THANKFULNESS – PRAISE THE LORD

“Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever.”
Revelation 7:12

I heard about a man who got a little excited in a church and kept shouting,
“Praise the Lord!”
One day, some of the brethren called on him while he was plowing his fields.
When they were finished talking, he hung his head and said,
“I know it’s the truth. I have disturbed the services,
but you know I sit there and think what the Lord has done for me
– how He died in agony and blood for me upon the cross
– how He’s forgiven all of my sins
– how He’s filled me with the Spirit, and
– here, hold this mule while I shout!”

If being a Christian and going to heaven doesn’t excite you,
then you may have calluses on your soul.
It’s exciting to know the Lord Jesus Christ!

Have you ever prayed a prayer that was filled with thankfulness?
More than likely you will be surprised at the length of this type of prayer.
We can thank Him for obvious things like food, clothing and shelter,
but what about things like furniture, cars, computers, blankets, friends,
silverware, indoor plumbing, lawn mowers, pets, bibles, medicines,
capacity to love, skills, talents, televisions, remote controls, vision,
jobs, ability to walk, musical instruments, compassion, healing,
forgiveness, mercy, grace, electricity, mattresses, etc. etc.

See, it can get longer and longer the more we think about
the things we should be thankful for – that He has provided.
Before you start thinking that it is silly to thank Him for a lot of these things,
think about people in third world countries who are without many of these things.
And before you think, “Well I earned the money to pay for all these things myself”,
remember Who gave you the skills, talents, and intellect to be able to work.

When was the last time you shouted “Praise the Lord!”
You should never be afraid or embarrassed to show your faith
and to let others know how thankful you are that you know
our loving, gracious, merciful and loving Savior…and all He has done for us.
Be sure to include thankfulness in all your prayers.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing!
Power and majesty PRAISE TO THE KING!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar, at the sound of Your name!
I SING FOR JOY at the work of Your hands.
FOREVER I’ll love You, FOREVER I’ll stand.
NOTHING compares to the promise I have in YOU!!