The focus of Christians on Thanksgiving

Question: "What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving?"

Answer: The original thanksgiving celebration was held by the Pilgrim settlers in Massachusetts during their second winter in America in December, 1621. The first winter had killed 44 of the original 102 colonists. At one point their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn apiece, but then an unexpected trading vessel arrived, swapping them beaver pelts for corn, providing for their severe need. The next summer’s crop brought hope, and Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a day of feasting and prayer to show the gratitude of the colonists that they were still alive.

These Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom and opportunity in America, gave thanks to God for His provision for them in helping them find 20 acres of cleared land, for the fact that there were no hostile Indians in that area, for their newfound religious freedom, and for God’s provision of an interpreter to the Indians in Squanto. Along with the feasting and games involving the colonists and more than 80 friendly Indians (who added to the feast by bringing wild turkeys and venison), prayers, sermons, and songs of praise were important in the celebration. Three days were spent in feasting and prayer.

From that time forward, Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a day to give thanks to God for His gracious and sufficient provision. President Abraham Lincoln officially set aside the last Thursday of November, in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.” In 1941, Congress ruled that after 1941, the fourth Thursday of November be observed as Thanksgiving Day and be a legal holiday.

Scripturally, we find things related to the issue of thanksgiving nearly from cover to cover. Individuals offered up sacrifices out of gratitude in the book of Genesis. The Israelites sang a song of thanksgiving as they were delivered from Pharaoh's army after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15). Later, the Mosaic Law set aside three times each year when the Israelites were to gather together. All three of these times [Unleavened Bread (also called the Feast of the Passover) (Exodus 12:15-20), Harvest or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-21), and the Feast of Ingathering or Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36)] involved remembering God’s provision and grace. Harvest and Tabernacles took place specifically in relation to God’s provision in the harvest of various fruit trees and crops. The book of Psalms is packed full of songs of thanksgiving, both for God’s grace to the Israelite people as a whole through His mighty deeds, as well as for His individual graces to each of us.

In the New Testament, there are repeated admonitions to give thanks to God. Thanksgiving is to always be a part of our prayers. Some of the most remembered passages on the giving of thanks are the following:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1).

Of all of God’s gifts, the greatest one He has given is the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid our sin debt, so a holy and just Judge could forgive us our sins and give us eternal life as a free gift. This gift is available to those who will call on Christ to save them from their sin in simple but sincere faith (John 3:16; Romans 3:19-26; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-10). For this gift of His Son, the gift which meets our greatest need, the Apostle Paul says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

We, like the Pilgrims, have a choice. In life there will always be those things that we can complain about (the Pilgrims had lost many loved ones), but there will also be much to be thankful for. As our society becomes increasingly secular, the actual “giving of thanks to God” during our annual Thanksgiving holiday is being overlooked, leaving only the feasting. May God grant that He may find us grateful every day for all of His gifts, spiritual and material. God is good, and every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17). For those who know Christ, God also works everything together for good, even events we would not necessarily consider good (Romans 8:28-30). May He find us to be His grateful children.

Website: www.gotquestions.org

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart!

Patricia King:

"Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart"

He Invades the Darkness In a prior meeting in Houston, Steve Mitchell began singing a song he had written called, You Were There. The lyrics expressed thanksgiving to God for being there in the difficult, lonely, dark, and confusing times of our lives. Tears came to my eyes during that worship service as I recalled the many times I experienced the precious comfort and encouragement of His presence.

I reflected on the times when it felt like no one was there to stand and support, when confusion caused my thoughts and emotions to swirl, and when everything in my heart hurt. We have all had those seasons in life. Some describe this type of experience as the dark night of the soul.

In continued reflection, I vividly recalled the moments when in the midst of those dark and painful hours, the glorious presence of His tangible love would suddenly invade the darkness, flooding me with sweet peace and granting me courage to continue. The moment He manifested His presence, the battle settled. No matter how devastating the circumstances were, they were seemingly insignificant in the light of His abiding presence.

The only appropriate response to such divine intervention in the midst of our dark hours is thankfulness. Even the memory of such moments releases once again the gratefulness I feel for all He is, and for all He does. Our God is so amazing and His eye is ever upon us. I want to praise Him all the days of my life, no matter what state I am in.

