dads" come home from deployment. They just can't contain their excitement and joy. 

If dogs can show that much enthusiasm to their 'dads'; how much more joy and thanksgiving should I be expressing to God, my Heavenly Father? 

I like that meaning of "thanksgiving": actively grateful. Thanksgiving is to be an ACTION—it's a "doing" not a passive, still and silent.  

Abounding, go beyond the expected measure—above and beyond.

A true expression of gratefulness

can't be contained!

Thanks Living—above and beyond the expected—being actively grateful for God's love and mercy. 

Thanks Living: The A's Have It!

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

Praise: give thanks

According to His righteousness: of God's attribute as sovereign

Sing praise: to celebrate in song and music

Name: as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Most High: the Supreme

As a result, I will thank the Eternal for His justice and sing praises in honor of the Eternal, Most High. Psalm 7:17 (VOICE) 

I thank Jehovah, According to His righteousness, And praise the name of Jehovah Most High! Psalm 7:17 (YLT)

PRAISE: 

noun: the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.

verb (used with object), praised, praising: to express approval or admiration of; commend. extol.

Idioms: sing someone's praises, to praise someone publicly and enthusiastically.

(Dictionary.com)

acclaim: noun. expression of approval

admire: verb. hold in high regard, great respect

applaud: verb. clap for; express approval

appreciate: verb. value highly

(Thesaurus.com)

I will give thanks, acclaim, admire, applaud and appreciate the Lord—not for anything I have done—But according to HIS Righteousness. And as I give thanks to Him, my soul will celebrate in song in honor and respect to the Supreme and only God! That is true Thanks Living! 

The A's Have It! Express approval, holding in high regard and expressing approval and appreciating God's righteousness—Thanks Living!

Thanks Living: Relationship

O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

Praise: give thanks

Have done: accomplished

Wonderful: marvelous thing, of God's acts of judgment and redemption

Eternal One, You are my God.
I will lift You up and praise Your name.
Because You have made wonders marvelous and beautiful—the most ancient designs holding strong and sure. Isaiah 25:1 (VOICE) 

Lord, you are my God.
I ·honor [exalt] you and praise ·you [ your name],
because you have done ·amazing [wonderful] things.
·You have done what you planned long ago [Your plans were made long ago];
·you have always done what you said you would do [they are faithful and trustworthy]. Isaiah 25:1 (EXB) 

O Lord, You are my God. I will praise You. I will give thanks to Your name. For You have been faithful to do great things, plans that You made long ago. Isaiah 25:1 (NLV) 

O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God; you do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them, just as you said! Isaiah 25:1 (TLB)

Thanks Living is first having a personal relationship with God— "My God." 

Thanks Living is recognizing that relationship — "I will exalt You, praise (thank) Your name." 

Thanks Living is enjoying the benefits of that relationship — "You have done wonderful things."

Thanks Living is knowing that the relationship is based on everlasting truth — "faithfulness and truth."

Thanks Living is relationship based—a relationship with God— MY God! And when I grasp that solid truth—thanksgiving overflows. 

Thanks Living: Always—Not "A Sometime"

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 30:11, 12

To the end that: purpose, on account of as a motive or an aim, intent

My glory: of the seat of honor in the inner man, the noblest part of man

Sing praise: to celebrate in song and music

Not be silent: be or grow dumb, silent, hold peace, quiet self

Give thanks: literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, especially to revere or worship (with extended hands—the open one—indicating power, means, direction, etc.)

Forever: indefinite futurity, with preposition for ever, always (sometimes = during the lifetime)

Forever. Indefinite futurity. 

When does forever start? Tomorrow? Next week? Next year? Actually—now. 

Thanks Living isn't about thanking and praising God SOMETIME in the future. Rather it's about thanking and praising God starting now and CONTINUING in the future. Thanks Living to be an "always", not "a sometime". 

Are we waiting for some big, grand moment or circumstance for which we can thank God? What about the "small" everyday happenings? Aren't they thanks- and praise-worthy? 

