“Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world” – Philippians 2:14-15 (AMPC)
LIGHT FOR NOW: When a believer is full of murmuring and complains, it is an indication that he is not flowing in his nature of thanksgiving.
A very crucial point to note is that two of Jesus’ notable miracles were done amidst thanksgiving despite the situations. John 6:11 “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.” The miracle of supply even when there was lack; he gave thanks with the few. John 11:41 “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me”. At Lazarus’ tomb, after four days, he gave thanks for the blessing of fellowship.
There are wrong reasons for thanksgiving, and there is a funny statement we often make as believers “when praises go up, blessings come down”. No New Testament scripture supports this, as thanksgiving is not a precondition for God’s blessings. Rather, it is our ceaseless attitude to our Father’s unconditional blessings.
2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place”. 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift”. Colossians 1:12 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light”. 1Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. Giving thanks is not a gift to God for blessings but a response to his blessings. No bribery intended. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Be full of thanks and be less of complains.
CONFESSION: I am a child of God, and God is my Father. Thanksgiving is an attitude of the kingdom. I am thankful, and I rejoice. For all the Father’s unconditional blessings are mine, in Jesus’ Name, Amen
QUOTE: To be less of murmuring, be full of thanks.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: 1THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5; EVENING: COLOSSIANS CHAPTER 1
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 