Tag: Giving thanks

Posted in From the Insideout

Eucharisteo: Giving Thanks

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(all quotes by Ann Voskamp)

Happy Thanksgiving ‘Season’ everyone! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, no matter what is filling your mind, turkey or shopping, football or Christmas movies, abundance or great needs, family gatherings or the loss of a loved one, remember: our thoughts can shape our outlook on the real meaning and even our experiences of the day. However, there is a word that might make the season – and perhaps even all of life – a bit more full of joy. The word is Eucharesteo, pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh’-o, which means – to be thankful. Engraved on a bracelet I wear daily – the word is never far from my mind, and always a reminder to “pursue a lifestyle of gratitude, grace, and joy that flow from giving thanks in all things“, as instructed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18.

I had never heard the word before reading the book 1000 Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. In her book, Ann describes the word as – “the word that can change everything: Eucharisteo—it comes right out of the Gospel of Luke: ‘And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them…’ (Luke 22:19 NIV). In the original language, ‘he gave thanks‘ reads ‘eucharisteo.’ The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning ‘grace.’ Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be a gift and gave thanks. It also holds the derivative, the Greek word, chara, meaning ‘joy’ …”

In the book, Ann raises this thought-provoking question – “How do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does a life of gratitude look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes dark? What is God providing here and now?” She found the answer through the daily habit of writing down God’s gifts. She writes, “when we give thanks, we find ourselves wildly loved by God.”

“The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live…. He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything….”

Ann Voskamp, 1000 Gifts
Posted in LGG Study

Blessed Encouragement

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For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:5

What blessed encouragement this verse is in these days and times we are living in. I just completed the Love God Greatly study of Hebrews, “Jesus Our Everything“, and I find myself both clinging to and delighting in the recently read passages referring to Jesus as our Hope and the Anchor for our souls. A friend, from a Facebook study group I’m leading, commented on this morning’s passage from Psalm 100, “I love Psalm 100. It’s straightforward and joyous. It just makes my heart glad.” I totally agree with her sentiment – it truly brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart to know that God is good, God’s faithfulness continues through all generations! Is it any wonder that the Psalmist encouraged the people of God to –

Shout with Joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Psalm 100:1-4

Such hope and peace come from knowing that regardless of what’s going on in our world or individual lives – His love never fails! His Truth and FAITHFULNESS bid me to worship Him. Knowing I am His brings me JOY and delight – for, as Jeremiah said: ” I am called by Your name of Lord, God of Hosts”, Jeremiah 15:16. I am blessed to be able to enter into His Presence through the blood of Jesus Christ and to know the indwelling Presence of His Holy Spirit. Knowing the depth of this blessing – I indeed enter with thanksgiving and praise and, with the Psalmist, I give thanks to His name.