Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Now What Do You Say?


Now What Do You Say?

Today’s Passage: Nehemiah 12:27

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.


Words of Ministry

In the checkout line at Wal Mart a child begged for money to play the video games. The mother, already checked out, purchases bagged up and ready to go, refused, telling the little boy she had no cash. The lady next in line handed the little blonde haired boy a dollar bill. The mother trying to refuse finally allowed the boy to accept the gift.  Looking at her son who was tightly holding on to the dollar, the mother said, "Now what do you say?"  The little boy replied, "Can I go play the game now?"

This being November, the month of Thanksgiving, everyone is thinking about thankfulness, something we should think about every day.  As we think of all the gifts that God hands to us, we should ask ourselves," What should we say?” not," Now can we go play?"

As I studied on thanks this last week I found the Bible has so much to say about thanks.  God's Word suggest that we Give Thanks, Commands that We Give Thanks, Tells Us How, WhereWhen, Why and How Often We Should Give Thanks.
 
God's Word also shows Jesus setting an Example for Us, His Children, and by Himself Giving Thanks
Here are only a few of the verses that give us instructions on giving thanks.

Suggested

Psalm 92:1
It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to His name, O most High.

Commanded

I Chronicles 16:8 
Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, and make known His deeds among the people.


How (instantly)

Luke 2:38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord

Hebrews 13:15
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.

Where

II Samuel 22; 50 
Therefore I will give thanks unto thee O Lord among the heathen, and I will sing praise unto thy name.

Psalm 105:1
O Give thanks unto the Lord call upon his name, make know his deeds among the people.

When

Psalm 119:62
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous judgments

How Often

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why (repeated seven times)

Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord, O give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever

Psalm 107:1 O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever

Psalm 118:1
O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever

Psalm 136:1
O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever

Psalm 136:2
O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever

Psalm 136: 3
O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever

Psalm 136:26
O give thanks to God of heaven for His mercy endures forever

They Did

Ezra 3:11
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord because He is good for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.  And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

JESUS DID

Matthew 15:36
Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

Matthew 26:27
And He took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying, “Drink from it, all of you”.

Luke 22:19
And He took bread and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them saying, “This is my body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me”.

Surely We Will

Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.

Now what do you say?

I am thankful that even when life seems hopeless God is still in control and will provide for all of my needs according to His riches in Glory.

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