Forever. Indefinite futurity.

Since Thanks Living is to be an "always" and not "a sometime", then it's time to make sure that I am purposeful and intent on giving thanks to God. Celebrate, rather than being silent, how awesome God is and the wonderful things He does each and every day. 

Always—not "a sometime". Forever begins right now!  

Thanks Living: Memories

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 30:4

Remembrance: to mark (so as to be recognized), to remember; by implication, to mention; memorial, memory

Holy name: sanctity -- consecrated, dedicated, hallowed, holiness

Memories.

There are some memories that make me smile, and some make me laugh out loud—literally! And yes, some memories make me sad and cry. Memories evoke emotion. 

When I remember God's holiness, I am to filled with thankfulness. The question is, "Am I?" 

When I remember God's holiness, what emotion does it evoke? Am I filled with wonder and awe? Am I filled with terrifying fear? Am I filled with regret? Am I filled with apathy? 

Give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Give thanks. Take time to realize who God is and that He personally loves and cares for me! Take time to remember that God, the Creator of all, created me in my mother's womb, and knows EVERYTHING about me—and loves me. 

Give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Remember. 

I have to say that as I get older, I find myself forgetting things. I have good intentions on remembering, but I forget. However, there are some things which I remember — it's like there is a NEON sign flashing in my mind. I can't forget. God's holiness, should be one of those "I can't forget memories". 

Remember. Long-lasting Memory. 

If I want God's holiness to be a long-lasting memory, that I need to make it important in my life. I need to make sure that each and everything I remember God's holy name, I give thanks! 

Thanks Living is making an conscious decision to remember God's holy name and give thanks! Thanks Living is making sure God's holy name is memorable and important in my life. 

Memories. God's holy name should be a very precious memory. 

Thanks Living: The Four "P"s.

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49

Give thanks: confess (originally acknowledge)

Among the heathen: in the sense of the masses

Sing praises: to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music
Name: an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority

Will I. 
That's personal. 

Among the masses. 
That's public. 

Give thanks/Sing praises.
That's purpose.

Unto Thee, Thy Name.
That's proper. 

Thanks Living is first personal. I have to do it. 
Thanks Living is to be public. I'm to be thanking and praising God so that others learn about how awesome my God is.
Thanks Living is to be purposeful. I'm to be giving thanks and praising God—no matter my circumstances or situation. Remember God does not change! 
Thanks Living is proper. It's the right thing to do. God is to be thanked and praised, because He is God Almighty! 

Thanks Living: VERY Grateful–but for what?

And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. Jonah 4:6

Prepared: be reckoned, assigned (a place), of servant of

Very: in magnitude and extent, in intensity

Grateful: be glad, joyful, rejoicing

If you know the story of Jonah, a lot took place before Jonah found himself sitting in the hot scorching sun. Jonah was given a Mission from God. Go tell the people of Nineveh to repent of their sins, or God will destroy the City. Jonah refused and ran in the opposite direction—ended up on a boat, then in the belly of a fish, then back on dry ground. Jonah finally obeyed and went to Nineveh. The people of Nineveh repented and God spared the City. Jonah as upset with this, and went out of the city to sulk and pout. It was hot, so God created a plant to give Jonah shade. Jonah was VERY grateful for the plant. But then God destroyed the plant and sent a very hot wind. Jonah become angry—the plant was now dead. Jonah cared more about the plant and his comfort than the entire City of Nineveh.

(Read the Story here:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah+1&version=NKJV) 

Thanks Living means to first recognize that all things come from God. We are to be VERY grateful for all He give us. However, we also need to be VERY careful where we place our thanks. To be grateful for THINGS should not be greater than being thankful to God and doing His will. 

Thanks Living—VERY grateful—but for what? I first and foremost must be LIVING in God's Word and allowing God's Word to live in me and direct my thoughts, actions, attitudes and motivations. If God's Word is LIVING in me, then my THANKS LIVING will be directed to God, and not just the things He gives me. 

