The Highway Forums Announcements What's New on The Highway website? The Christian's Special Duty of Giving Thanks - Thomas Manton

December's article of the month is a short but poignant reminder that in these troubled times which exist in many places around the world Christians, those exercised in their souls by the Spirit should be moved to give thanks to our Great God and Redeemer. Yes, there is no denying that in our frail state at present circumstances can often dominate our mind and emotions. However, it is such circumstances that we should offer up heartfelt thanksgiving for all the wonderful and marvelous benefits we have received from the hand of God. We have God's own words directing us to do so when we are down:

and we have several examples throughout Scripture of the faithful, being in less than ideal circumstances, offering up praise and thanksgiving in word and song, e.g. Acts: 16:22-25. Here is a short list of what we should offer up thanks for:

To God
Ps 50:14

To Christ
1Ti 1:12

Through Christ
Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15

In the name of Christ
Eph 5:20

On behalf of God's servants
2Co 1:11

In private worship
Da 6:10

In public worship
Ps 35:18

In everything
1Th 5:18

Upon the completion of great undertakings
Ne 12:31,40

Before receiving food
Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35

Always
Eph 1:16; 5:20; 1Th 1:2

As the remembrance of God's holiness
Ps 30:4; 97:12

For the goodness and mercy of God
Ps 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-3

For the gift of Christ
2Co 9:15

For Christ's power and reign
Re 11:17

For the reception and effectual working of the word of God in others
1Th 2:13

For deliverance from indwelling sin, through Christ
Ro 7:23-25

For victory over death and the grave
1Co 15:57

For wisdom and might
Da 2:23

For the triumph of the gospel
2Co 2:14

For the conversion of others
Ro 6:17

For faith exhibited by others
Ro 1:8; 2Th 1:3

For love exhibited by others
2Th 1:3

For the grace bestowed on others
1Co 1:4; Php 1:3-5; Col 1:3-6

For the zeal exhibited by others
2Co 8:16

For the nearness of God's presence
Ps 75:1

For appointment to spiritual service
1Ti 1:12

For willingness to offer our property for God's service
1Ch 29:6-14

For the supply of our bodily needs
Ro 14:6-7; 1Ti 4:3-4

For all people
1Ti 2:1

For all things
2Co 9:11; Eph 5:20

As Thomas Manton rightly wrote, thanksgiving and praise are inseparable yet different. Read this short article and come to understand the difference and that giving thanks to God in all things is a matter of the heart.

Read this month's article now by clicking here: The Christian's Special Duty of Giving Thanks.

For later reading go to The Highway website and scroll down to the "Article of the Month" logo. There you will find not only the currect Article of the Month, but all past articles.

In His service and grace,