Introduction: Why should we give THANKS before a meal? Does it say to give THANKS in the Bible before eating? Where?

Paul who was led by the Holy Spirit reminds believers to THANK Jesus for our food?

Writing to the CHRISTians in the Church of Rome, He declares that we are to “Say the BLESSING” without being a BURDEN.”

(Rom 14:6)

“6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”

1. What is he talking about? (Rom 14:6)

“He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”

Evidently, there was a conflict between “weaker” CHRISTians and “stronger” CHRISTians.”

The weaker ones could not stand the thought of eating meat offered to IDOLS. But to the stronger believers there was no problem in their mind to eat meat even though it had been offered to idols. According to them, there was only one true and living God.

2. Who is he talking to? (Rom 14:6)

“He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”

Paul lays down the argument for the stronger CHRISTians not to eat the meat even though they had a clear conscience. The reason being is because it became a “stumbling block” to the weaker CHRISTians. 

“13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died” (Rom 14:13-15).

This situation brings light on our present day – nonchalant – attitude, i.e. it does not matter how I live or how I treat others as long as I give THANKS. But it really does matter to our Lord according to this passage of Scripture.

Conclusion: The bottom line: 

“10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Rom 14:10).

So we are to give THANKS before our meal with a clear conscience and not become a stumbling block to other CHRISTians. 

THANKSGIVING and THANKLIVING go hand in hand.

Introduction: When something happens and it is wrong do you “fly off the handle”? Our impulse is the get MAD and show, as my mom used to say, “our behind”! (That used to be modest??!!) Anyway, what are the steps we should take when something goes wrong?

In this brief devotion, we will share a few things to do as a CHRISTian before throwing a fit!

1. Think it through! (Matt 5:5)

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

Meekness is not weakness. Instead it is strength under control. The fruit of the Spirit is self control (Gal 5:22,23).

2. Pray it through! (Matt 5:23,24)

“23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

Take it to the Lord in prayer. Allow Him to change your heart or mind in the process. 

3. Look at it through! (Matt 7:12)

“12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

If it were you, how would you want to be approached?

4. Follow it through! (Matt 5:41-47)

“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?”

Having a clear conscience in this dog eat dog world is extremely important to our testimony and our witness. 

Conclusion: Finally, Bless the Lord through it! Because Jesus gets the glory! 

Introduction: Do you ever have to STOP and confess where you’ve not been GRATEFUL to God? After all, He provides our every need; i.e. food, water, shelter, love, forgiveness, health….and the list goes on. While we reprimand the nine lepers who did not THANK Jesus for healing them, we sometimes inadvertently do the same. In other words, we take God’s BLESSINGS for granted, even though the average person will lie about it and say he or she does not. 

Check out how Jesus reacts to this situation.

1. A lot of people ask Jesus for HEALING but do not follow Jesus- All Ten requested help! (Luke 17:11-13)

“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

When we get into trouble – something we cannot fix – we go to the God of the Bible. Why? Because we need mercy. Mercy because we are all sinners…by nature, choice, and birth.

2. Next, Jesus tells us (through His Word) what we need to do! (Luke 17:14)

“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”

More deadly than leprosy, a terrible physical disease, is sin, which is curable only by the blood of Jesus. 

3. Real, True FAITH in Jesus is rewarded! (Luke 17:15-17)

“15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Do you notice that THANKSGIVING, FAITH and FORGIVENESS go hand in hand? Are you giving THANKS today? 

Conclusion: We live in a world of ENTITLEMENT! The world owes me. Unfortunately, we get that ATTITUDE with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Are you feeling convicted? Confess it. Are you living in a delusion? Do you feel like you do not need to get on your knees and give THANKS? THINKING about the Lord Jesus’ BLESSINGS leads to THANKING Him!

Let’s not be guilty of INGRATITUDE. 

Introduction: Pleasing our Lord is the believer’s upmost goal in life. Don’t you want to please Him? But how can we please Jesus?

1. By an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE! (Eph 5:20)

“20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Did you notice that we are to GIVE THANKS always? Plus, we are to GIVE THANKS to God for ALL things! Do you suppose that means for GOOD times and BAD times?

