Devotional Notes on being thankful:

• Explore the differences between Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Ephesians 5:19&20

1. Thessalonians was written to a church of new converts, Ephesians to an established church.
2. Thessalonians was presenting basic concepts for new Christians, Ephesians was trying to encourage Christians to mature and expand their horizons of understanding.
3. Thessalonians says to "be thankful IN all circumstances", Ephesians says to "be thankful FOR all things."
4. Paul wrote Thessalonians in about 50 AD and Ephesians in about 60 AD. Presumably Paul had experienced some  maturing on his own.

Questions:    

1. Do "bad" things ever become "good" when we are able to SEE how God "works for the good of those who love Him"? (Romans 8:28)
2. If we settle for just being thankful IN all circumstances, do we not demonstrate a little lack of faith in Romans 8:28?
3. Are we actually called to be thankful FOR all things, even tragedies and personal loss?
4. Do we sometimes, or often, confuse thankfulness with happiness? 

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