With the Thanksgiving holiday only a few days away, it seems fitting to focus on a key element of prayer, which happens to be thanksgiving.
But how do you tell the Creator of all things, the one who saved your eternal soul, “thank you?”
The fact is: Everyday should be Thanksgiving for Christians!
FOR THE CHRISTIAN, EVERYDAY SHOULD BE THANKSGIVING!https://t.co/GrNytKnxGZ
— Beckie Lindsey (@BeckieLindsey_) November 23, 2015
So without further adieu, here are some practical ways you can begin living everyday like Thanksgiving!
7 Ways You Can Thank God
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Follow His commands
God didn’t give His commands to take away our fun. He put boundaries in place to protect us because He loves us.
One of the best ways we can thank the Lord is to do what he says.
Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
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Love Him by loving others
Human beings are the only creatures on earth that bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27) He formed us with His hands and breathed His breath into our lungs (Genesis 2:7). God loves all people (1John 4:10). God Himself is love (1 John 4:8)
When we love other people, we are showing our love for God.
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
3. Grow in your relationship with Him
A growing relationship with God doesn’t happen by accident. You must make it your number one priority.
Three habits to help you grow in your relationship to God are:
- A daily quiet time.
- Go to church and if possible, join a small group Bible study
- Praise and Worship
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Walk the Walk
Don’t just listen to the Word, follow it. Don’t just read the Word, live by it. When you live a life that represents Christ’s values, you are spreading the Gospel by your actions. And actions speak louder than words!
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (James 1:22-25)
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Praise Him in good times and bad
God is still the same God even when awful events occur. We live in a fallen and sinful world in which we will experience many good things as well as bad and even terrible things. In fact, Jesus warned us we would have many troubles in life. But He also tells us to take heart, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
The Lord is worthy of our praise no matter what happens.
“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21)
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Spread the Good News of the Gospel
We don’t have to preach to others in order to spread the Good News. But we shouldn’t be afraid to give a reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). Look around you. Watch TV, look at the internet and you’ll see, people are dying for hope and for truth. As Christians, we have the answer which is JESUS.
Before Jesus left this earth, His last words were: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
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Worship Him
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30)
But worship is more than singing. The best way to worship God is by living a life that is surrendered to Him.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
(Romans 12:1-2)
God loves us so much. And it pleases Him when we love Him back. We demonstrate our love and gratitude, through obedience to His word.
I loved this post, and am striving to thank God in all things and in all ways. These ways to share God’s love to others is exactly spot on. Thank you for the inspiration, Beckie, and blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Thank you God for all my blessings….I ask and ask every day for miracles and you answer me every time. I love you with all my heart!
I appreciate your comment. Like you, I’m striving to live a life of thanksgiving to God. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to encourage each other to keep fighting the good fight.
It’s amazing how often disobedience is simply a manifestation of ingratitude. Love this post and the way it puts things in perspective!
Elihu, Yes, I totally agree with you about disobedience being a manifestation of ingratitude. Great point.
Beckie, this is a great list. Good proof that actions often speak louder than words, for sure! I’m so glad we connected this week through the Loft linkup! 🙂
Lois, Thanks for taking the time to connect! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you & always give the sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.
Staford, Amen!