More On Thanksgiving

250 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, We are looking at these strength sapping influences and behaviors that will plague the church until our Lord returns. Today, I want to spend a little more time on the importance of giving thanks. For whatever reason, churches and individuals have a tendency to fall into the trap of a thankless existence. Andrew Murray has said, "Let us thank God heartily as often as we pray that we have His Spirit in us to teach us to pray. Thanksgiving will draw our hearts out to God and keep us engaged with Him; it will take our attention from ourselves and give the Spirit room in our hearts." When we put thanksgiving on the back burner of our personal and congregational life we begin the process that the Scripture warns against in Pr 6:10,11, A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep- 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. Without thanksgiving, we attempt to “sneak” into the presence of God, rather than entering through His proper gates. Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. The history of God's people involve the building of altars all along their life's journey. These altars were ways to express thanksgiving to God every step of the way! We should not be so foolish as to become unthankful people. Learn too be thankful every step of your journey! A thankless people soon become a godless people. Don't believe me? Read Romans 1 beginning at verse 18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Beware my friend, thanklessness is a doorway to a darkened heart! Scary thought isn't it? Let us not get careless in the giving of thanks!