GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!!
EPHESIANS 5:18-20
18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5: 18-21 The effects of alcohol are obvious, but what happens when we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit? Paul lists four by-products of the Spirit’s influence in our lives: singing, making music, giving thanks, and submitting to one another. Paul was not suggesting that believers only discuss religious matters but rather that whatever we do or say should be permeated with an attitude of joy, thankfulness to God, and encouragement of others. Instead of whining and complaining— which our culture has raised to an art form— we are to focus on the goodness of God and his mercies toward us. How can your words and attitudes show your focus on the Lord Jesus Christ?
5: 18 Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine with being filled with the Spirit. Getting drunk is a symptom of the old way of life and its selfish desires. Ephesus was a center for pagan worship, so some of the Ephesian believers may have previously participated in pagan worship rituals involving drunken debauchery. Paul describes being filled with the Holy Spirit as a choice, not a complex process. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means that we submit to his authority, welcome his guidance, accept his correction, live under his restraint, rely on his power, and allow him to unify us with other believers. Living by the Spirit does not mean having a casual, part-time relationship with him. We must fill our lives with the cleansing and invigorating love and power of the Holy Spirit.
5: 20 When you feel like life has worn you down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heart— in all things God works for our good if we love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8: 28).Thank God— not for your problems, but for the strength he is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life. At first, thanking him may feel forced or artificial, but your gratitude will grow. You can be sure that God’s perfect love will see you through any difficulty.
Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible
All of this is Paul explaining that we are to be gratefull even in adversity!! JESUS gives us the strength to overcome ANYTHING that satan can throw at us. Will it be easy?? NOT ALL THE TIME BUT, WHEN WE ARE LIVING IN THE SPIRIT GOD WILL GIVE US ALL THE STENGTH AND TOOLS WE NEED TO OVERCOME EVIL. BUT!! WE HAVE TO DO OUR PART AND HAVE TRUST AND FAITH AND GIVE HIM THANKS THAT HE WILL PROVIDE ALL OUR NEEDS.
ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and know JESUS WILL BE WITH US AND FULFILL OUR NEEDS!!!AND THANK HIM CONTINUALLY!!
onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS