Pastor Cameron Aanestad, 11/20/2016
Giving Thanks
1 Chronicles 29:10-13

God is in control:

Verse 11a: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours.

God created all, owns all, and rules all (Gen 1:1, Job 38, Col 1:15-17). He is self-sufficient, needing nothing to be complete or satisfied. Of His own pleasure, God made a universe, fit for us, so that He could create humankind, to love and commune with.

God provides all we need and more:

Verse 11b: Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Just as an earthly king is the father of his kingdom, God is the father of His creation. He cares and provides for His children (Matt 6:25-33, Jas 1:17, Matt 10:29-31, 2 Cor 9:8-11)  even those who rebel against and reject Him (Matt 5:44-46). Though He needs nothing and no one, He created us, He loves us, and He and takes care of all of our needs. More than that, He overfills our cup with blessings and offers us opportunities to be obedient and faithful, and to care for and bless others, showing His love to those around us (Matt 22:36-40).

How should we respond?

Verses 12, 13: Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

1: Recognize God as the source of everything: the fulfiller of our needs and the blesser of our lives

2: Give generously to God and to others.

3: Be thankful. If you’re bad at it, practice.