WINNING EACH DAY DEVOTIONAL

2Cor 2:14 And thanks be to God who ALWAYS causes us to triumph...



September 21, 2013



THE WONDERS OF THANKSGIVING II



Luke 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,



When most Christians have mounting bills, health problems, addictions and various other challenges, their prayers are usually enthusiastic and ardent. However, after God has answered their prayers, many do not return to give thanks. For those who do return to give thanks, their prayer of thanksgiving is often not as heartfelt as their prayer of request.



The bible says that when the lepers in Luke 17 saw Jesus, they “lifted up their voices” but when the sole leper returned to give thanks, the bible says he turned back and with a “LOUD” voice... This makes me know that your thanksgiving should be more ardent than your request! You should declare the goodness of God for all the nations to hear! If your thanksgiving is inferior to your prayer, your next prayer (request) is sabotaged!



Phil 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God". Phil 4:6 makes it clear that without thanksgiving accompanying your prayers, they will remain unanswered. See, when we thank God, strange doors are open unto us (Acts 16:25-34). However, God knows that many are slow in understanding this concept so rather than wait for most of us to thank Him first, He opens the doors first and then waits for us to do our part - return to thank Him!



The best way to develop a culture of thanksgiving is to appreciate everyone who has been a blessing to you - It will stir them to do more. Write out a list of people who have impacted your life as you remember them and express appreciation to them. Call them up today and appreciate them for the role they have played in your life. When you do this, appreciating God will not be so difficult (1 John 4:20).



FURTHER READING: John 9:1, Psalm 114:5