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“Let us come before him with thanksgiving

and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:2 (NIV)

One of the first things small children are taught by their parents is the phrase, “Thank you.”

When they learn those words, the parents introduce “You’re welcome” into their vocabulary.

When a child is a preschooler and he or she receives a gift or a favor, the parents may have to remind the children by asking, “What do you say?”

As God’s children, we learn to express our thanks to Him in many different ways. We praise Him for what He does for us-the personal things as well as the universal. Sometimes a “thank offering” seems in line for something we asked for that He accomplished. At other times, we should give thanks just because He is with us. Let’s not forget the things He does that we haven’t asked for but He does anyway.

In one church we were in the month of November was deemed “Thank Month”, they congregation gave a special thank offering to go to missions. One of the dear saints explained it to someone like this: “If you received a favorable report from your doctor, then you are thankful. You have the opportunity to share that blessing by giving a thank offering.”

We have times of praise giving in our corporate worship services; shouldn’t we do the same in our times of personal worship? In the prayer format called ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) there are two places where we can express praise- in the section of ADORATION and in the area called THANKSGIVING.

When we give praise, we are to be joyous. There should be a smile on our faces and a lilt in our voice. We should be happy about what God has done in our lives. In the Old Testament, 1 Chronicles 16:8 tells the people, including us,” Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” (16:8, NIV)

What are some of the other ways we can give thanks to God for his guidance through our tough times? We can financially help someone who has a need. We can ‘be there’ for them when they are going through tough times. We can praise Him when a friend has a good outcome.

The book Psalms is filled with many praises to God, evidenced by phrases containing the word, ”praise” or the writers speaking other words of thanks to the LORD GOD. The Apostle Paul thanked God for the faith of the people to whom he wrote in nine of the13 letters we read in the New Testament.

As I compose this essay, I think of all the ways God blesses each of His children.

*He grants us the gift of eternal life. He allows His children to reside with Him in heaven when their time on earth is completed.

* God bestows us with certain gifts-qualities He intends us to use to help enlarge His Kingdom.

*He also comforts us with grace and mercy, so that we, in turn can comfort others in their time of need. Paul tells the Corinthians this in his second letter to them.

* God guides us as he stands beside us during the lean times of uncertainty. He hears our prayers and then answers them according to His will.

Dear Heavenly Father:

Please forgive us when we get too busy to thank You for the many things You provide for us. Help us to see Your hand in our lives each day. Thank You for your son, Jesus. Please continue to guide us each day. We thank You for Your answers to our prayers. Please remind us of Your great love You have for each of us. We will give You the praise. In Jesus’ name, we pray, AMEN

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Keep Your Dreams to Yourself