I want to praise and thank Him when I am soaring on the mountain tops, but I want to also passionately and extravagantly praise and thank Him when I am walking through my darkest hour. Why? Because He is good! He is always good! The Lord is good and His loving kindness endures forever. He is forever worthy of our praise!

Gratefulness to Him

The Lord is touched deeply by the expression of our gratefulness to Him. Gratefulness carries a sweet savor and ministers the fragrance of thanksgiving, love, and kindness. Oftentimes, individuals who have been blessed by our ministry will approach me in a meeting or write me an email or letter sharing how thankful they were for what they received through our ministry. Sometimes they will give a little token of their appreciation through a special card or a little gift.

There is never a time when I am not deeply touched and humbled through their sweet expressions of gratitude. Often I am touched to tears. I love serving the Body of Christ and I don't personally expect to be thanked or honored in any way. I love serving and blessing God's children and I adore the privilege of pouring myself out for them, but when an individual graciously expresses their thanksgiving, it both disarms me and empowers me. It always carries a heavenly fragrance.

In John 12, Mary of Bethany poured out an offering of thanks on the feet of Jesus. She had sat at His feet often as she received from His presence and teaching. Now, she was pouring out the perfume of her grateful heart. Many believe that the expensive oil she poured out upon Him was in fact her dowry. In gratefulness for all He was to her, she poured out her future upon Him. Without a dowry, she would have no hope for a husband.

The fragrance of this act of love filled the room and it filled Jesus. Some say that on the Cross the fragrance of this oil was still experienced in the atmosphere. Others say that it even flooded the tomb where He was buried. The fragrance of a grateful heart does indeed bring Heaven to Earth and the Lord loves it.

Seven Points to Meditate On

The following are seven points to meditate on regarding the grateful heart:

1. The grateful heart is a sign of a humble heart.

In order to exercise gratefulness, you need to move your eyes off yourself and esteem God and others higher than yourself. Gratefulness and humility go together.

2. The grateful heart is evidence of a worshipping heart.

When you express your gratefulness to the Lord, it is evidence of a heart full of adoration and thankfulness to Him. This adoration releases worship.

3. The grateful heart ministers blessing and encouragement to the Lord and others.

Gratefulness warms the heart of those who receive it. It ministers encouragement.

4. The grateful heart often opens the Heavens over us so that blessings are poured out.

Whatever you sow, you will reap. If you sow the blessing of gratefulness into the Heavens, the Heavens will pour out blessings upon you. On the other hand, if you murmur and complain, the Heavens can be brassed over and you will be hindered from living under the blessings of Heaven above.

5. The grateful heart will often give victory in warfare.

We know that thanksgiving and praise will oftentimes release the victory of the Lord in the midst of battle. This was the case with Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 when he called the nation to praise the Lord while enemies, much stronger than themselves, hemmed them in on every side. Their praise changed the atmosphere. They were delivered from being victims to victors.

6. The grateful heart releases and sustains divine provision and miracles.

Before the miracle of the loaves and the fishes took place in Mark 8, Jesus gave thanks. There was more than enough for the 4,000 people there that day. When ten lepers were cleansed in Luke 17:11-19, only one returned with a grateful heart. This was the one who was not only cleansed, but made whole.

7. The grateful heart ushers in the glory.

I have discovered that when I release my thanksgiving and gratefulness to the Lord, His tangible presence falls. This is what happened in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 at the dedication of the temple. When they celebrated His goodness and mercy with thankful hearts, the glory cloud filled the house of God.

Let's commit to living before God with a grateful heart. We have so much to be thankful for and He is forever worthy of our sincere praise.

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One, Forever!

Patricia King

Extreme Prophetic Ministries

Email: info@extremeprophetic.com

Website : www.extremeprophetic.com

The Art of Gratitude

Graham Cooke:

"The Art of Gratitude - It's Not Just for the Thanksgiving Weekend"

http://grahamcooke.com/

It's in Our DNA

In all things, we must give thanks. It is part of our DNA as human beings that we be grateful. If I eat a great meal in a restaurant, I want to thank the server and the chef. It's just natural! If someone gives us a beautiful sweater for Christmas, we want to say thank you.

If someone scores a touchdown for our team, what are we doing when we stand up and cheer? We are showing our appreciation. If someone wins a gold medal, or overcomes a daunting deficit to win, we jump up and down. We are thankful to be a part of that historic moment.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Intimacy has a voice, and we need to be vocal in our praise and gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just for the Thanksgiving weekend; it should be an everyday occurrence.

