Letter from Pastor Zach Terry - Maximum Life - November 2024
Kids say the darnedest things. Several years ago, when my son, Cole, was eight years old, he burst into the house and declared, "I hate flowers." When I asked why he hated flowers, he explained, "Because I hate bees, and bees love flowers." He wasn’t wrong— there’s something about the nectar in flowers that draws bees in like a magnet. In the same way, God is drawn to our thankfulness. Just as nectar attracts bees, gratitude attracts the presence of God.
If I could ask for one quality to define our church, it would be gratitude—a spirit of genuine, heartfelt thanks. The enemy despises gratitude because it honors God. Satan knows that thankfulness lifts us into God's presence and connects us to His power, so he’ll do everything he can to rob us of it. An attitude of "Thanks-Living" may disrupt your comfort zone, but it will also bring true, lasting joy.
Every year, Thanksgiving seems to get overshadowed as Christmas decorations appear earlier and earlier. But for believers, thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it’s a way of life. As Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Gratitude is the gateway to a life that honors God, and it’s His will for us to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
**A Moment of Restoration (1 Chronicles 16)**
In 1 Chronicles 16, David and the people of Israel experienced a moment of extraordinary gratitude as the Ark of the Covenant was returned to its rightful place. For years, it had been taken by the Philistines and left in the home of Abinadab, but now, after following God’s specific instructions, it was finally coming back to Jerusalem. This was a sign of God's manifest presence returning to His people, and David couldn’t contain his joy. He led the people in praise, singing, and worship. Even when some, like Michal, looked down on his expression of worship, David didn’t hold back. In the same way, true gratitude will sometimes seem excessive or out of place to others. But when we truly understand the gift we’ve received in God’s presence and favor, we can’t help but express it.
If I could ask for one quality to define our church, it would be gratitude—a spirit of genuine, heartfelt thanks. The enemy despises gratitude because it honors God. Satan knows that thankfulness lifts us into God's presence and connects us to His power, so he’ll do everything he can to rob us of it. An attitude of "Thanks-Living" may disrupt your comfort zone, but it will also bring true, lasting joy.
Every year, Thanksgiving seems to get overshadowed as Christmas decorations appear earlier and earlier. But for believers, thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it’s a way of life. As Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Gratitude is the gateway to a life that honors God, and it’s His will for us to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
**A Moment of Restoration (1 Chronicles 16)**
In 1 Chronicles 16, David and the people of Israel experienced a moment of extraordinary gratitude as the Ark of the Covenant was returned to its rightful place. For years, it had been taken by the Philistines and left in the home of Abinadab, but now, after following God’s specific instructions, it was finally coming back to Jerusalem. This was a sign of God's manifest presence returning to His people, and David couldn’t contain his joy. He led the people in praise, singing, and worship. Even when some, like Michal, looked down on his expression of worship, David didn’t hold back. In the same way, true gratitude will sometimes seem excessive or out of place to others. But when we truly understand the gift we’ve received in God’s presence and favor, we can’t help but express it.
Two Ways to Show Our Upward Thanks
1. **Calling on His Name**
David’s song of thanksgiving begins with, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name” (1 Chronicles 16:8). God is glorified when we come to Him, not just in times of trouble but as a regular part of our lives. Calling on His name shows our dependence on Him and honors His power. It’s like the story of Napoleon, who gave a young officer an entire island simply because he was bold enough to ask for it. God is honored when we call on Him, bringing our needs and desires to Him in faith.
Romans 10:13 promises that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” True gratitude is shown when we live a life of calling upon God—not just once, but continually.
2. **Singing Praises to Him**
David and the people expressed their gratitude by singing praises to God. Singing isn’t just for Sunday; it’s a natural outpouring of a thankful heart. Scripture repeatedly shows us that singing is part of a life of worship. James 5:13 says, “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” When we sing, we align our hearts with heaven’s melody, proclaiming God’s worth.
Even in difficult times, like Paul and Silas in prison, singing can bring about a breakthrough. They sang hymns at midnight, and God responded with an earthquake that broke their chains (Acts 16:25-26). If you’re struggling or facing hardships, sing! Let worship be your response to trials, and watch God move.
David’s song of thanksgiving begins with, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name” (1 Chronicles 16:8). God is glorified when we come to Him, not just in times of trouble but as a regular part of our lives. Calling on His name shows our dependence on Him and honors His power. It’s like the story of Napoleon, who gave a young officer an entire island simply because he was bold enough to ask for it. God is honored when we call on Him, bringing our needs and desires to Him in faith.
Romans 10:13 promises that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” True gratitude is shown when we live a life of calling upon God—not just once, but continually.
2. **Singing Praises to Him**
David and the people expressed their gratitude by singing praises to God. Singing isn’t just for Sunday; it’s a natural outpouring of a thankful heart. Scripture repeatedly shows us that singing is part of a life of worship. James 5:13 says, “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” When we sing, we align our hearts with heaven’s melody, proclaiming God’s worth.
Even in difficult times, like Paul and Silas in prison, singing can bring about a breakthrough. They sang hymns at midnight, and God responded with an earthquake that broke their chains (Acts 16:25-26). If you’re struggling or facing hardships, sing! Let worship be your response to trials, and watch God move.
An Invitation to Thanks-Living
Perhaps you feel like you’re “hitting all the right notes” in life—attending church, giving, and reading Scripture—but you’re missing the song. Today, let’s ask God to give us a heart that overflows with gratitude, calling on Him and singing praises as a daily response. Let’s become a people who honor God, not just with words, but with a life that says “thank you” every single day.
With Deep Gratitude,
Zach Terry
With Deep Gratitude,
Zach Terry
Maximum Life is the Media Ministry of Pastor Zach Terry.
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The Maximum Life Blog
My name is Zach Terry. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are my own, with occasional interjections from my bride of nearly 25 years, Julie. This format of publication is meant to allow for engagement and interaction. Feel free to comment. But please, be nice.
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