BEING THANKFUL

 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Paul simply says very directly: No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside this parameter—in everything give thanks. No matter the situation, we are to find a reason to thank God.

 

God wants us to learn to be grateful.  So for a few minutes I want to give you a list of things to be thankful. 

 

 

  I am thankful for my health, modern medicine and a God that heals.  I am thankful to have a God

who loves me and is with me no matter where I am.  I am thankful for the freedom of worship that we

have.  I am thankful for my mom.  I am thankful for my wife who loves me and has been my life

partner.  I am thankful for my sons and daughters and grandchildren.  I am thankful for my two

brothers and one sister.  I am for my family members that are serving the Lord.  I thankful for my dogs,

puppy and cat.  They give unconditional love.  I am thankful for my home there are many who do not

have one.  I am thankful for my cars and my bike that God has provided transportation to come here

today.  I am thankful for the clothes on my back and my wives shopping sprees.

     I am thankful for Alberta and its beauty and majesty, for beautiful sunrises and the amazing sunsets here in this province.  I am thankful for the stars in the sky and the rainbow after a storm.  God is a wonderful creator.   I am thankful for our military and veterans for the current people who serve in our military.  I am thankful for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.  I am thankful for the right to vote and the freedom to choose I vote for.  Many countries in the world do not have this.

     I am thankful for the Internet, smartphones, tablets, google and modern social media.  We can learn so much and express our faith so much more today.  I am thankful for electricity, indoor plumbing hot showers and modern sanitation.

     I am thankful for Holidays and the time I can spend with my loved ones so many people do not have

this .  I am thankful for my brother and sister in law.  I am thankful for home cook meals I do not have

too make.  I am thankful for road trips and holidays with my family.  I am thankful for good

restaurants, hot pizza, KFC, Tim Hortons and freshly baked cookies and all the conveniences of our

modern communities.  I am thankful for steep tea a double double.

     I am thankful for my education and the privilege of having an opportunity for education.  So many do not have that privilege.   I am thankful for the opportunity to follow my dreams.  I am thankful for dollar stores and places where I can get modestly price goods, especially tools.  I am thankful for my pillow and mattress topper.  I am thankful for clean air good water, Am 930 the light, for red tag sales and the many wonderful holidays we have in Canada.  Did you know we have one every month? 

     I am thankful for the forgiveness, mercy, grace, peace and the love of God none of which I deserved.  I am thankful for you my church family.  I cannot believe I get the privilege of sharing the word with you every week this is such a privilege.  I am thankful for the kindness of others and the privilege of being able to be kind to others.  What a joy to be an encouragement and blessing to others.  I am thankful for the wisdom of others people who have sown good words in my life.  Thank you.  I am thankful for The Father who accepted Jesus’ sacrifice.  For Jesus Christ who gave His life that I might have eternal and abundant life.  I am thankful for the great teacher, comforter and helper the Holy Spirit who regenerated me and made me His home.  I am so thankful and grateful for the eternal and abundant life I have been given.  I am thankful for prayer, the bible, worship and evangelism.  I cannot believe I get the privilege to tell others what Jesus has done for me and you do as well.

     I am thankful for this time that we have spent together.  Doris Day said that gratitude is riches and complaining is poverty.  “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ―William Arthur Ward.  “Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” ―Margaret Cousins.  “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ―Melody Beattie.  “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” ―Kristin Armstrong

 

So remember in everything give thanks this is the will of God.  You want to do God’s will start with thankfulness and gratitude.  Today cultivate an attitude of gratitude.  Be the person everyone wants to be around and like.  Be that everyone wants to be.  You and you will if you seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. 

QUOTES FOR APRIL 27, 2026

 

THANKFULNESS

 

A young banker decided to get his first tailor made suit. So he went to the finest tailor in town and got measured for a suit. A week later he went in for his first fitting. He put on the suit and he looked stunning, he felt that in this suit he can do business. As he was preening himself in front of the mirror he reached down to put his hands in the pockets and to his surprise he noticed that there were no pockets. He mentioned this to the tailor who asked him, "Didn't you tell me you were a banker?"  The young man answered, "Yes, I did."To this the tailor said, "Who ever heard of a banker with his hands in his own pockets?"

