In this session Pastor Chris speaks to the GMS family on the weighty subject of thanksgiving unto God. The idea of thanksgiving is generally reduced to a ‘nice to do’ event or utterance of thanks, yet thanksgiving has a far bigger meaning and relevance.
Chris presents this discourse on Thanksgiving based upon a foundation comprising of three broad statements;
– Thanksgiving is not circumstantial. It is not based on whether good or bad things happened in your life.
– God does not have an ego problem. God does not have a need to receive thanks, rather it is us that needs to give thanks.
– The substance (essence) of an offering is not in the offering itself but in the heart of the one who makes the offering.
Two portions of scripture were expounded as the anchor to these three statements. The prophet Habakkuk dialogued with God, questioning Him about the injustice that was evident in the nation. The word of God that came to Habakkuk was that a judgment will come upon Jerusalem that will be characterized by much terror and desolation. In spite of the impending hardship that was to come Habakkuk declared: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation Habakkuk 3:17-18.
Habakkuk’s disposition was unwavering. Despite adverse circumstances, his heart was still inclined towards God with praise and adoration.
The second portion of scripture referred to was the narrative of the 10 lepers that were cleansed, and the one who returned to Jesus to give thanks. Listen to the entire message to appreciate the personal benefits of having a heart of thanksgiving.