One of the most important passages in the New Testament is Jesus' teaching on the Vine and branches in John 15:1-8. How do we, Christ's branches, stay close to Him, our Vine? There is no surer or more direct way to maintain vital connection to our Vine than by simply giving Him thanks – in the morning, through the day, and when we lay down to sleep. The result? A dynamic prayer life: "If you abide in [remain in close touch with] me, and my words [including the biblical call to 'give thanks'] abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you" (v. 7). Such fruitfulness in prayer glorifies God: "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit" (v. 8). So, give thanks! Pray dynamically! Bear much fruit. Bring God much glory!

If God asked you to do something easy to radically improve your Christian walk, wouldn't you do it? That's just what He does in challenging us to "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Nothing is easier than yielding your heart and opening your lips, and saying, "Thank you, Jesus!" Jesus told us His yoke is "easy." Don't be like proud Naaman, who wanted the prophet to tell him something hard to do to receive his healing. Listen to Naaman's servants – and Jesus! – and start forming the habit of giving thanks. Every day. Every moment. In every situation. From your heart. It will enable you to "draw near to God" at any moment of the day or night. And you will never be the same . . .

Christian, do you know you can deeply please God today, right now, just where you are? How? Simply by giving Him thanks from your heart – irrespective of your circumstances. In Psalm 69:30-30, David revealed this great secret that was a part of His daily life and God wants to be part of ours. "I will praise the name of God with a song, and magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs." And when deeply pleased, God is more inclined to readily release His delivering power for us and those for whom we pray. So, today, right now, just where you are, in the midst of blessing or chaos, start giving the "sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our [your] lips giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15).