Thankfulness – “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.” Colossians 3:17

1. You have received life!

2. You are never alone

3. God loves you incredibly much

4. You have a fantastic hope for the future.

THANKSGIVING

 

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

 

1.      This is thanksgiving weekend and we have so much to be thankful.  Like David I am thankful to the Lord.  David starts this Psalm by saying he says, “Praise the Lord or Thank you Lord.”  It is an expression of happiness and thankfulness. 

2.      He is telling his soul which is the seat of his will, intellect, and emotions.  He tells every part of his being to Praise the Lord and be thankful.  God has been so good.  David knows it because he is now the King of Israel, but he started as a humble shepherd who lived in a small village in Judah. 

3.      David says praise His holy name.  Purity, truth, integrity, faithfulness, patience, grace, love mercy, and righteousness is the nature, essence and character of God and David is thankful. 

 

2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

 

1.      David is reflecting and meditating on the benefits of knowing the Lord which he will in a moment list.  A relationship with the Lord has so many wonderful blessing and benefits.  It comes through the love, mercy, and grace of God. 

2.      David had the Holy Spirit come upon Him and we have the Holy Spirit inside.  David had the prophecy and the promise.  We have the one who is the fulfillment of both the prophecy and the promise; David lived under the law, and we live under grace.  David was a man after God’s own heart, and we are God’s heart.  David had the benefits of the law, and we have the Benefits of grace.

 

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.

 

1.      David now lists the first two of the six benefits revealed in these verses.  He forgives all our sins.  David had to go and offer an animal for his sins and then forgiveness would be given.  We have our sins forgiven through Jesus Christ.  David would have to put his hand on the animal as a sign he was now acknowledging his sins.  We confess our sins and then we are forgiven.  David had a physical lamb offered.  We have the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  David had the shadow and type we have the reality.  David’s process of forgiveness took time, effort, and resources.  Our forgiveness comes through confession, renunciation, and reception of forgiveness.  Something had to die for David’s sins.  Jesus already died for our sins.  In both cases the Lord will forgive all our sins.  David was stating that God’s forgiveness is complete, impartial, and total.  There is no degree of sin with God when asked He forgives.

2.      He heals all your diseases.  This is such a promise.  David was standing upon Exodus 15:26 that stated none of the diseases of the land would come upon Him.  David believes the Lord was the divine healer.  David was saying the Lord is Jehovah, Rapha or Rophi our healer.  We of course have Is 53:5, and 1 Pet 2:23, to stand on.  Jesus Christ is our healer in every area of our lives. 

 

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.

 

1.      David viewed any person who did not know the Lord as in a pit.  God has pulled us out of our pit of despair, loneliness, hatred, bitterness, pain, sorrow and unforgiveness.  He reaches down and pull us out of a pit we could not get out of ourselves. 

2.      We are in pits either the devil, world, others, or ourselves have put us in.  God comes along and pulls us out.  He rescued us.  He redeems us means he bought us back.  He paid a debt he did not owe I owe a debt I could not pay.  Like Boaz of old, Jesus Christ is our kinsmen redeemer. 

3.      You are now crown with love and compassion.  This is who He is and what we are becoming.  Did you see yourself as an ambassador of love and compassion?  We are His hands, feet, mouth, and instruments.  We have been crowned to be Kings and priests unto God

 

5 who satisfies your desires with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

1.      Now David reminds himself and his readers that God is good, and he blesses us with good things.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  David has already told us of four thigs God is good about.  God is constant, consistent, and faithful.  He will never leave you or forsake you.  He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.  You seek Him and all the things you are looking for life will be added to you.  Jesus promised an abundant life.  God satisfied your desires with good things.  David says what you are looking for you will find in the Lord.

2.      Lastly, He will renew your youth like the eagles.  The beauty of the Lord is that even when our body is getting old our mindset, soul and spirit are being renewed.  Isaiah tells us in Is 40:31, that as you wait on the Lord you will be strengthened, get God’s perspective, not grow weary or faint.  You will be able to soar above your problems, trial, tribulations, circumstances, and situations.  Let’s remember what David shows us today.  God has been good. 

 

THANKFULNESS

 

As usual I like to start with something kind of funny - A 4 year old boy was asked to give thanks before a big dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking God for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, even the Cool Whip. Then he paused, and everyone waited--and waited.  After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't he know that I'm lying?"

