The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

THANKFULNESS

When we compare ourselves to others or complain about issues we face, we short-change ourselves. It’s easy to do if we’re not careful, but this can have the ultimate effect of making us miserable. Being joyful and content in whatever our circumstances is a decision we make, and we will find joy and contentment by deliberately choosing to count our blessings. We empower ourselves by using thankfulness as a spiritual weapon against discontent and frustration. Being thankful for what we do have, instead of being resentful for what we don’t have, isn’t the mindset of most people. Growing up we may have heard people say, “Count your blessings,” and this has a biblical basis to it that others may reject. Focusing on Jesus and what He made available so that we can have an amazing and prosperous life keeps us from being self-centered, and helps us find our joy. “Rejoice always…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16&18)

If we want a fruitful life, thanking and praising God, first, for all the good He does in our lives brings it to pass. We must remember that all the breakthroughs we experience, even down to the smallest victory, are due to God, not ourselves. We can do what we know to do, but He’s the one who causes increase when we need it the most. “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7). Giving thanks is part of the watering process that God honors.

Jesus again demonstrated the power of thanksgiving when He raised Lazarus from the dead. “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which standby I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:41-44). Lazarus had been dead for several days before Jesus even arrived, yet Jesus still gave thanks in advance. With faith like this, God can breathe life into any dead situation in which we find ourselves. No matter how bad things are, there’s always something for which to be thankful. We can either wallow in our situation or give thanks to God. The choice is ours.

Confession:

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for blessing me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. I have everything I require to effectually serve you and live joyfully every day. Thank you for beautifying my life with your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Reading:

Jeremiah 30:19 (KJV) “And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.”

Philippians 4:4&6 “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Read through the Bible in 1 year: 1 Kings 2:1-3:2, Acts 5:1-42, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 16:25

Read through the Bible in 2 years: 1 Sam 4.1b-5.12 & Pr 7.1-27