As I was teaching Selah Grace about the early Thanksgiving celebrations in America, I discovered that the governors would decree a day to give thanks in three areas: a bountiful harvest, victories in battles & drought ending rains.There is something about having an attitude of thanks. Giving thanks to God changes circumstances and releases miracles!
Jonah gave thanks...he was spit out of a horrible circumstance, Jesus gave thanks...thousands were fed. Ten lepers, one with a thankful spirit- they all got healed, but he was made whole in every area! Jesus gave thanks and his friend Lazarus rose from the dead. The Last Super was blessed- thanks was given and the miracle of salvation followed!
No matter what you are going through- GIVE THANKS! 1 Thess 5:18
This year, let's be intentional about giving thanks in these three areas-harvest, victories in battles and the refreshing rain that our sweet Holy Spirit brings. Before I get to turkey stuffin' and cooking-I'm going to spend some time at the feet of Jesus sharing my thanksliving proclamation!
Ephesians 5:18-21...Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
If your harvest has not manifested- give thanks. Your harvest may include seeing a loved one saved. Maybe it includes a provisional need- a job, a physical need-a healing....maybe you are praying for deliverance, restoration. HOLD ON TO HOPE. His name is JESUS! Don't limit your thinking to what is possible with man. Take the little bit that you have and give thanks (2 Kings 4:1-7)! Put away all complaining(Phil 2:4) and put on thanks!
If you are in a battle, not yet won- thank Him any how! Victory is coming. With God ALL things are possible ( Matt 19:26, Mark 9:23, Mark 10:27, Mark 14:36). That is not a catchy Christianese phrase. IT IS TRUTH ( See these posts for encouragement in battle: Attracting Attack, Fire in the Kitchen , Neckline Slimmer and Smart Phone Encounter).
If you are dry- in need of a shower from a Higher power, give thanks. Seek Him. Desire- we gotta be thirsty! He promises:
I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.
DRENCH ME LORD!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!! Praising Him and keeping a "thank You" on my lips, love-jananne.
*We started this tradition several years ago- 7 to be exact. Everyone at the table takes turns reading the following verses from the Word. We all read the last verse together and then enjoy our celebration meal!!!!!
Isaiah 55:9 Thank You God for knowing all there is to know.
Psalm 150:2 Thank you God for all the awesome, miraculous things You do!
John 14:3 Thank You Jesus for promising to return one day soon!
Psalm 139:14 Thank you God for creating me.
Psalm 103:11 Thank You God fro showing us mercy!
Psalm 130:3-4 Thank You God for forgiving me.
Jeremiah 31:3 Thank You God for loving me.
John 14:26 Thank you Holy Spirit for teaching us all things.
Romans 5:6 Thank You Jesus for dying for me.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord...to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 150:6, Psalm 30:12
