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Strengthen Yourself in the Lord, Part 3

Welcome! Today we will be talking about chapter three of Bill Johnson’s Strengthen Yourself in the Lord, Disarming Hell through Thanksgiving.

I’ve been learning – for most of my life – that giving thanks to God has absolutely nothing to do with our feelings. When you can offer thanks in the darkest times, that is when you will feel the most change taking place in your heart and soul. He understands the struggle.

According to Johnson, “Thanksgiving agrees with Heaven by acknowledging the truth that our lives are a gift from God, and that He is sovereign over all.” Scripture says that God gives to us abundantly, blessing us with all things that pertain to life and to godliness. Have you found that to be true and offered thanks?

If not, think about this: thanking someone for a gift they gave you (even if it doesn’t agree with your current taste) is plain good manners. I heard a while ago that not to acknowledge a gift robs the giver of a blessing.

Same with God. Taking His gifts for granted, or even refusing them because they don’t seem like the right thing, is simply rude. Maybe it hurts His heart. Maybe it callouses yours. But He just keeps on giving. It is His nature.

May I issue a challenge? Every morning when you wake up, thank Him. You don’t even have to be specific. Just say “Thank you, Jesus”. Maybe you should repeat it, especially if you neglect to engage your heart. 

He hears you. And He appreciates it.          

Wow, this is such an all-encompassing subject, I think chapter three has to be addressed again. More next time!