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Ephesians 5:20 - Attitude of Gratitude.

Ephesians 5:20: Attitude of Gratitude.

Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) Giving thanks always for all things to God 
the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

Ephesians 5:20 (CWR) Develop an attitude of gratitude and always 
give thanks to God our Father for everything in the name of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 5:20 (CWK) Always thank God for what He has done for 
you through Jesus. 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   A thankful person is a happy person. If we want to increase 
our joy, all we really need to do is think more about what we have 
to be grateful for. Sadly, it is easy to fall into the habit of 
thinking about what we want, what we don't have, or what other people 
have that we wish we had. But that doesn't please God, and it steals 
our joy. 
   God's Word teaches that we should be anxious for nothing, and 
to pray about everything, with thanksgiving (see Philippians 4:6). 
I doubt that God has any interest in giving us more if we are 
already complaining about what we have or don't have. It seems to me 
that the more thankful and appreciative we are for what God has 
already done for us, the more He would be inclined to do. Think of five 
things today you have to be thankful for and voice your gratitude to 
God, 
   Father, I am sorry for the times I've complained about my 
life. I am blessed, and I ask You to help me remember how good You are 
to me at all times. [My Time with God by Joyce Meyer] 

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Giving thanks always. This all-inclusive command to thankfulness 
for everything is found frequently in the New Testament (e.g., 
Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:18). To obey this command would be 
clearly impossible apart from a strong belief in Jesus Christ as both 
omnipotent Creator and living Savior. But with this assurance, "we know 
that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them 
who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28), and 
therefore can be thankful for "all things." [Defenders SB] 

Giving thanks. Nothing tends more to promote health of body 
and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise (MH 251). 
The spirit of praise is an antidote to evil and discouragement. When 
everything else is at its worst, the Christian is at his best and is most 
cheerful. The spirit of thankfulness prevails in joy or in sorrow, in 
victory or in defeat, for it is a permanent, sustaining attribute of 
Christian character (see Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:18). [SDA Bible 
Commentary] 

When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. 
Take heart - in all things God works for our good if we love him and 
are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Thank God, not 
for your problems, but for the strength he is building in you 
through the difficult experiences of your life. You can be sure that 
God's perfect love will see you through. [Life Application SB] 

Believers' thankfulness is for who God is and for what He has 
done through His Son, their Savior and Lord. [MacArthur SB] 

COMMENTARY

   Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the 
circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds 
Himself to manmade rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes 
in the Christian's life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God's 
presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.  
   We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or 
a situation's outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, 
because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good (see Rom. 
8:28). That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or 
difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us 
running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit.  
   The believer's part is to trust God will bring good from 
trials and to discover His plan, which gives further reason for 
thanking Him. Understanding His intentions renews our strength for facing 
difficult trials. Expressing gratefulness changes our attitude about God, 
ourselves, and our situations. Most people allow hurt and stress to form a 
pessimistic mindset, which negatively impacts every facet of their life. But 
believers have God's Spirit working within to provide courage and a flow 
of thanksgiving.  
   When we demonstrate thankfulness in harsh circumstances, 
other people pay attention. Our coworkers, family, and friends will 
want for themselves the peace and energy we derive from a grateful 
relationship with the Lord. So whatever you experience today, go ahead and 
defy logic - praise God. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley re 
Eph. 5:15-21] 

Overcoming Doubt
   The writer of psalm 42 was feeling low. He wondered, Where 
are you, God? Have you forgotten me? Yet somehow he was able to 
remember what God had done for him, and somehow he was able to praise God 
in the dark times.  
   We all face times of discouragement, times when we wonder if 
God is really there. Some of us even face extended periods of 
depression. When you feel yourself slipping into the zone of doubt, one 
antidote is praise"remembering God's goodness to you. Read the Bible to 
recall what God has done for others in the past. If you have kept a 
journal of your Christian walk, review your own personal record of God's 
answered prayer in your life.  
   Just as a deer depends upon water for life, so we believers 
depend upon God for spiritual life. When you begin to feel separated 
from God or wonder if he cares about your situation, take advantage 
of the psalmist's "antidepressant": praise. Think about how much 
God blesses you and takes care of you day by day. Dwell upon his 
goodness and mercy. You'll be amazed by what happens when you start 
praising instead of doubting. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re 
Psa.42] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140303-1744.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657  

Last Day Prophecy: His Other Sheep by Pastor Gerald Babanezhad: 
https://vimeo.com/162267518