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1 Thessalonians 5:18 - How To Be Thankful Always.

1 Thessalonians 5:18: How To Be Thankful Always. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) Give thanks in all circumstances, for 
this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

COMMENTARY PEARLS

Thankfulness should characterize the Christian life in every 
circumstance, not thanks for everything but thanks in everything. Paul 
emphatically states this is the will of God. An Old Testament example of this 
was when Job lost his money, his children, and his health. He 
blessed the name of God in spite of his personal tragedies, not because 
of them. Nothing speaks more powerfully of a walk with God than 
continuous thankfulness. [Nelson SB] 

   One day, I noticed a battle going on in the skies overhead. 
Crows were attacking a red-tailed hawk. These weren't small birds 
defending a nest; they were like a gang of bullies circling their victim. 
The hawk didn't return the attack, though there were several times 
when it looked like with a swift rollover, he could have grasped one 
of the smaller birds and had a tasty snack. Instead, the hawk 
dodged and gave a flap or two of his powerful wings to gain a little 
more height. In ever-increasing circles the hawk soared higher and 
higher, until the crows gave up and flew away. 
   Life's problems can seem like a gang of bullies after us. 
People and situations "peck" at us all the time, and we can feel under 
attack. What do we do when we are surrounded by trouble? 
   We can take a lesson from the red-tailed hawk. We don't have 
to use up our energy engaging with problem people or worrying about 
our circumstances. Instead, we can use our wings of faith to take us 
higher and closer to God. We study God's Word. We pray. We remember the 
times in the past when God was there for us. And as 1 Thessalonians 
5:18 tells us, we give thanks in all things, in all circumstances. 
That very act of gratitude changes our perspective, reminds us that 
all is not lost, and reassures us that God is present in our 
situation. When we live in thankfulness, we can remember that in all 
things, God works for the good of those who love Him (see Romans 8:28). 
He promised! Every time we face a problem, we can remember His 
promise and look for His hand. 
   We are in a spiritual battle every day of our lives while 
living inside these temporal bodies on this fallen earth. But we can 
still live with thanksgiving because of God's promises. With His help, 
we can soar in the midst of tribulation.  
   Lord God, sometimes the command to be thankful in all 
circumstances seems impossible. Teach me how to live with gratitude. May I 
never forget that You are with me, and You are working in all things 
for my good. No matter what else happens, that's something to be 
thankful for. [Earth Psalms by Francine Rivers] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160523-1016.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

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

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo [old, but one of the best] 

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 

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