Thankful

11/21/12 Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Even in the hardest times we can still be thankful. We know our Lord is working all things for our good and conforming us to the image of His Son. Giving thanks is one way of saying to the world that we trust in God and have confidence that He knows best even if we don’t understand. Our Lord was always thankful, even when people rejected His message, thus rejecting Him. He went through the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum preaching and doing mighty works. But they rejected His message and He told them that it would be more tolerable for Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom on the day of judgment than for them. But then Jesus turns to His father and gave thanks. Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. (This passage got to me. I complain if people don’t respond; Jesus gave thanks! Father forgive me!) Even when Lazarus died Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. Let me give you a few of the many reasons to be thankful. 1. His name Psalm 30:4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. 2. His goodness and mercy. Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. 3. Rom.8:28. Our Lord works all things for our good. 4. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 5. 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 6. Victory over sin Romans 6:14 (HCSB) For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace. 7. His grace that is always sufficient! 1Cor.12:9