I believe that real intimacy with God cannot be hidden. It transforms us. To get there, however, we need to press into communion and praise. We have to live with a heart captured by God.

Appreciation is often a tool God uses to draw us closer to Him. When we enter His presence, He usually tells us something He loves about us. He is very good at being grateful - and we need to follow the Holy Spirit's lead in that.

Thankfulness is the Door to God's Presence

God's blessing should propel us into thanksgiving - our excitement over what He is doing must manifest itself in gratitude. Thankfulness is a test we need to pass every day of our lives. Whether life is good or bad, we always have something to give thanks for.

Many Christians have been conditioned to think that they enter God's presence with prayer. But Scripture is clear that thankfulness is the door to His presence - "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name," says Psalm 100:4.

Whatever happens, we must thank God for the set of circumstances we are in. I'm not saying that we must thank God for something horrible that has happened - Christians are not called to be masochists. However, we can thank God that He is always with us.

Rejoicing in God gives us the opportunity to hear Him. When we enter His presence with thanksgiving, we open more of ourselves to His voice. When we want to know God's will for a situation, we begin by giving thanks.

Thankfulness Helps Us to Remain Happy

Probably two-thirds of the rest of the world would change places with us in the west - in a heartbeat - no matter how poor our lifestyle. To many, we are rich beyond their wildest dreams. Count your blessings; there are so many things to give thanks for.

If we struggle with being grateful to God for what He has given us, chances are we will be ungracious to people in how we live our lives. It is disciplines like gratitude, thanksgiving, praise, and worship that keep the presence of God fresh and alive in our hearts.

This is a fundamental spiritual truth that can re-shape and re-ignite our personal time with God. By entering His presence with praise, not petitions, we learn how to adore God. Our hearts become full of constant, continuous worship. We are people called to be happy in God; if we don't have joy in our relationship with Him, how can we expect anyone else to?

As a Christian, who would you rather be represented by - the most miserable swine on earth, or the happiest person in the world? This is the very choice God faces! Nobody wants to be represented by someone who is glum and miserable.

Thankfulness helps us remain happy in God.

Graham Cooke

Brilliant Book House

Email: mailto:office@grahamcooke.com?subject=Inquiry

About Graham Cooke: Graham Cooke is part of the pastoral leadership team of The Mission in Vacaville, California, working with senior pastor David Crone. Graham is a popular conference speaker and is well-known for his training programs on the prophetic, spiritual warfare, intimacy with God, leadership, and spirituality. A thinker and a strategist, Graham is also a builder with a particular desire to produce finances and resources to help the poor. He financially supports and helps to underwrite church planting, leadership development, evangelism, and health and rescue projects in many countries in the third world. Graham has written several popular books, including Approaching the Heart of Prophecy and Developing Your Prophetic Gifting.

Father's Prayer

Kathi Pelton: The Power of The Father's Prayer

by Kathi Pelton

"Our Father, Who is in Heaven, holy is Your Name; Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4

Over the past couple of months, I have found myself beginning each day by praying the entirety of the "Father's Prayer." I have to admit that I have never done this in my entire Christian life. I have prayed the prayer occasionally, but never daily with such a sense of the power of the Holy Spirit backing up these Words. Although I do not know, I would not be surprised to find out that many of God's people around the world are being led by the Spirit to pray these words.

Holy Is Your Name

"Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'" Revelation 4:8

It is so appropriate that the first line of the Father's prayer is the echo of what is heard in Heaven both day and night, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty..." As Jesus taught His people to pray, He knew the sounds of Heaven and taught us to come into the unity and the sounds of His Kingdom as we approach our Father. As we pray this first line, "...holy is Your name..." we are joining with the angels in raising an anthem of "Who He is."

In our schools here in the USA, the day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation, and in Canada each Monday morning the national anthem is sung by the students. So, as God's people, we can begin our day with our "pledge of allegiance" or singing the anthem of Heaven that shouts "Holy is Your Name."

As I enter into each new day, I want to declare that He alone is Holy, that He alone is God Almighty, and that He was and is and is to come. Even now my Spirit is rising up as I write this, declaring, "Holy is Your Name!" There is great power in this statement alone. It is an acknowledgement of His Holiness, His might, and His Name being the name above all names.