Do you need an AA? ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT? This Pastor needs them often. Because of this fallen world’s influence, and the weakness of the flesh, along with the attacks of Satan, AA’s must be regular. Have you had one lately? Please look at the second way we can PLEASE our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2. By not only GIVING THANKS but also by GIVING PRAISE! (Eph 5:19)

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” 

This flows from a HEART of WORSHIP. Because of WHO Jesus Christ is (God in the flesh) and because of WHAT He has done (died for our sins and rose from the grave to give us eternal life), and because of what He has promised to do (to Return again for His Church and then to establish His millennium Kingdom) –therefore, He deserves PRAISE and WORSHIP!

Introduction: How are these two interconnected? PEACE, and THANKSGIVING? Let’s examine this devotional thought.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15).

Did you notice that “PEACEFUL and THANKFUL” go together? Simply put:
We have PEACE when we are THANKFUL, and we are THANKFUL when we have PEACE!

1. PEACEFUL and THANKFUL! (Col 3:15)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

When PEACE is “ruling” in our hearts then we are going to be THANKFUL! Is our Lord’s PEACE ruling and over ruling in your heart? Is it ever ruling?

Interesting that the word “rule” is βραβεύω,(brab-yoo’-o), which means to act as umpire. Wow! It also has the connotation to act as arbiter in the games, to arbitrate. The word arbitrate pictures an independent person that intervenes to reach a settlement. With that said, do you see it? While living in a world of chaos and confusion, God’s PEACE that passes understanding (Phil 4:6,7) guards (rules) both our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Choose this today.

2. THANKFUL and PEACEFUL! (Col 3:15)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

The word “thankful” is εὐχάριστος, (yoo-khar’-is-tos), which simply means thankful, grateful.

Are you THANKFUL? The PEACE of God breeds THANKFULNESS. But at the same time, THANKSGIVING to God brings the PEACE of God.

Introduction: Are you GRATEFUL for our Lord’s PROVISIONS? Do you murmur and complain? Most of us do more than we should. Instead of being UNGRATEFUL for what we don’t have, we should be PRAISING our Lord for what we do have!

Why GIVE THANKS? Do you know why we should GIVE THANKS? The Psalmist experienced victory over an UNGRATEFUL spirit as he was inspired to write these words. Read his reasons for GIVING THANKS.

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:26)

1. He gave THANKS because the Lord supplied his daily food! (Psa 136:25)

“25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Poverty is real. Here in America we do not not see a lot of people who are without food. But while traveling on mission trips across the globe, it becomes evident poverty is real. 

So we ought to THANK our Lord for our daily bread!

2. He gave THANKS because the Lord delivered him from his enemies! (Psa 136:24)

“24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for enemies.”

The word “redeemed” is  פָרַק: (paw-rak’), which to to tear apart or away. In other words, our Lord rescues us from those who are against us. 

3. He gave THANKS because the Lord remembered their condition! (Psa 136:23)

“23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:”

The words “low estate” is שֶׁפֶל (shay’-fel), which means condition. In other words – God chose both Israel and us today (the Church does not replace Israel) not because of our greatness, but because of His choice for the down and out, the lowly. He did it all for His glory. 

4. He gave THANKS because the Lord GAVE land as an INHERITANCE! (Psa 136:21,22)

“And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

In the SOVEREIGNTY of God, He chose to GIVE His people a LAND INHERITANCE to possess. 

This was their real estate. In order to be a nation, a people must have land. To this day, this LAND COVENANT has not been fully fulfilled by Israel. However, during the Millennium reign of Jesus Christ, Israel will possess the totality of God’s promise to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 

5.  He gave THANKS because of the Lord’s marvelous CREATION! (Psa 136:4-9)

“4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. 7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: 8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: 9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 

What can you say about God’s handiwork? His CREATION is AMAZING. We stand in AWE of the complexity and enormity of this universe. 

And yet, Jesus knows our name, our frame, and our pain! Not only that but the fact that Jesus would die a sacrificial death in order to take away our sins as we trust Him, and prepare a place in heaven as He has promised to come again, that is a BLESSING indeed. 

Conclusion: Now do you agree with the Psalmist? We have far more to THANK our Lord and Savior for this thanksgiving than we have to complain about. 

So let’s do it!

Introduction: Daniel knew about changes. Being taken hundreds of miles from his home as a teenager, he experienced a different culture. But he did not compromise his convictions. In fact, he understood that the God of the Bible was in
CONTROL. This devotion will explore how we can trust the Lord in the midst of CHANGES in our life.

