16 August 2016

THE PROOF OF GENUINE THANKFULESS

By John Ollis

I wrote a blog recently, “Are we truly thankful? that produced a great positive response from many who follow my blogs. Verbalising our thanks is so important, and there are so many reasons we have so much to be thankful for:

BUT IS WORDS OF THANKS ENOUGH?

I think the answer is NO,  the real proof of our thankfulness is our response to God for all His blessings upon us. In Psalm 116:12 the Psalmist asks the question:

WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD FOR ALL HIS BENEFITS TOWARD ME?

The Psalmist realised that words were not enough, there has to be a positive practical response so he replies:

I WILL TAKE THE CUP OF SALVATION AND CALL UPON THE  LORD.(verse 13)

The Message Bible says this ” What can I give back to God for the blessings He’s poured out to me? I’ll life high the cup of Salvation -a toast to God”. The Psalmist I think is saying God alone is the source of all my blessings especially and including my Salvation, so I will constantly declare He is the source, I will walk in such a way that  my life exhibited God’s glorious Salvation.

I WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD (verse 14)

There is something so special and unique about God’s Name.

It is a strong tower, the righteous run in and are safe Proverbs 18:10

We sang many years ago a chorus “His name is as ointment poured forth” there is a fragrance attached to the Name of our God.

Bill & Gloria Gaither wrote a beautiful song  “Jesus, there’s just something about that name”. But not only calling on the Name of the Lord, we need to:

PAY MY VOWS TO THE LORD, NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS PEOPLE (V 14.)

Our commitment and consecration to the Lord cannot be a secret thing, but must be evident before all God’s people. What is the result of calling on the Lord Psalm 117: 5 says

THE LORD ANSWERED ME AND SET ME IN A BROAD PLACE

The result of making thanksgiving a lifestyle is evidenced in our consecration and commitment, which then produces even greater blessing, a broad, flourishing, victorious, blessed place.

THE BIG CHALLENGE TO US IS TO MAINTAIN THE CONSECTRATION AND COMMITTMENT.

How do we do it, there is gem of truth found in Psalm 118:27

BIND THE SACRIFICE WITH CORDS TO THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR (NKJV)

I often declare, the only life worth living is a life that is totally surrendered to God, our challenge  is to maintain that surrender. Paul as a Jew  had seen many thousands of animals sacrificed on Jewish altars, but under the New Covenant we are to be LIVING SACRIFICES (Rom.12:1) but we all the problem with a living sacrifice “it doesn’t want to stay on the altar” here the Psalmist tells us, even the Old Testament animals did not want to stay on the altar, so the Priests had to tie them down. Every day when you re-affirm Christ’s Lordship over your life, here is a simple pray, I also pray daily.

JESUS TIE ME DOWN, BIND ME TO THE ALTAR WITH THE CHORDS OF CALVARY LOVE.

I believe the level of surrender in my life has never been so high (sadly it is yet always 100% but I am seeking daily for this to be so.

So, are you like the Psalmist practically expressing your thanks to the Lord, by:

Calling on the Name of the Lord,

Paying your vows, living a surrendered consecrated life before the Lord.

Seek to maintain that surrender, by asking the Lord to “tie you down on the altar”.

If you do, you will experience constantly that broad place of blessing  and fruitfulness.

I trust this is your experience, write and let me know your response to this blog.