In the check out line at Walmart 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?”
I’m so glad that this nation observes a Day of Thanksgiving for all of our blessings. I am sure you would agree that each day must be a day to be grateful for all of the blessings God has provided for us. So what do we say as life unfolds day after day? The Bible is full of instructions concerning thankfulness. It suggests that we give thanks; commands that we give thanks; tells us how, when, where, why, and how often we should give thanks. Jesus Himself gave thanks often.
Here are a few of the verses that admonish us to be thankful:
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 – 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.”
When – Psalm 119:62 “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.”
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.”
Why – Psalm 106:1 “for He is good … His mercy endures forever.”
How Often – Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always …”
Jesus Did – Matthew 15:36 “He took the seven loaves and the fishes and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” 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?
Pastor Brunner is the founder and director of Jim Brunner Ministries
