EG Ministries INC.

Thanks full!

I read this line other day:
What if you woke up today with ONLY the things you were thankful for yesterday?

I have to admit the sarcastic side of me said, “Then I would be sure to NOT be thankful for the dog hair, the dirty dishes, my toothache, the cable bill, the frustration I have over things, etc.”

Maybe those things would disappear overnight and I would never have to deal with them again!  But looking back over that short list…

No dog hair=no dog… that would be sad.

No dirty dishes=no food, no plates.

No toothache may equal no teeth (who knows!?)

No cable bill = no favorite shows, etc.

Even the things that get on my last nerve have SOMETHING in them for which I can be thankful.

So, seriously, what if that did happen?

What if you woke up tomorrow and all you had in your house, in your life were the things you gave thanks for the day before?

Would your life look much the same, or VERY different?

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Christine Goss

But first, Thanks!

We all are familiar with the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.
(It’s the only miracle recorded in each gospel, pretty cool.)
If you were to retell the story to someone, I’m guessing it would go something like this:  Jesus was teaching a huge crowd, out in the middle of nowhere. It got to be late in the day, and everyone was getting hungry. Jesus’ disciples tell Jesus to send the crowds away, but Jesus asked His disciples to feed them. There ensues a quick discussion of HOW?? Then two fishes and five loaves are brought to Jesus. Jesus multiplies them and feeds the whole crowd, which we come to understand are 5000 men PLUS the women and children. In the end, 12 baskets of food are left over.

Amazing story! But did you pick up on the one fact that was left out?
It’s the one fact that actually makes the miracle happen.
Between Jesus receiving the loaves and fish, and the multiplying of said lunch, there is a moment that is often forgotten or rushed through…
Matthew 14:19b…looking up to heaven, He gave thanks…
Mark 6:41b…looking up to heaven, He gave thanks…
Luke 9:16b…looking up to heaven, He gave thanks…
John 6:11…gave thanks…

My point isn’t so much that Jesus gave thanks.
We can all be grateful.
My point is WHEN did Jesus give thanks?
Was it after the food was multiplied?
Was it as the people’s bellies were filled?
Was it after the 12 baskets were leftover?
NOPE!
Jesus gave thanks BEFORE the miracle happened!
Jesus gave thanks BEFORE the people were satisfied!
Jesus gave thanks BEFORE there were leftovers for which to praise God!
Jesus gave thanks FIRST!

Move this action to your life today.
Can you give thanks BEFORE your prayers for healing happen?
Can you give thanks BEFORE God supplies a financial need?
Can you give thanks BEFORE a wayward child comes back to the LORD?
GIVE GOD THANKS, NOW!
BECAUSE HE PROMISED HE WOULD DO IT, IN GRATITUDE, CLAIM IT!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.