Thanks Living starts when I am obeying God and doing as He instructs—then my thanks, will be directed to God for all He provides. 

Thanks Living: Assignment

To stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening. 1 Chronicles 23:30

To stand: present oneself before, be attentive, arise, appear

Morning:  implying the coming of dawn, and even daylight

Thank: to revere or worship (with extended hands)

Praise: to boast, to rave; to celebrate

Likewise: faithfulness, in the same manner as before

Evening: originally sunset

In 1 Chronicles 23, David makes Solomon king and gathers together the princes, priests, and Levites, to assign them their proper jobs. I like the assignment given to the Levites, to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord—and do it again in the evening. 

Start the day thanking and praising God, and then end the day the same way. Beginning the day begun in thankfulness and praise will determine your mindset for the day. Ending the day with thanksgiving and praise will make you realize that God is working in and through you. 

How important is this assignment? Well, for David to have assigned it at all, shows that it is vital. Each and every morning and night, be attentive—specifically give thanks and praise to God. 

But what if I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, do I still have to thank and praise God? Especially on those mornings! For what better way to get an attitude adjustment, then to attentively thanks and praise God?! It's hard to have a bad attitude when thanking and praising Almighty God! 

Thanks Living is fully accepting the assignment of thanking and praising God each and every morning and night. A day that starts with thankfulness and praise will end on a high note!

Thanks Living: For You

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Give thanks: to be grateful, actively to express gratitude

Always: at all times, always, ever

Making: to do

Mention: be mindful of, remind oneself actively (purposefully); actively bring to mind

Prayers: earnest prayer

For you. 

People impact our lives on a daily bases. Some frustrate us. Some encourage us. And some bless us beyond measure. And EACH one can be used by God to teach us something about Him and living a life pleasing to Him. 

For you.

First, we see from Paul's example, that we are to Give Thanks for others. Say Thank you to God for introducing us to others. Introducing us to those that encourage us and those that teach us. 

Lastly, Paul gives us the example of how we express our thanks to God, through prayer. And not just a "thank you God." and then forget it. Rather this is an EARNEST prayer. 

Earnest: serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely

Praying with intention and purpose. Making a point to thank God for each person that God introduces us to. 

For you.

Thanks Living is praying intentionally for each person God brings into our lives. Give thanks to God for each one, and pray intentionally for each person. That is not only the right thing to do, it's a blessing to uphold others before our great God! 

For you. 

Give thanks and pray intentionally for others—that is the right thing to do when living a life of Thanks Living! 

Thanks Living: Actively grateful!

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.  2 Corinthians 4:15

Grace:  "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues"

Thanksgiving: gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)

Abound: to make abundant or excellent, to cause one to excel

Glory: good opinion concerning one, and as resulting from that, praise, honor

Actively grateful language to God! Thanksgiving isn't just a simple word, it's to become an ACTION!   And what produces the true action of thanksgiving? Realizing the grace of God and sharing His grace to others. The more God's grace is made known and the more people accept God's grace then the ultimate reaction is thanksgiving and worship to God giving God the honor and glory! 

Actively grateful! Thanks Living is not something that is hidden or just saying "thanks" now and then. It's to be an ongoing ACTION of worship and praise to God!

Thanks Living: Surround Sound

So I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and appointed two large thanksgiving choirs. One went to the right hand on the wall toward the Refuse Gate. The other thanksgiving choir went the opposite way, and I was behind them with half of the people on the wall, going past the Tower of the Ovens as far as the Broad Wall, So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me; For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. Nehemiah 12:31, 38, 40, 46

Large thanksgiving choirs. 

Songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Can you hear the songs of praise and thanksgiving being sung by two large choirs to God? The stereo sound of having one on each side? The first "surround sound"! 

Position Available! 

Job title: Chiefs of the singers

Responsibility: To sing songs of praise and thanksgiving, and lead the Choirs in songs. 

