BTHNKFL

COL 3:15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.

There are some keys to how to be thankful in a world so many are not at all thankful. Let’s break some of them down today...
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
What is the Word?(bible) What are we to do with it? (dwell) Let it live in you. How do you get it in you? READ IT! For something to “dwell” with you it has to move in! Not only is this Word supposed to live in you, you and I are to be able to TEACH and ADMONISH(to warn or reprimand) one another with ALL WISDOM! We have got to be smart about helping others and doing what we can to keep them on track. It takes the Word in us. It takes WISDOM.
This WISDOM is important. In fact the bible says that wisdom is supreme. According to Proverbs 4 it keeps you from having your steps obstructed, it keeps you from stumbling when you run. Wisdom will protect you. Blessed is the man who finds this wisdom for it is long life to you. All her paths lead to PEACE!

I like the next part of this verse…it says as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God
I think that this covers the spectrum of our worship library. Singing praises to God is perhaps the best way to get ourselves into position to truly be thankful. It’s important to have “gratitude” in our hearts. When you are worshiping the Lord, you cannot gossip! When you are singing you cannot be complaining. When we are learning this principle of thanks-living it will be evident in the song that comes out of our heart.

Let’s read on…17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed… that covers your speech and your actions. We are to do what we do for the Lord and not for men.(VS 23) And while we are doing it we are reminded once again to “give thanks”. BTHNKFL…to stay thankful you have to keep your tank full!