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Chapter Seven: Be Thankful

Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ,His Son.

And now let the weak say "I am strong." Let the poor say "I am rich." Because of what the Lord has done for us

Give thanks.

Thankfulness is not something that should be done once a year in November, or even at the

dinner table each night. Being truly thankful is a way of life that can change your life. It allows a full

appreciation of how much our Father in Heaven really loves us. Without this appreciation for what we

have, we have no right to ask for more.

We all have heard song after song, and preacher after preacher, telling us to remember to

thank our Lord each day. Unfortunately, that in itself is part of the problem. Anytime something is

done time and again, it becomes more of a ritual than an actual act. We say grace each night, yet

how many nights do you really thank Him for your food, in your heart? After all, we become so used

to having it there that it becomes difficult to think of it not being there, despite the knowledge that

people all over the world go to bed hungry. It becomes easier to follow a ritual and say the same

words night after night than to think of how blessed you are to be a child of God.

25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for

your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly

Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do

they spin:

29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

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Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall henot much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be

clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all

these things.

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6: 25-33

These verses are a great reminder for times when things are not going well. Our Father will

take care of His children. Those of us who are His, are under His protection. If we choose to leave the

safety of Gods will, we take our chances like everyone else. We only get a free meal when we go

home. Hes takes care of those willing to accept His care.

What about the times when everything is going well? Well, thats just hard work and sacrifice,

right? Knowing the right people in the right job certainly helps, doesnt it? After all, as Christians,

were supposed to be a great example to the world, and part of that includes working hard, being

faithful in all we do, and living the Christian way. Those things will usually bring good things to us in

time anyway. While this may be true, always remember that things can be taken away from you in an

instant. God will not let you go without thanking Him for His good will forever.

Giving thanks to God in the good times is just as important as looking to Him in the bad times.

He is our Father, and He loves us very much. He loves to give His children blessings. The problem is

when we start thinking of ourselves as worthy of the blessing. We become like rich brats who cant

appreciate the new car Daddy got for our birthday; I wanted the blue one! Instead of thanking Him for

the blessings we have received, were too busy wishing for more. How many blessings has God given

you that you did not appreciate? How many gifts do you think you will receive if you dont thank Him

for what youve gotten?

Life is a blessing. Its trite, but its true. Having the opportunity to live here on this planet with

free will is an amazing gift. Going to bed with a full stomach is a blessing. Having a place to live is a

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blessing. Being with someone who loves you is a blessing, even when youre about to drive each

other nuts over little things. Thank Him for all the things He has given you, and given to all of us, and

He will bless you with more. After all, why should He give you a blessing you wont appreciate?

Even when nothing else is going right in your life, you can still thank God knowing that, if

youre willing to follow His will, youre taken care of for life. You dont have to go to bed hungry, or

worry if your shoes are going to wear out before you can get more. He loves you, and is willing to

take care of you. Follow Him, and all will be well. He deserves all thanks!