Qualifications: A heart filled with Thanks Living. Willing to worship God with songs of praise and thanksgiving. 

It's much easier to sing praises and give thanks to God in a group. It's important to do that! But true Thanks Living begins in the hearts of individuals. Yes, it must begin in my very own heart. I must be willing to sing praise and thanksgiving to God in private before joining the choir. 

I want to be part of a "Surround Sound Choir of Thanksgiving"! And to be part of that choir, I need to make sure my heart is filled with thanks to God, and that I'm making a habit of Thanks Living. 

Thanks Living: Was His Custom

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”

So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:4-10

As was his custom since early days. 

Just as he always had.

He continued to do what he always did.

Often we wait until we get into trouble before we start praying. Daniel knew the importance of the prayer even when there was no trouble. Creating habits and practicing praise and thanksgiving to God in the good times, will insure us of praising and thanking God in the "bad times".  Our situation should not change our praise and thanksgiving! We are not praising and thanking God for "stuff", rather because of Who He is! Our situation does not change Who God is! 

As was his custom, he always had, always did. 

Thanks Living is about creating a habit of thanking God for Who He is and all that He provides. Thanks Living is to be a habit — no matter the situation! In order to insure that Thanks Living is a habit, it must be practiced on a daily (and even multiple times daily). 

As was his custom—I want Thanks Living to be what I always did, so that I can always do it in the future! 

Thanks Living: Puts Life Into Perspective

Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: "Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all.

Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Blessed: adore with bended knees

Greatness:  mighty acts -- dignity, great things(-ness), majesty

Power: valor, victory -- force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), strength

Glory: beautiful, brave, comely, fair, glorious, honor, majesty

Victory: eminence, always, constantly, end, nevermore, perpetual, strength

Majesty:  splendor, vigor, grandeur

Riches: wealth, far richer

Honor: splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances

Thank: literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, especially to revere or worship (with extended hands—the open one—indicating power, means, direction, etc.)

Praise: make boast self, celebrate, commend

Glorious: splendor, majesty, vigor, grandeur

Name: especially as embodying the (revealed) character of

Thanks Living. When it begins with God, it puts life into perspective. 

Attention and acknowledgement of who God is + realizing that all we have is from God = thanksgiving and praise. 

To truly give thanks and praise to God, one must first begin with acknowledging who God is. For when one acknowledges who God is, it puts all of life into perspective. 

To truly give thanks and praise to God, one must realize that all is from God. For when one realizes that all come from God, it puts all of life into perspective. 

To truly give thanks and praise to God, one must make a point and determination to thanks and praise God. For when taking the time to thank and praise God, it puts all of life into perspective. 

Who is God. All we have is from God. Thank and Praise God. 

When done in that order, it puts life into perspective. For when one realizes all that God is capable of, and that He does, then thanks and praise should be automatic! Knowing that God is God and that He is in control puts life into perspective—God's perspective! 

How is God's perspective different than mine? Well, when I choose my perspective, I see only how things benefit me and what I can get out it all. I only want the good, the great, the blessings. I want the Lottery winnings. I want things to be easy. 

However, from God's perspective—life is good in the sense of how will it glorify Him and accomplish His will. His perspective includes all of Eternity, not just the here and now. 

Puts life into perspective. 

Attention and acknowledgement of who God is + realizing that all we have is from God = thanksgiving and praise. 

1 Chronicles 29:10-13: David said. A wonderful ascription of praise follows, tracing all good to Jehovah"s sovereign grace. E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

Thanks Living. When it begins with God, it puts life into perspective.

Thanks Living: Act of Worship

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

Thanksgiving: in songs of public worship

Praise: the act of general, public, praise

Thankful: literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, especially to revere or worship (with extended hands—the open one—indicating power, means, direction, etc.)

Bless: adore with bended knees

Thanksgiving is an act of worshiping God. We are to make a point to ENTER His presence with an mind-set and heart-set of worship and adoration with gratitude. 

