FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Psalm 34:2-5; 103:1-14; Romans 3:24; 5:18; 8:32; I Corinthians 2:12; II Timothy 1:7; Revelation 22:17; Matthew 10:8; I Timothy 6:17-19; Ephesians 2:8-10; Psalm 30:4; 92:1-4; 105:1-5; 106:1; Colossians 2:6, 7, 15, I Thessalonians 5:18

Giving is a natural response for the believer in recognition of all God's blessings. When we focus on God’s blessings, we have a thankful heart out of which proceed expressions of gratitude to the Father. This should be in our words and attitudes, which then flows over into our lives and is manifested in giving.

When we look at things inside ourselves, we get discouraged. When we look at things around us, we get distracted. But when we look at the things of God, our hearts are lightened and we have great joy. God does not expect us to remember every single blessing He has given us. He just encourages us to not forget all of them. If we remember only one of His blessings, it is to our benefit.

When we realize the mercy of God and that God has not dealt with us according to our sins, it is difficult to be unthankful. God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. The east from the west is an immeasurable distance. This is a figure of speech meaning our sins are gone. Any time we feel overcome with condemnation, we can remember that God knows we are dust and can seek forgiveness, accepting His mercy and grace.

God has freely given so much to us. He has given us redemption, righteousness, justification, and the gift of holy spirit. God’s Word encourages us to freely give as we have freely been given of God. God has not given us the spirit of fear — but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. We have the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out devils. We have the promise of Christ’s return and the rewards for the works we do for God in this life.

Our response to God's gift should be to give thanks. God never tires of hearing of our love and thankfulness, just as we do not. We should never be so busy we do not have time to count our blessings.

No matter what is happening in the world today, because God is aware of everything, when our eyes are focused upon Him, we can be lightened and thankful.

We should not only express our thankfulness and love to God, but can tell other people when we are thankful for them.

Let us take time to write down a few things for which we are thankful. We have been given so much — and have so much to give!