We are going to focus on giving thanks throughout the month of November. "30 Days of Thanksgiving" will help us develop habitual gratitude and challenge each of us to express thankfulness through words and deeds of selfless service.
Check this page each Saturday for weekly updates and a list of daily "challenges" for the week.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” With these words, Paul reminds his readers that everything we do is for the purpose of reflecting Jesus. Our words and actions should come from a posture of thankfulness.
It’s important to remember that Paul wrote these words while he was imprisoned for sharing the good news of Jesus. He was enduring a difficult time, but he often wrote about thankfulness and joy. Think about the number of times that he wrote concerning thanks, thanksgiving, and joy. Paul used the word “thanks” 27 times, “thanksgiving” 10 times, and “joy” 28 times. These words are from a person who experienced a great deal of difficulty throughout his time as a follower of Jesus.
Oftentimes, when we face trials or are treated unjustly, we become discouraged and self-focused. It has been said, “If you ask, 'Why is this happening?' no light may come, but if you ask, ‘How am I to glorify God now?' there will always be an answer (Packer).“ This statement seems to reflect the heart of Paul. Rather than focusing on the trials, he was focused on how he could glorify God through those trials.
Paul’s faith kept him focused through some very difficult moments in life. He was able to “give thanks in all circumstances,” because he remained focused on the fact that he served a faithful and loving God. This kind of attitude flows from a humble heart of thankfulness. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, let’s spend time reflecting on all that God has done for us in Christ, remembering to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in all circumstances.
Let’s focus on giving thanks throughout the month of November with a special Thanksgiving Challenge.
Check this page each Saturday for weekly updates and a list of daily "challenges" for the week.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” With these words, Paul reminds his readers that everything we do is for the purpose of reflecting Jesus. Our words and actions should come from a posture of thankfulness.
It’s important to remember that Paul wrote these words while he was imprisoned for sharing the good news of Jesus. He was enduring a difficult time, but he often wrote about thankfulness and joy. Think about the number of times that he wrote concerning thanks, thanksgiving, and joy. Paul used the word “thanks” 27 times, “thanksgiving” 10 times, and “joy” 28 times. These words are from a person who experienced a great deal of difficulty throughout his time as a follower of Jesus.
Oftentimes, when we face trials or are treated unjustly, we become discouraged and self-focused. It has been said, “If you ask, 'Why is this happening?' no light may come, but if you ask, ‘How am I to glorify God now?' there will always be an answer (Packer).“ This statement seems to reflect the heart of Paul. Rather than focusing on the trials, he was focused on how he could glorify God through those trials.
Paul’s faith kept him focused through some very difficult moments in life. He was able to “give thanks in all circumstances,” because he remained focused on the fact that he served a faithful and loving God. This kind of attitude flows from a humble heart of thankfulness. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, let’s spend time reflecting on all that God has done for us in Christ, remembering to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in all circumstances.
Let’s focus on giving thanks throughout the month of November with a special Thanksgiving Challenge.