My attention was caught by the verse for today in Bible Gateway. It comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:3 and was in the Message version "You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it." Paul then explains what causes this compulsion to give thanks. Probably, like me, you were brought up to say please and thank you. I find it strange when in other cultures and languages it is not normal to add 'please' to a request! But this verse prompted me to think about the issue of praise and thanks to God. Is this a matter of duty? Do we feel compelled? Is it a pleasure? Does God expect our thanks and praise? If God expects our worship, doesn't that suggest some kind of ego problem?
Of course the answer to the last question I raised is 'no', but often we present the issue of praise and worship of God as something that God requires from us for his sake, rather than for our sake. Last weekend Doreen celebrated a special birthday and I organised two days of special surprises built around meals, and then our church added a third day with a very special lunch. Around 100 different people attended her celebrations over the weekend. Since then she has been busy writing thank you notes for gifts she has received, and receiving thank you notes from some who came to share in the fun (many more have thanked verbally). While some might see such activity as a chore, it actually deepens the pleasure.
Demonstrating that we have appreciated something reinforces our consciousness of the value of what we have received, enriches our enjoyment of it, and also communicates to the giver the pleasure generated. Whatever the cost of what was given, the knowledge that it has been enjoyed by the receiver gives the gift special value.
The value of giving praise and worship to God is not that God needs it but that true worship and praise demonstrates our joy as we realise the greatness of the things he has done for us, and beyond that our enjoyment of just being in a loving relationship with him. It should therefore always be a joy to say thank you. Giving thanks expresses our delight in receiving a gift, and gives delight to the giver.
In the account of the healing of ten men who had leprosy (Luke 17) only one returned to give thanks but I understand the Greek verb suggests a continual thanking rather than a simple thank you. Why not take a few moments now to reflect on God's goodness to you, and be thankful.
Recent matters for which to be thankful
Of course the answer to the last question I raised is 'no', but often we present the issue of praise and worship of God as something that God requires from us for his sake, rather than for our sake. Last weekend Doreen celebrated a special birthday and I organised two days of special surprises built around meals, and then our church added a third day with a very special lunch. Around 100 different people attended her celebrations over the weekend. Since then she has been busy writing thank you notes for gifts she has received, and receiving thank you notes from some who came to share in the fun (many more have thanked verbally). While some might see such activity as a chore, it actually deepens the pleasure.
Demonstrating that we have appreciated something reinforces our consciousness of the value of what we have received, enriches our enjoyment of it, and also communicates to the giver the pleasure generated. Whatever the cost of what was given, the knowledge that it has been enjoyed by the receiver gives the gift special value.
The value of giving praise and worship to God is not that God needs it but that true worship and praise demonstrates our joy as we realise the greatness of the things he has done for us, and beyond that our enjoyment of just being in a loving relationship with him. It should therefore always be a joy to say thank you. Giving thanks expresses our delight in receiving a gift, and gives delight to the giver.
In the account of the healing of ten men who had leprosy (Luke 17) only one returned to give thanks but I understand the Greek verb suggests a continual thanking rather than a simple thank you. Why not take a few moments now to reflect on God's goodness to you, and be thankful.
Recent matters for which to be thankful
- Rural Mission Conference in Wales - For same travelling both ways, for a warm and responsive group from the Baptist Union of Wales, for the opportunity to hear some encouraging stories, and to share from the knowledge and experience God has given us.
- Birthday Celebrations - Doreen has been a wonderful wife but also a valued partner in ministry, and I am glad so many came to mark her special milestone.
- School Assemblies- I travelled back from Wales immediately after the event with the BUW so that I could take a school assembly at Yelvertoft. The biblical theme was the testing of Jesus in the wilderness. The Lord gave me a great way of putting the concept of trials across to young children and they responded wonderfully. A few days previously I had a similar experience of inspiration at Lubenham Primary School on the theme of generosity. I am thankful for great relationships with staff and children.
- Prison - Both my colleagues have been unable to be with me (Jean's husband is in hospital; Roger has an ulcerated sore on his ankle) so I was on my own, but didn't feel that way. We had a great practice time.
- Chapel Improvements - We are thankful for the gift from a local firm of a new kitchen at Yelvertoft. The new porch doors went in this week which is the last item on a schedule of improvements. We thank God for his provision to enable this work.
- Financial Support - I can't remember whether I previously shared my thanksgiving for Philip. He is a minister for whom we conducted some activities many years ago. He faithfully supported my ministry with a regular gift for many years but wrote recently to explain that this has come to an end as he now feels that the Lord wants him to help an important project in Africa (with which I have considerable sympathy). While the loss of financial support would not normally be a cause of thanksgiving, I felt overwhelmed with praise to God for Philip's faithfulness over such a long time that any regret over reduced income was more than eclipsed by the joy! We are really thankful for both individuals and churches that keep the ministry on the road.
- Ministry in a funeral - Many expressed real appreciation for a few words about the Gospel and personal faith, and for my singing of "Were you there when they crucified my Lord" at the funeral service for Joe, a dear friend from the Parish Church at Yelvertoft this week. Joe had been battling a terminal illness since before I came to Yelvertoft. On one occasion he and his wife were present for a concert of the Yelvertoft Ladies Choir where I was the guest soloist. One of the songs on that occasion was "Were you there.." and they had both been moved by that. On one occasion when visiting Joe in hospital recently, he asked me to sing it again right there in hospital. I did so and Joe joined in from time to time, while he gripped my hand firmly with a light in his eyes. It was a privilege to sing it this week at the request of the family, and a joy to know that God used it to touch more hearts.
- Rebecca starts her work - The new East Midlands Area Children and Families Worker commence her post on 1st February. We give thanks that she and her husband had a safe move of home. There is much for her to do and we are thankful for all who showed interest in applying.
- Getting into God's Word - Should that be God's Word getting into us? What a blessing it is to lead a Bible Discussion Group in Yelvertoft. These are stimulating meetings as we share together in drawing light and truth from scripture. We found a great deal of interest from 1Corinthians and now move to Hebrews as we enter Lent. We also thank God for Louise from Theddingworth who has started on the Congregational Federation's Integrated Training Course.
- For follow-up activities linked with recent rural conferences and consultations.
- For friends in Ukraine are looking at our resources for rural evangelism
- For friends in Germany and Ireland using our resources.
- For the preparation for the Rural Evangelism Network Conference in March.
- For our ongoing ministry in the East Midlands, especially at Yelvertoft, Theddingworth and Gartree.
- For the need for additional partners who will help maintain our ministry through regular donations, and for churches to share with us as part of their missionary giving.
- For all who have been under our ministry in word and song, that hearts will open to the saviour and Christians come closer to the Lord.
- For all with whom we work in partnership in rural mission, and in other areas; especially for Rebecca as she settles into a new home and a new role.
- That in all things God will be glorified, lives changed, and God's kingdom extended.
Barry
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