Friday, May 9, 2008

GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THINGS

Paul, writing to The Ephesians said, ''Giving thanks always for all things unti God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.'' What a high standard this is. Yet we should prayerfully and constantly strive after it. It is both for His Glory, and our good, that we do so, for there is a wonderful power in praise, to lift the heart ABOVE the disappointments and trials, of this earthly life. One reason, why God's people dwell so much in Meshech is because they do so little praising.... A Individual asked me recently, what was the best way, to overcome a cold heart and a 'bound' spirit, when praying. I told him to begin praising the Lord, as soon as he dropped on his knees, that he was not already in Hell. ''Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'' [Ephesians 5;20]. An example of obedience to this precept is found in Daniel 6;10-''Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his own house; and his windows being opened in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, AS HE DID AFORETIME.'' HOW this manifests the supernatural character, of divine grace.... It takes more than an effort of will [the best a poor natural man knows of] to act THUS.... Compare also Acts 16;25.... You may be whispering, ''But Brother Foltz, we can no more bring ourselves to praise God, no more beget in ourselves the spirit of real thanksgiving, than we can make the sky pour down rain on the parched land.'' That is quite true, but to dwell on our impotency gets us nowhere, nor does it produce any fruit to God's glory. LISTEN; I can no more impart good health to my body, than I can create a tree. True, but [1] I can damage and undermine the health, I already have. [2] I can use those means, which, under God's blessing, are conducive to good health. So it is spiritually. I can dwell upon my aches and pains, worries ans woes, till the spirit of praise is STIFLED.... WHY NOT DWELL UPON GOD'S MERCIES AND BLESSINGS IN EPHESIANS/

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