G'day Friends,

Hows things?  I hope you are doing well.  As for me...well, my computer was recently wiped out in a wave of viruses including the Sasser Worm.  So that's been an epic experience sorting out all the electronic debris.  But, fortunatley it wasn't too bad and finally after a few hassles I've been able to get back on the net again.  So, I'd like to use this chance to show you the value of being thankful towards God in our lives.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it says that we should be thankful in all circumstances because this is the will of God for our lives.........so we know that it is important and that God wants us to have this attitude.  However, it was only recently that the power and blessings of being thankful really became real to me. 

Each of us have many cares and concerns and we all have a choice to make regarding them.  We can choose to think a lot about them and worry.  But when we do so........we are constantly unhappy and weighed down with these burdens.  In short........our eyes are focused on ourselves in a selfish kind of way.  When we are in this way of thinking.....it is hard to think of others and our thoughts rarely stray from how we are going to do what we need, want or hope.

However, when we are thankful........our thoughts have lifted off ourselves onto the Lord, and a tremendous happiness follows us.  Instead of us focusing on all the things we don't have and would like, or all the struggles we are facing.........our thoughts are focused on the blessings we already have, the good things God has already done and upon the many things He has promised.  When we live in thankfulness..........we have more faith, more peace and are much more productive as christians.

In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13) Jesus said there were 4 kinds of soil.  The third kind of soil was full of weeds which Jesus said were the cares and concerns of this life which choke the plants and as a result....they are unfruitful.  If in our lives we worry like this over our problems (and problems are inevitable) then we will be unproductive and unhappy.  But if through a thankful and prayerful heart we are laying our cares at His feet and thanking Him for HIs care, love and provision.............then we are freed from worry, we are happy......and productive too.

Finally.......having a thankful heart opens the door for miracles to occur.  The best example is in Acts where Paul and Silas were in jail because of a false accusation...and through their praises.........they were miraculously freed. 

So what should we do when a problem arises or things are overwhelming.  We should thank God that He is bigger than our problems.  Thank HIm that He took care of us in the past.  Thank HIm for living in our hearts.  Thank Him for providing our needs, for being with us, for keeping us, for protecting us, for loving us, for showing us the way ahead, for friends, for food, for clothing, for a roof over our head ...................the list is endless.  As our eyes come off our problems and onto Him..........the release will come.

Cheers - take care & have fun

David