Stop even now and begin to let your spirit join with the voice of Heaven and say, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." I believe this is the most powerful statement we can make. It must be, since the four living creatures never stop saying it! May all His living creatures, in Heaven and on Earth, begin to say both day and night, "Holy is the Lord."

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done

"...Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven..."

As God's people we long to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven. My greatest desire, above every other desire, is to see the desires of God's heart accomplished in the lives of His people. Though I live with many personal desires, each one of them are laid down at the feet of Jesus and submitted to His desires alone for my life.

Recently, my family took a foster baby into our home. He is a six-month-old, adorable baby boy. Our entire family has fallen in love with this little bundle of joy. Our five teenagers have become the source of his constant entertainment. Though we have less sleep (way less!), less free time, and less energy, we have gladly exchanged these things for the beauty of his little smile, the sweetness of having his little fingers stroke our faces, the tenderness of kissing his cheeks, and the adorable giggle that he releases when we act funny.

But, here's the dilemma: There's another daddy and mommy who love him too and are longing for his return to their arms. In my natural thinking, it would make sense if God gave him to us for adoption since he would be raised in a Christian home, but God understands things in ways that I can never understand or figure out. It just may be God's will for him to return to his birth parents.

Each morning (and sometimes numerous times throughout the day), I pray the Father's prayer over him, "Your Kingdom come and Your will be done..." By doing this, I submit my desire over to His perfect will, knowing that His will carries wisdom that my desire alone will never comprehend. I believe that as God's people do this in every area of their lives, it is a pleasing sacrifice that invites Him to entrust us with the deepest desires of His heart.

Our Daily Bread

"...Give us this day our daily bread..."

As many in these days face economic struggles, there is a reality to the prayer for our "daily bread." Although I believe that this verse is speaking of provision of our daily needs, I also believe that it speaks to the daily needs of us spiritually, emotionally, and in every way. This year, it's often been daily comfort that we needed to eat of.

For our family, 2008 has been an especially tough year as we have faced numerous deaths, the greatest financial struggle of our married life, unexplainable delays and trials that have stretched us and our faith beyond anything we have ever experienced. But God tells us not to worry, because our daily bread will be provided...this is a promise to us. Let's look at this promise in Luke 12:22-34:

"That's why I'm telling you to stop worrying about your life - what you will eat or what you will drink - or about your body - what you will wear. Life is more than food, isn't it, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky. They don't plant or harvest or gather food into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. You are more valuable than they are, aren't you? Can any of you add a single hour to the length of your life by worrying?

"And why do you worry about clothes? Consider the lilies in the field and how they grow. They don't work or spin yarn, but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. Now if that is the way God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and thrown into an oven tomorrow, won't He clothe you much better - you who have little faith?

"So don't ever worry by saying, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' because it is the Gentiles who are eager for all those things. Surely your Heavenly Father knows that you need all of them! But first be concerned about God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you as well. So never worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

As God's people, we struggle with the worry that will come and hit us without advance notice. It is hard in those moments to feel very excited about the faith that we have been called to walk in. But here's the truth: Faith is not a feeling - it is a posture and conscious decision that we make for our lives.

We must daily submit our flesh and it's feelings to the truth that our spirits know. When our family lived as missionaries for a number of years, it rarely "felt" good to not have a weekly paycheck to depend on, but once again, it was not a walk of feelings but rather a walk of faith. Our faith came from the promises of God as we just read in Luke 12. God will give us our daily bread.

Forgive Our Sins

"...and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us..."

We have been forgiven of so much! The longer I walk with God the more I realize how much I have been forgiven. It has been like the peeling of an onion. I now see the truth of the sin behind some of the things that seemed permissible in my youth. The good news is that I am not condemned in any of these things because of the merciful forgiveness that flows from God. I understand the words that Jesus speaks about the woman in Luke 7, who washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair:

"For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Luke 7:47

Jesus was quick to love and quick to forgive, and I want to be like Him. Whether it was tax collectors, prostitutes, or fishermen - He forgave their sins and poured out His unconditional love upon their lives. We must do the same.

Last week my husband and I were at the memorial service for his best friend's father. During the service, this man's sons got up to speak about coming to the place of forgiving their father for not being everything they needed him to be when they were young. Do you know how they came to this point of forgiveness?

