Think on These Things Thursday--Belated

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

Thanksgiving Thoughts--Part One

Gratitude is an attitude: it should mold and shape our lives – not just be something we do or say. In the Old Testament, "sacrifices" of thanksgiving were offered. (Leviticus 7:12, 13, 15) Some Levites were even "appointed" to the office of giving thanks – indicating its great importance.
1Ch 16:4 And he appointed [certain] of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

God commands us to be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18–In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Psalms 50:14, 97:12; 100:4; 105:1; 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-3, 26, Ephesians 5:3, 4, 19, 20; Colossians 1:12; 2:6, 7; 3:16, 17; 4:2
The benefits of thankfulness-- Being thankful is "good" for us.

Psalms 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord..
1. It is helps our prayers/relationship with God.
Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving...Psalms 100:4 Psalms 140:1
2. It yields the peace of God in our hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:6, 7–Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. It is God's will.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this isthe will of God...

4. Being thankful is a good indicator of our spiritual condition.
1. The wicked are ungrateful:

"For ... they did not honor him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:21)
2. In contrast: "the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name." (Psalms 140:1)

How should we give thanks?
1. With our voice, not just in our thoughts.
Psalms 34:1 (cp. Psalms 71:8; 109:30) ...in my mouth...Psalms 35:28 ... with my tongue...Hebrews 13:15... let us offer... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
2. In music.--2 Samuel 22:50 ...I will sing praises unto thy name.
3. With prayer.--Philippians 4:6--Be careful (anxious; worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.