And not only are we to have a mind-set and heart-set, we are to actually BE thankful to God. A humble attitude of worship and joy as we express our outpouring of thankfulness to Almighty God. 

Act of Worship. 

Not just saying "thanks", but spending time in the presence of God worshiping Him with gratitude for Who He is and all He has done for me. 

Who is God? 

Thanks Living must include an act of worship of God Almighty. 

__________________________________________

For another post on Psalm 100:4, read Expressing Gratitude: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2013/05/expressing-gratitude.html

Thanks Living: If I am mindful...

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17

Whatever: everything (anything) whatsoever

Word: the act of speaking

Deed: the idea of working; doing

Do all: whatsoever

Name: relying or resting on the name of Christ, rooted (so to speak) in his name, i. e. mindful of Christ

Give thanks: to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude 

Father: one who imparts life and is committed to it; a progenitor, bringing into being to pass on the potential for likeness

Through: of one who is the author of the action as well as its instrument, or of the efficient cause (because the possibility both of glorifying God and of giving thanks to him is due to the kindness of Christ)

If I am mindful of Christ, then my attitude and action will be done in accordance with His will. And my heart-set and mind-set will be filled and overflowing with gratitude to God, the Father. 

If I am mindful...... 

There are times, when being mindful of Christ is easy, and then other times, not so much. During those "other times", my focus changes from Christ, to ME—and that is a dangerous occurrence. For when "Me, myself, and I" take the lead, I not only am telling God He doesn't know what He's doing, I am setting myself up for disappointment, discouragement and heartbreak. 

If I am mindful......

Creating a habit of relying and being mindful of Christ—how exactly is that done? First and foremost, I must acknowledge that God is real, and that He sets the standard. I must accept God as Lord and Savior. Then as I begin to know God, learn who God is, learn His ways, learn His characteristics, then that solid unwavering trust is developed and then the desire to obey Him impacts my actions and attitudes. 

If I am mindful—

That means, when I get frustrated with someone, I stop and pray—that creates a change in attitude. Then I must act on that change in attitude! 

That means, when I don't want to do something, I stop and pray —that creates a change in my attitude with then will translate into action. 

That means, when "Me, myself, and I" want to make the decisions, I stop and pray—that creates a spirit of humility allowing God to once again become "number 1" and my attitude and actions will change in accordance with His will. 

If I am mindful—

That means, each and every actions and attitude must first be "approved" by Christ. If Christ disapproves—there must be a change on my part. 

If I am mindful—

I will not only have the desire, but the determination to act and respond Christ-like in each and every situation. 

If I am mindful—then I'll want to express my gratitude to God by having the right actions and attitude. That means that Thanks Living is to be evident in each chore, in each interaction, in each and every thought. 

If  I am mindful........ 

Another post on Colossians 3:17: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/06/do-all.html

Thanks Living: At a loss for words.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks: graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude, joy, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).

His: self (emphatic)

Indescribable: that cannot be thoroughly related indescribable, that cannot be thoroughly related, inexpressible. It is higher than the mind can conceive; higher than language can express.

Gift: a gift, freely given and hence not acquired by merit or "entitlement." Expresses a brand of giving that highlights the beneficent desire of the giver.

At a loss for words. Inexpressible. 

Can't describe the "awesomeness". No words to describe it. Overwhelmed to the point of total awe. 

An indescribable gift. Gift, given freely. Nothing earned. No entitlement. Simply a gift with no strings attached. 

God in His grace and mercy, gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sin. (For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3)

Our sin is forgiven. Indescribable! 

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

At a loss for words. Inexpressible. 

Do I realize that magnitude of God's gift? Am I at a loss of words in trying to express my overwhelming gratitude to God? 

Thanks Living is not about the gifts, it's about realizing that God in His grace and mercy forgave me of my sin. It's all about God and His amazing goodness! No way to earn it. No entitlement. Simply an indescribable gift from God!