It was when they became men and fathers and began to realize how we all fall short, even when it is our deepest desire to be all that our children want us to be. When they were able to forgive their dad, they began to see all the beautiful gifts that he possessed. Prior to the point of forgiveness, all they could see were his failings, but after forgiveness they saw what an amazing man they were privileged enough to call "Dad."

Forgiveness is a gift that we give ourselves, because when we forgive we set ourselves free. My husband loves to say, "Unforgiveness is like eating rat poison and expecting the rat to die." This is such a true statement. We have been forgiven much so we need to love much. What a great act of love...to forgive someone who has sinned against you!

Even while dying on the Cross, Jesus was forgiving the ones who hung Him there as they divided up His clothing, "Jesus kept saying, 'Father, forgive them, because they don't know what they're doing.'" Luke 23:34

Deliver Us From Evil

"...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

This is such a powerful verse to pray. This is a prayer for God's "keeping grace." I would rather be kept from sin and evil than to have to be forgiven for it! There is so much evil in this world and temptation that is put before us each day that we must ask God to lead us away from it. I am sure if you were to talk to other brothers and sisters who fell into sin in their past, you would discover they needed God to deliver them from temptation, because that came before the sin (evil). I would bet that none of these people desired to fall into sin. None of us want to either, so this simple prayer is important as we walk out our Christian life.

This is a prayer that we should be teaching our young people as they begin to face the many temptations that will dance before them to allure them into evil. Not even Jesus was kept from temptation, although He never gave into any of it. Not one of us is beyond temptation, but we can ask God to keep us from being led into temptation.

Final Thoughts - Thanksgiving

"...For Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen."

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."--Psalm 100:4

As I have been beginning each day with the Father's prayer, I have also been reminded of another verse to enter each day with. Psalm 100:4 exhorts us to enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. I want to enter into each day with thanksgiving and praise. Thanksgiving is the key to open the gates, and praise is the way to go through His courts.

I also want to encourage each of you to enter each day with thanksgiving and praise. As we pass through our U.S. holiday called Thanksgiving, let us mark this day with the beginning of a year that we release thanksgiving each and every day to our God. As our nation enters into a new era with a new President, let us open up the gates for the King of Glory to come in with thanksgiving and praise.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty - He is the King of glory." Psalm 24:7-10

Kathi Pelton

Light Streams Ministries

Email: jkpelton@sbcglobal.net

God is not mad at you

Al Thomas:

"GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU"

SAINTS HAD THEIR HEADS BOWED DOWN IN SHAME

WHILE PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH, I SAW A VISION (Joel 2:17) OF HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS AND THEN MILLIONS OF SAINTS WHO HAD THEIR HEADS BOWED down...as if in shame.

Although it is true that occasionally all of us fail God in one way or another, it is more so true that God forgives and restores (1 John 1:9-10).

Clearly, I saw that many of God's children are under the false impression and demonic delusion that God is displeased or disappointed with them. They imagine God in Heaven feverishly writing down every mistake and impure thought, and that He can't wait until they die or until Jesus comes back so they can be royally "chewed out."

Again (and this is important), it is true that some of God's children are following Him from afar (Matthew 26:58), simply not walking as close to Jesus as they could, and they need to do some serious turning back to the Lord (Hebrews 6:11-12).

Yet, for most, here is the real story: GOD IS LOVE...AND HIS LOVE IS POINT BLANK DIRECTED TOWARDS YOU (Romans 5:5).

Many are about to get a revelation of His love for them, and as a result, their entire attitude and outlook of their current situation will be radically changed. Worry will fade and faith will arise because of you being so secure and convinced of how much He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

AS THE CHURCH RECEIVES THIS REVELATION, MANY WILL START TO WALK IN GOD'S JOY INSTEAD OF SATAN'S GUILT

Satan wants you to feel guilty and be filled with shame. You can pray, read God's Word, go to church, etc. But still, satan will tell you that you should feel guilty about your life.

One of the greatest benefits you have as a child of God is experiencing His joy (John 15:11). This is not some vague, misty and occasional giddy feeling, but a spiritual inebriation that will not only produce constant peace, but will sometimes cause you to laugh at your biggest troubles. The Bible says you can do nothing against the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8), which means God is going to love you whether you accept it or not. So accept it and get on with His plan for you (Romans 8:31).

Some are under immense pressure and must learn that this joy has to be cultivated. That's why Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). Some, when first saved, did rejoice and rejoiced often. Then (as with all of us), troubles and temptations came and the joy seemed elusive.

