Thanksgiving in Tough Times #2

As we saw yesterday, there is a pressure in our hearts, minds and lives from everything around us against Thanksgiving.  This was not just something the Colossian church had to deal with: it was something Paul told Timothy to beware of as he was ministering in Ephesus. He says in chapter 4 of his first letter to him:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Satan has always been about discontentment, complaining, and rebellion against God.  He is extremely upset when people come to Christ and find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in their relationship with Him.  So he does everything he can to make us discontent and ungrateful for the life, food, marriage partner -everything good God has given us. He wants to pull people away from God by destroying thankful hearts. And it is effective.  Ungrateful people are untrusting, unbelieving, and unpleasant to be around. The enemy wants to pull us apart and make us unhappy with our life, our surroundings, ourselves, and most of all, God.  Don't give in. In everything give thanks. It will change your day and your life.