First Words 11-21-22

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.”

(Psalms 92:1)

The giving of thanks acknowledges God as the divine source of our blessings. The good things in our life are not a product of good fortune or hard work---God is our Source! In today’s culture, “God” can mean a lot of things….” a higher power”; “a spiritual force”; “Buddha”; “Allah”—and the list could go on. Thanksgiving is a good time to acknowledge Jehovah God, Creator God, Mighty God, the Heavenly Father, as our “Source”.

In studying the life of Jesus, the spotlight of attention usually falls on His ministry, message, and miracles. Sometimes we overlook the numerous times and situations in which He gave thanks. In Matthew 11:25, Jesus gave thanks as He sent His disciples out and gave them power over all the power of the enemy. We can give thanks that God has infused us with the power and authority of the Blood, the Word, and His Name.

I don’t know what you are going through, but today, this Thanksgiving week, you can rejoice in the fact that you have victory over everything Hell throws at you. Give thanks! In John 6:11, when what He had was less than what was needed, He gave thanks to the Father. Jesus could do that because He knew there was about to be a miracle of multiplication. Are you in need? Is what you have less than what you need? Is the income less than the outgo? You can give thanks because God is about to work a miracle of multiplication. Give thanks!

Standing at the graveside of Lazarus who was three days dead, Jesus gave thanks. Jesus took authority over death and spoke life over Lazarus. That day a cemetery became a sanctuary of the Power and Presence of God! You may be standing next to a situation that has no life. Every day, every week, the devil reminds you of how impossible it is to change what you see. May I remind you, the Life-Giver resides in you and Life flows out from you…. the Voice of Victory is in your spirit! Speak LIFE over the situation and give thanks!

Right now, on this Monday morning, before the we gather with friends and family…before the turkey is even on the table for Thanksgiving— give thanks. He is worthy of our praise and worthy of thanksgiving:

“By Him, therefore, let us offer unto God the sacrifice of praise continually,

That is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks unto His Name.”

(Hebrews 13:15)

May you and your family experience the best of Thanksgivings as we enter this 2022 Holiday Season!