1. Daniel understood that it is God that allows different seasons by setting UP one leader and putting down another LEADER! (Dan 2:20,21)

“20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
“21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”

After a prayer meeting, God revealed to Daniel incredible insight. In fact, he witnessed several kings and kingdoms that moved on the scene and then moved off the scene. Therefore, Daniel praised his God. Will you?

2. Daniel understood that it is God that allows different seasons for enlarging our INFLUENCE! (Dan 2:22)

“22He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”

Light dispels the darkness. Jesus declared that He was the light of the world (John 8:12). But He also told His disciples that they were to be the light of the world (Matt 5:13-16). Are you lighting this dark world?

3. Daniel understood that it is God that allows different seasons! (Dan 2:23)

“23I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.”

A prayer of THANKSGIVING was offered to the Lord because He is in CONTROL of the seasons, the Kings, and our life as we yield to Him. Are you yielded to Him? His will for your life?

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (1Chron 16:34)

Introduction: Why give thanks? King David knew the purpose of God bestowing BLESSINGS upon His people was that in turn we would GIVE THANKS to Him as we worship.

“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (Rom 1:25)

Did you notice they worshipped the creature more than the Creator?

Is this happening today? Absolutely. Look at the “movie stars,” “sport stars,” and “music stars”….the rich and the famous are being worshipped today. This is a SAD travesty to say the least. Remember: Our great God will not share His glory with another. But one day every knee will bow!

David writes again……

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” (Psa 8:3 -6)

We are made in His image. However, we are not gods. Instead we are being conformed into His image until one day we shall see Him face to face.

2. For two, Jesus Christ created everything and will be worshipped in heaven one day!

“16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Col 1:16)

Paul was speaking of the superiority and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. John sees a heavenly vision that will be in the future.

” 9And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:9-11)

I love it! Jesus is worshipped as He should be!!

Conclusion: David was BLESSED by His God – the God of the Bible. How? And what did he do?

“So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. 2And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.” (1Chron 16:1-2)

ELECTION to the Ephesians! (Eph 1:3-6)

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

1. See the word “CHOSEN.” (Eph 1:4)

The word “chosen” is ἐκλέγομαι,(ek-leg’-om-ahee), which means to pick out for myself, choose, elect, select.

Paul is writing under the inspiration to believers in Ephesus. This means that before the foundation of the creation of the world, we were CHOSEN by the Lord….not the “frozen chosen”!

2. See the word “PREDESTINED”. (Eph 1:5)

The Greek rendering of PREDESTINED is προορίζω: (pro-or-id’-zo), which means foreordain, or to predetermine, or to mark out beforehand.

Obviously this points out that our Lord is omniscience. He knows all beforehand.

3. See the word “ADOPTION”. (Eph 1:5)

The word is υἱοθεσία,(hwee-oth-es-ee’-ah), which means adoption, as a son into the divine family.

This of course means with full rights as a son.

4. See the word “ACCEPTED”. (Eph 1:6)

It is the word χαριτόω, (khar-ee-to’-o), which means to make graceful, endow with grace, show favor, bestow freely on.

Hallelujah! God the Father shows FAVOR on us because of the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

1.Who are the “elect”? (2Pet 1:10)

“10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

See the word “diligence”? The Greek word is σπουδάζω,(spoo-dad’-zo), which means hasten, eager, zealous.

See the word “calling”? It is the word κλῆσις,(klay’-sis), which means a calling, an invitation; when it is used in the NT, it always of a divine call.

See the word “election”? It is the word ἐκλογή,(ek-log-ay’), which means a (divine) choosing out, or a selecting, a choice (by God).

In this passage, Peter refers to CHRISTians as the “elect.” However, our Lord Jesus also refers to Israel as the elect.

“24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matt. 24:24)

In this passage, Jesus is talking to His disciples who were Jews.

2.Why are they the “elect”? (Rom 9:10)

“And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”

Because of God’s sovereign selection, Israel was chosen. In Jacob’s case, our omniscient Lord knew that Jacob would be broken and turn to Him. Whereas, Esau would live for his own self indulgence. Our Lord chooses but He gives us a free will to reject or accept Him (John 1:12).