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Americans celebrate Thanksgiving every November, but a spirit of true thanksgiving shouldn’t come around only once a year. The Bible says that every good thing comes from God, and that truth should cause all of his followers to be endlessly thankful. Moreover, that sense of gratitude should bring about an deeper experience with living in the power of the spirit.
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thanksgiving A spiritual practice for all times of year http://www.tellthemthatilovethem.net
“Everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” -1 Timothy 4:4-5
God’s creation is good The Bible says that everything that God created is good. That means every plant and animal and human soul is a precious thing.
Respond with thanks • God created everything good, and we are meant to enjoy all of those good things. • God expects nothing “in return” for his many good gifts. • We must only respond with a spirit of thankfulness and kindness to others.
Thanksgiving • Each November, Americans set aside one day a year to be thankful for everything we have. • While this is a wonderful tradition, it often inadvertently reduces a practice that should be part of every day.
All year round • Just as God’s good gifts don’t come only once a year, so too should our thankfulness extend beyond the confines of one holiday. • In every aspect of our lives, we have the opportunity to demonstrate gratitude. • The spirit of thanksgiving should have an impact on how we treat others and our contentedness with life.
Opportunities abound “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” -Philippians 4:6
With thanksgiving • Paul says that even our prayers and petitions should full of a spirit of thanksgiving. • It is this spirit of gratitude that pervades our lives and helps us be more Christ-like to each other and in our desires for the future. • It all starts from being thankful for all that God has done for us.
Tell Them That I Love Them • Tell Them That I Love Themis a book by John DiBattista about his amazing experience with God’s love. • Even after a miraculous personal encounter with Jesus, John’s only response was an attitude of awe, humility, and thankfulness for God’s work in his life. • His story is an account of what openness to God can mean to a follower who understands that all good things flow from Him.