Some Thanksgiving Jokes - 

Q: Why did the police arrest the turkey? A: They suspected fowl play.  What happened when the turkey got into a fight?  He got the stuffing knocked out of him!

After a long Thanksgiving Day of eating and playing, my 3-year-old granddaughter asked her mother to carry her. When I asked if her legs were broken, Aislin said, “Yes, they’re out of batteries.”

Canada and United States say they celebrated the first Thanksgiving.  Here is the Canadian Version

Samuel de Champlain in Port-Royal on Nov. 14, 1606, which saw Europeans and Indigenous peoples breaking bread together. It was organized as part of the “Order of Good Cheer” dinner party series that was invented to make sure the colonists ate and drank enough to stave off scurvy and malnutrition.  It’s possible that the only reason any settlers even survived at all was owing to the help of the Mi’kmaq, who had taught them ice-fishing techniques and introduced them to a vital non-toxic berry rich in vitamin C. In return, the French colonists invited some Mi’kmaq men to the November 14 celebration, which included not just food and drink, but also musket-firing.  

On January 31, 1957, the Governor General of Canada Vincent Massey issued a proclamation stating: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the second Monday in October."

We’re told in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything.  It’s easy for me to feel gratitude when I run my hands through a grandchild’s hair, or a ride on my motorcycle, or my wife's kiss.  But what about tragedy, someone hurting us, or a bad incident.  We must remember that all things work together for Good.  Doesn't say all things are good but they work out for good whether or not I understand how

Why should I thank God for those things.  Giving God thanks for all things demonstrates a recognition that He is a good God (Psalm 118:29), regardless of whether I consider something to be a blessing or a burden.  whether or not I understand how.

So, what am I thankful for?

1. Faith (John 3:16): Almighty God, thank You that I don’t have to earn my way to heaven. Thank You for the gift of faith. I know that I have been made right with You because of my faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ.

2. Family (1 Timothy 5:4): Thank You, Father, for creating families. Thank You for giving me my family as part of Your plan for me and the promise of household salvation.

3. God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12): Jehovah God, thank You for giving us the Bible — Your Word. It guides me, comforts me and gives me hope.

4. Prayers of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27): Sometimes I just don’t know how to pray, Lord. I don’t know what to ask for and I don’t know what to do. That doesn’t surprise You, does it.  Thank You that the Holy Spirit understands my weaknesses and that He prays for me according to Your perfect will.

5. Love (1 John 4:16): Abba Father, when I read that love is patient and kind… not jealous or boastful… not seeking its own… keeping no record of wrongs… I feel so inadequate. But when I remember that You are love and that You will love through me, I have hope. Thank You for wanting to shine through ordinary people like me.

6. Daily problems (James 1:2-4): Jehovah-Jireh, You are my provider. If I didn’t have problems, my focus would grow inward. I thank You, by faith, for the trials of this life because they draw me to You and remind me that this Earth is not my home.

7. Creation (Revelation 4:11): Lord, as I see a golden sunrise filling the morning sky, watch a hummingbird outside my kitchen window, or gaze from the top of a mountain, I can’t help but praise You. Thank You for the beauty of nature and the promise that the best is yet to come. How great You are!

8. My inadequacies (Proverbs 20:24): Lord, there is much about life that I don’t understand. But You didn’t ask me to understand, did You? You asked me to trust You, and You are trustworthy.

9. I am not in control (Psalm 103:19): Jehovah-Nissai, the Lord our Banner, You go before me, and I am so glad. You know the many times I’ve prayed for specific things only to be grateful later that You responded, “No.”

You have the big picture. So often You’ve answered my prayers with something much better than I could have ever imagined. You are in control, not me. Thank You for that.

This Thanksgiving Day, and every day, I want to give thanks in every circumstance.

Scrptures on thankfulness. 