God's joy often has to be fought for because satan will try very hard to convince you that you deserve guilt instead of joy. Remember, satan is a liar. Resist him (and the guilt) and start rejoicing by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17).

Here is wisdom: we are most filled with joy when we are most filled with God's love. Therefore do this: Go into your prayer closet and begin to tell Him how much you love Him, how much you appreciate being saved and for being a child of His. If this is difficult, guess who is hindering you? (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Stay there for a while...His presence will begin to come and joy will result. This will be one of the proofs that He is not upset with you, but in love with you.

MANY WILL EXPERIENCE GOD'S APPROVAL INSTEAD OF PERSONAL SHAME

The Holy Spirit (when He speaks to us) encourages us to obedience. Satan discourages us to despair. God wants to remove the word "shame" from your life.

2 Corinthians 5:19 says, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men's sins against them." He HAS forgiven you, He DOES love you, and He will NEVER leave you or forsake you (Psalm 37:25).

God knows you are fed up with discouragement and it is time to take back your victory. Get up, rebuke the devil, and get on with God's will for you (Romans 8:28). Jesus specifically said that the Holy Spirit would comfort us...not make us feel bad about ourselves (John 14:17). Every Believer has God's approval (Romans 5:1), which is based on the Cross, not anything you do.

MANY WILL NO LONGER FEEL UNWORTHY, BUT ACCEPTED BY THE FATHER

There is a no more exhilarating feeling than knowing you are accepted by the God of the universe (Ephesians 1:6). Satan makes you feel unworthy by "throwing the whole book" at you at one time. In other words, satan wants to get you focused on all of your failures at one time and overwhelm you with unworthiness.

God, when He desires to change us, usually deals with one thing at a time. "Grant me Thy law graciously" (Psalm 119:29b). God is in the business of convicting us (John 16:8), whereas satan is in the business of condemning us (1 Timothy 3:6).

However, we have passed from condemnation to acceptance (Romans 8:1). You must grasp this truth - that you are totally accepted by God - to walk in His joy. God accepts you because of what Jesus did (2 Corinthians 5:21), not because of what you have or have not done.

Who are you to judge yourself? (1 Corinthians 4:3). You are not qualified to judge yourself or anyone as unworthy...that is God's job. He'll do it much better than you (Romans 14:4).

MOST IMPORTANTLY, MANY WILL NO LONGER LEAN ON FEELINGS BUT ON THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS WORD

It is important that you try not to over analyze yourself. Satan tries to remind you of failings that God no longer remembers (Psalm 103:10). Often, after experiencing repeated carnal failings, we engage in over-actively, self-analyzing ourselves. Our thoughts start to go into overdrive which ends up with you feeling more negative towards yourself. Some even hate themselves.

Are we to listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Of course. But even after God has forgiven, many listen to the condemnation of satan and mistakenly think it is God expressing His anger at them. Your Heavenly Father wants you to have the peace that Jesus promised (John 14:27), and much self-introspection makes life not peaceful, but stressful. We are most filled with peace when we know we are loved (2 Thessalonians 2:16).

If you keep listening to your feelings, you will lose your peace because you will dwell on the inconsistency that exists between your actual spiritual condition and your daily actions (Romans 7:15). You cannot keep probing your feelings and expect to walk in His peace. Instead you find out what His Word says of you...and trust that! Then and only then will you rest in what Christ has done for you, not what you have done or are doing.

Now is the time for you to walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:14) knowing that God is not mad at you...but glad over you (Zephaniah 3:17).

OK, you may start rejoicing now...

Al Thomas

Celebrating His Life Ministries

Email: a.thomas@myactv.net

A Word to Weary Prophet!

Al Thomas:

"A WORD TO WEARY PROPHETS--HOLD ON, THE FIRE IS COMING!"

I was driven to prayer by the Holy Spirit--and it was urgent. A great burden came on me and I saw an open vision of many prophets from all over the world. Most were bruised and wounded men and women of God with their heads hanging low, almost ready to give in to defeat. Then from Heaven came an angel holding a large postcard, and it read: God Says: "WEARY PROPHETS, HOLD ON AND DON'T QUIT....

