WE NEED HEART OF GRATITUDE

We cannot show forth God’s Life and self-life at the same time.
“Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?” James 3:11
How do you walk in the Spirit?
The way you do this is through living by, conducting your actions according to, and following the leading of the Word of God as quickened to you by the Holy Spirit.
**The Holy Spirit and the Word of God agree perfectly because the Holy Spirit is the one who inspired the written Word of God.

 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

More specifically, how is it possible to obey 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and “give thanks in all circumstances,” especially if our circumstances are horrible?

What fuels thanksgiving when life seems to be one discouragement, disappointment, disease, disaster, and death after another?

There is only one way.   Jesus  is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Future Joy Fuels Your Thankful Endurance

Jesus was fueled by his belief in future grace. That’s what the author of Hebrews meant when he wrote that, Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

That’s where God wants your and my eyes: on the future joy he has promised us. ETERNITY

*You will have the free gift of complete forgiveness of all your sins extending into forever (Romans 6:23).
*You will have all your real needs provided while on earth (Philippians 4:19).
*God will complete the good work he began in you (Philippians 1:6).
*You will be raised from the dead and never, ever die again (1 Corinthians 15:52–53).
****That means someday soon you will see Jesus, be with him (2 Corinthians 5:8), and be like him (1 John 3:2).
*In that day you will know for the first time full, unpolluted joy (Psalm 16:11).
*You will be completely free from all corruption (Romans 8:21).
*You will have God forever (1 Peter 3:18) as your exceeding joy (Psalm 43:4).
And that’s just a small sampling!

The joy set before you is the same joy Jesus had set before him, because you are an heir of the kingdom with him (Romans 8:17).

So how can you give thanks in all circumstances?

There’s only one way: Jesus’ way.  

*If the future joy Jesus promises (ETERNAL LIFE) is real and you believe him, there is no circumstance that can steal your thanksgiving.
May all your  Holiday celebrations be soaked in Grace, Joy, Freedom and Love!

Thank You God for the ONE—JESUS!   Amen