Thanks Makers

November 12, 2023

Thanks Makers

There are two ways of looking at our possessions, abilities, and accumulation of wealth. As there are many personal needs and desires that occupy our focus, alleviating lack and enabling pleasure can get the most attention. There is another perspective, however, that gives these temporary belongings and capabilities a purpose way beyond our little world. When all that we have is seen as a means for blessing another life and inspiring thanksgiving and honor to God, there is a responsibility given to it way beyond self and personal. As God is the One who really owns it all, when He desires to provide for and bless, it will be through those who have taken on this second approach. And, to ensure that these givers are more than able to cover the blessing of the moment, He empowers them with ways to gain those resources in ample volumes to both personally and corporately provide for needs and desires alike. With this understanding and growing motivation, believing God for this gives our faith responsibility and great kingdom purpose.

As this is true with material resources, these perspectives can also apply to the great and precious promises we’ve received in Christ. As long as they are seen as for only our own blessing and glory their greater opportunity for blessing may be missed. Every assurance we have for health and wealth as heirs of God’s promises are greatly limited if only received. It’s when their existence is to enable thanks in others, that they are seen as responsibilities and not just personal gifts. Faith gets its life when its view is expanded to include being God’s provision and not just His deposit. Discovering and developing in our new identity and nature gets is fuel and true joy when it’s realized that our faith’s completion will inspire praise and thanksgiving to God for His poured-out blessing through us. We are transformed from those who just give thanks to those who provide reason for it. We become thanks makers.

Notes

The purpose of God’s grace in us – produce thanksgiving in others

2 Corinthians 9:10-14 (TLB) 10 For God, who gives seed to the farmer to plant, and later on good crops to harvest and eat, will give you more and more seed to plant and will make it grow so that you can give away more and more fruit from your harvest. 11 Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. 12 So two good things happen as a result of your gifts—those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. 13 Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine. 14 And they will pray for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you.

Faith requires good works for life

James 2:14 (TLB) 14 Dear brothers, what’s the use of saying that you have faith and are Christians if you aren’t proving it by helping others? Will that kind of faith save anyone?

God provides through hands of men

Luke 6:38 (KJV) 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Knowing how sowing works should affect the heart

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (TLB) 6 But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much. 7 Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don’t force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. 8 God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.

We become partners with God as His blessing messengers.

Philemon 1:6-7 (TLB) 6 And I pray that as you share your faith with others it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus. 7 I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

With every promise a purpose for faith – to gain resources for blessing

2 Peter 1:4 (NLT) 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

  • Fruit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control Galatians 5:22-23

  • Health 1 Peter 2:24

  • Wealth – 3 John 1:2
  • Wisdom/righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30

The purpose of new life is to shine for God’s glory and thanksgiving

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Overview:

  • In Christ we’ve been given all that we need for life and Godliness.
  • For every promise received, there is an opportunity for a blessing to be given.
  • It is through the hands of men that God provides and then receives glory and thanksgiving.
  • As the resources and nature we’ve received are used as seed for sowing blessing into others, it makes room for an ever-increasing supply.
  • Faith comes alive when applied in the sharing of God’s goodness in us to others.
  • The purpose of our treasures in Christ is to shine and not confine.
  • It’s in our shining that we make thanks in those who are blessed by Him through us.

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful for the great treasure of life that You’ve given me in Christ. Open the eyes of my understanding to know that I lack in nothing, but have way more than what I need to participate in Your blessing of others with resources and this new nature You’ve given me. Help me to produce thanksgiving to You by releasing Your glory to others from Your abundant supply.

Declarations:

  • I have everything and abound because of my new life in Christ.
  • My belief in Him is now proven by the blessing of God that flows through me by faith.
  • God is glorified as I receive from Him with a purpose of overflowing with His blessing to others.
  • From an understanding of sowing and reaping I purpose in my heart to make the most of my opportunities for blessing.
  • The grace of God empowers me as I respond in faith to have way more than what I need as I overflow with blessing that produces thanksgiving to God.