"Sometimes you've thundered My word and few have received it. Remember this, I was watching from Heaven, and I received it because I gave it to you (Isaiah 51:16). Often, you've trembled before My word was released from your mouth, not knowing if it would be accepted...but you spoke it anyway. There were those times when you wanted to throw in the towel, but you kept moving (Luke 9:62). Remember that even Elijah was depressed and wanted to quit (1 Kings 19:4). Do not think this is a strange thing happening (1 Peter 4:12). You're in good company! Like Jeremiah who could not contain the fire I put within Him (Jeremiah 20:9), you also allowed My flaming words to be released.

Some of you, as you moved along in the ministry I called you into, saw restrained but obvious frowns--even on the faces of your own family. Still, you served Me. Yes, still you obeyed My calling for your life. You've learned never to quit in spite of getting weary and sometimes, you had to encourage yourself (1 Samuel 30:6) when no one else would. I now encourage you--Heaven has taken note and angels are being dispatched to help you because you did not quit! You would rather die than not fulfill My will for your life. You remind Me of a man called, "Paul" (Acts 20:24). And his anointing will be upon you."

God Says: "WEARY ONES, I'M PLEASED WITH YOU BECAUSE YOU GAVE MY WORD TO MANY HURTING ONES....

"You've left some places wondering, 'What was that all about? Did anything happen?' Mighty servant of Mine, do not be mistaken--you did move in My 'Super'natural gifting, but after some meetings, you started to look in the natural, forgetting My Super. Much did take place in the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). Many children of Mine who were hurting, received fresh manna because of your obedience to the prophetic ministry I called you to, and many left the meeting renewed and strengthened for the battle because you stepped out on the water and obeyed Me.

You were on the mark! The enemy of your soul attacked you viciously because you damaged his kingdom and he suffered loss, but for you, it was gain (Matthew 16:18). Some of you have eaten the bread of affliction, but I rejoiced because even when you were 'under it,' you gave healthy portions of the Bread of Life to My wounded ones (John 6:35). Thank you."

God Says: "WEARY SERVANTS, REJECT THE CRITICISM, MANY IN HEAVEN ARE APPLAUDING....

"Many of My prophets who receive My approval, often receive man's rejection. As a prophet, don't expect to be voted, 'Man or woman of the year.' Some of you have looked at your calling as being small and insignificant--you couldn't be more wrong. Many of you have not become well-known on earth, but in Heaven, your name is celebrated. You've given some words that sounded (to you) like tin...but they were actually gold to the ones who received them (Proverbs 15:23).

I put (My) goodness in your mouth for weary souls and you did not withhold it from those to whom it was due (Proverbs 3:27). Because of your obedience to proclaim My word (even though few noticed), walls of hopelessness fell away from some and others suddenly gained strength to answer their calling--all because you rejected the criticism of doubters and allowed yourself to be fueled by Heaven cheering you on (Hebrews 12:1). You didn't fire back at the pessimists; instead, you simply loved them and moved on with your mission."

God Says: "SOME THINK THEY ARE APPROACHING THE SUNSET OF THEIR MINISTRY, THEY ARE WRONG....

"A second wind is coming to refresh many (Psalm 147:18). Some prophets think they have 'missed it' and feel guilty. Yes, some have failed (2 Timothy 4:10), but many have been lied to (by satan), thinking that they failed Me when they have not! Your Holy Spirit inspired 'words' are producing changed lives, birthing divine destinies and encouraging many to keep fighting the good fight of faith. Some have thought nothing was gained and time was wasted, but you did not see My view. Never forget--I've called you to announce, pronounce and sometimes, denounce! From My perspective (and that's all that counts), you have spoken My words and stilled storms that raged in confused minds and hearts (Mark 4:39).

Instead of being weary, you will refresh the weary. Fire is coming. Many of your recipes say, 'add water,' and that is what I often do before I send My fire. I told Elijah to 'add water' three times before I sent the fire (1 Kings 18). At that time, there was a drought and water was precious, but Elijah knew the rains were coming. I've allowed some circumstances to 'throw water' on your ministry and life, so when I send the fire, you will know it was from Me! (1 Kings 18:41-46). Be weary no longer! Your ministry has Heaven's stamp of approval."

"My Word that goes out of My mouth, shall not return void, but shall accomplish what I please," (Isaiah 55:11).

Al Thomas

Celebrating His Life Ministries

Email: a.thomas@myactv.net

Don't Quit!

When God's Servants Want to Quit...

by Al Thomas

Why is the Devil Intensely Attacking God's People?