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

Psalm 107:8 – “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

I Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:20 – “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…”

Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  I close with this story.  Margaret said, My paternal grandmother lived with us. She would sit in the porch swing and I would stand behind her and brush her beautiful long gray hair. As I brushed her hair she would tell me her two favorite stories from the Bible. The only thing better was when she would have me snuggle up close to her in the swing as she read to me. As I child, I surmised that they were just good stories but now as a mother and grandmother I realize she had an ulterior motive - she was teaching me a most valuable lesson - a lesson about kindness and thankfulness. She often added to the story of the Good Samaritan, "You never pass someone in need even if their skin is not the color of yours." And, "You should never pick and choose who you will be kind to, you just be kind," she would enumerate over and over.  I also learned as a child growing up that my mother always had a slip of paper fastened to the inside of a cabinet door in the kitchen. It was near the sink where mother was more apt to see it. At the top of the page were written the words, "Lest I forget." There was never a kindness extended to her or our family that was not found listed on her paper. In November of each year she would in some way once again let the person or persons involved know how grateful she was for their kindness. Mother often quoted the reminder to us, "Don't remember the kindness you do for another, but never forget kindness done for you."   May we each give thanks and remember all kindness given to us.

QUOTES FOR APRIL 27, 2026

 

REASONS FOR THANKSGIVING

 

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

 

1.      For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people.  This was the foundation of this prayer.  They had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  They were the just who lived by faith.  Their faith was well known and ours should be as well.  Next, they were known for their love for all people.  They showed it not through words but deeds.  They had been healed by God’s love and now were showing it by practical means.  Remember faith is dead without works. 

2.      I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  Paul reveals the secret of powerful prayers.  Giving thanks.  Remember in everything give thanks.  Prayer destroys selfishness and is the foundation for the intercession that Paul is showing here.   Paul says, that he remembers them in his prayers.   Prayer is the best thing we can do help others.  When you pray for someone it shows you love, care and support them.

3.      I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  Paul is praying to God and our father.  This is who God is.  He wanted them to be like Jesus in this matter.  He wanted them to have the Spirit of wisdom, the ability to know in a moment of time divine knowledge, understanding and what to do with it.  To have revelation, this is a look or glimpse into the supernatural realm and to see what God sees and knows.  The motivation is that we would know Jesus better.  The Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus, reveal and glorify Him

4.      That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his inheritance in his holy people.  He wants them to have their heart enlightened.  knew that where the heart was so was our treasure and direction of our lives.  He prayed that they which know the hope to which they had been called.  He wanted them to know the blessed hope that Jesus was coming back at any time for His church.  Next, the riches of the inheritance they have in Christ.  All the gifts, fruit, armor, weapons, the fivefold ministry, healing health, eternal, and abundant life.   All the benefits of heaven are yours and Paul wanted them to know and realize it.

5.      And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.  It is resurrection power and it dwells in us. That is why these signs follow them who believe.  That is why the apostles and Christians today see signs, wonders and miracles.  Paul calls this the mighty strength.  It is God’s power that brings strength and the ability to all that we need to do.  It is mighty strength that can it defeat anything.  That is done through prayer. 

6.      He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.  This prayer is also a statement of theology and truth.  God the Holy Spirit under the direction of the Father raised Jesus up from the dead.  Jesus now occupies a position of authority, power, might and dominion sitting at the right of the Father to judge the quick and dead.  In fact he is now making intercession and praying for us.  He is our advocate.  Satan tries to accuse us and Jesus as our lawyer before the Father refutes what satan says by reminding the Father about is sacrifice of forgiveness and that we belong to Him and are joint heirs of His inheritance. 

7.      Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Jesus is far above all rule and authority, power and dominion.  Jesus is above, worldly, satanic and heavenly authority.    His name is above every name.  Every name that is invoked.  Religious, philosopher, gods and demons of this world and not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  That means the antichrist, or the false prophet or satan himself.  Remember at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. 

8.      And God placed all things under his feet, Jesus is superior to all, no one is greater, more powerful and has more authority than Jesus.  Jesus has been appointed to be head over everything for the church.  We are going to reign, and rule with Him.  This is our inheritance.  We will be with Him when He defeats the devil, death, hell and the grave.  This is a prayer but also a statement of truth about who Jesus is and what has happened because of what He has done.

9.      which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.  We are His body and he is the head.  are the fullness of Him.  He dwells in us with all power, authority, night and dominion.  What He did we are call to do.  We are His ambassadors.  In us dwells God Himself.  He fills everything in every way.  God is using us with all His authority, power and anointing.  We hold back the forces of hell, we change our world through prayer, we have the gifts, armor and fruit.  This is because of Christ and our acceptance and alliance with Him.