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WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS

WEDNESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2021


Thanksgiving in many people's minds always suggests that God has done a great thing for them and for that reason, they give thanks. What about times that things look dry or the same or you haven't experienced the desired change? Jesus is teaching us today that even in such situations, the revelation of "offering thanks" to God will open our eyes to the possibilities of the blessing and realities we could obtain. Therefore, in any circumstance, the more grateful we are as Christians, the greater our overall well-being, results, satisfactory experiences and continued fulfilment in Christ.

Reference: John 6:11 New King James Version (NKJV) "And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted."


In the above instance, Jesus applied God's Word to His own situation and effected instant divine response. When you give thanks for whatever you have and for whatever the Lord has already done for you, you are in for supernatural addition, multiplication, increase and expansion. In the earlier verses, When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" The Scripture said, "He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do" (John 6:11 NIV). Note the expression "for He already had in mind...", which means thanksgiving is first a premeditated substance of the mind. Thanksgiving originates solely within our mind, and then we see the impact in our external experiences or sphere of activities.


When Jesus asked Philip the above question, Philip answered Him, "It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite, which implies that a miracle of abundant supply was required. Speaking from a human standpoint and observation, another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother said, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" (John 6:5-7 NIV). The little discovered was far less than enough, but Jesus didn't mind because He already knew what to do. Guess what, thanksgiving was His next line of action, having received the five small barley loaves and two small fish.


Beloved, It is my very intention to convey this truth into your mind, encouraging you to promote God's Word concerning thanksgiving in every chamber of your reasoning so that you can learn to think as Jesus thinks until the science of thanksgiving begins to govern your mind and find expression in your mental discussions, whether or not a situation is in your favour. The Bible says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). No matter what, be smart to approach the heavenly throne room with the fruit of your lips. Hebrews 13:15 says, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name" (NIV).


Apart from divine response, thanksgiving has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds. However, it doesn't end there; consistent health can approximate or become your reality at all times in the wake of your heart of gratitude. David faced diverse challenges in life that seemed to fly in the face of his normal duties as a shepherd, and bundle of royal activities as a king, but he took control of his thoughts, mind and body and directed them to God through the wisdom of thanksgiving. We can locate the replete investments of his thanksgiving in the book of Psalms. Therefore, teach yourself how to give thanks and make this practice a pleasurable delight and routine inserted in your activities of daily living. Shalom!


Scripture Reading - Psalm 141:2; Daniel 6:10; Isaiah 57:19; Matthew 11:25; Ephesians 5:20.

Exuberant Declaration: Deep down in my heart is an uninterrupted flow of thanksgiving and regard to God, consciously expressed with joyful recognition of His mercies, provisions, faithfulness and favour. I'm never forgetful of the daily benefits of His goodness, rather I render the fruit of my lips as thankful acknowledgment of His Name, deeds and wonders in my life - now and always. Hallelujah!


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