He senses impending doom for himself and his kingdom.He knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12).

Demons have emotions (James 2:19). Don't give the devil more credit than he should have. Even the enemy of your soul knows that one day this whole thing is going to end and he is the worst for it (Revelation 20:3, 10).

Ever seen a caged animal cornered? They get desperate. Does it seem like the devil simply won't let up on you? Guess what? The devil is nervous. The devil is paranoid. The devil is scared. His kingdom will soon fall and he hates you because you belong to Jesus and Jesus defeated him (1 John 3:8). He's scared, not you (2 Timothy 1:7).

He senses the Church of Jesus Christ is going through Transition.

Transition means passing from one condition to another. The Church is not going to remain like it is now. We are going to be changed - transitioned - into a glorious Church, a powerful Church, and a Church without spot or wrinkle. The devil knows this.

A bus is coming and there is nothing he can do about it. "Life is what happens while you are waiting for the bus." You are on the bus. No, I'm not talking about the rapture; but the transition from passiveness to passion - from a confusing spirit to a conquering spirit; from a spiritual laziness to lambasting the devil. Maybe you better stand up (Ephesians 6:13-14).

He senses the Church will have a fresh discernment of his devices.

Read 2 Corinthians 2:11. Have you ever been in that place where you didn't know if the problems you were facing were demonic, a test from God, or simply the actions of well-meaning but immature Christians? The time is coming (the devil knows) when the Church will have discernment like never before.

The Word of God is described as "sharper than any double-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). This applies to the written Word of God. However, I'm convinced that Jesus, the Word of God, is going to be "sharper" in us in the area of discernment.

We'll be able to cut through all the confusing spiritual red tape that the enemy throws at us and we will see clearly with 20/20 spiritual vision. We won't enter the battle half blind, but rather, we will blind the enemy and slaughter him (2 Kings 6:15-17). We will rush him and overtake him and take back the goods that he robbed from us.

Remember, you are not fighting against flesh and blood, unruly sheep, gossipmongers, etc., but satan himself (Ephesians 6:12). Stop looking in the natural. Your battle is not worldly; it's spiritual and you are destined to win the battle.

Bottom Line: satan wants you to quit! Don't Do It!

Fellow saint, do not leave the vineyard God has assigned to you (John 21:15-17). The very thing you are facing is preparing you for greater fruitfulness. Nothing of lasting value comes without a struggle. Tend the flock and concentrate on your noble calling. Fainting? Read Luke 18:1-8.

Do not remove your hands from that plow. Stop looking back. There is nothing back there but a slippery slope. You know that. Look up. People are depending on you. Weaker saints are looking to you. You are valuable to God. You are loved greatly (1 John 3:1).

Do not listen to your emotions. They are a fertile field for the enemy's attack. Your feelings will tell you to abandon the ship. Satan will tell you it isn't worth it any longer. He lies. He always lies. Resist him (James 4:7). Tell him to go to his future home (Revelation 20:10).

Do not listen to the negative talk from worldly, skeptical people (James 4:11-12) even if they are friends and family. Listen to your Father in Heaven. Some have never faced a battle like this. Perhaps you think at times that you are not going to make it. Some are not only fed up and ready to throw in the towel, but the whole kit and caboodle. Don't do it.

God is fashioning you for better things. Do not live by your carnal desires and human understanding. More important than avoiding the negativity of others is to stop being negative yourself! Bring those thoughts unto the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Remember, Jesus is your burden-bearer. This trial will end. God is a master artist. You are being made into something beautiful (1 John 3:2) because God is beautiful (Psalm 90:17). As for now, you only see a small part of the picture. Let His master strokes have their way and you get out of the way. Your untrained brush will simply ruin a masterpiece in the making.

The flood, the fire, the wind and the waves will not overtake you! "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:2).

Even in your weakness, God "will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail" (Isaiah 58:11).

Listen, you're going to make it. Yes, you've made mistakes, but He is protecting you and gently guiding your life into the place of victory. Some of you have been in the desert for years. Before he began his ministry, Paul served time in the desert (Galatians 1:17) and now you are about to come out of yours. Don't fear, you'll come through this and then you will start shouting like never before!

So get up, dust yourself off and take a stand! The devil is afraid, not you.

Al Thomas

Celebrating His Life Ministries

Email: a.thomas@myactv.net