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Cultivating a Lifestyle of Thanksgiving By Taffi L. Dollar

When people hear the word thanksgiving, they often think of pilgrims, sweet potato pie, and the number of shopping days left until Christmas. For Christians, however, Thanksgiving should be more than an end-of-November feast—it should be a lifestyle. Thanksgiving is “the act of giving thanks.” It means maintaining an attitude of gratitude toward God every day, and is a master key to seeing the fullness of God manifested in our lives.

Hebrews 13:15 (AMP) says we should “constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.” This scripture talks about a “sacrifice” of praise. This simply means that it might be hard for us to give thanks to God at various times. The Word makes it clear, however, that we must give thanks continually—whether we feel like it or not.

It is easy to murmur, complain, or compare ourselves to others when things don’t go our way. Understand, though, that there is nothing inferior about anything God has given us. Ingratitude is an insult to Him. It says that we don’t appreciate what He has done for us. A spirit of ungratefulness will cause us to miss out on receiving what God wants to give us. That’s why we need to make thanksgiving a way of life.

Thanksgiving must be cultivated. To cultivate means “to improve by labor, to refine.” This means that thanksgiving doesn’t happen automatically; we are going to have to work at it. We must practice giving thanks all the time—not just in church—but also at home, at work, and even when we are stuck in rush-hour traffic! Wherever we are, we are to offer spoken words of thanks to help cultivate a spirit and atmosphere of thanksgiving. This continual praise will position us to experience fullness in our lives. Fullness means “nothing needed, nothing wanted.”

Luke 19:26 (AMP) says, “I tell you that to everyone who gets and has will more be given.” When we are thankful for what God has already given us, He will increase what we have. Jesus used this principle when He fed a crowd of thousands with only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. The first thing He did was give thanks to God, and God immediately rewarded Him with increase. He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied. (Matt.15:36-37)

God has a purpose for each of our lives, and it is found in His will for us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP), God’s perfect will concerning us is revealed: Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in [the Anointed] Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].”

We must thank God in everything. Not for everything, but in everything. Thank Him when you’re sick, and when you’re well. Thank Him when your old car breaks down, and when you get a new one. Stay on the path of thanksgiving, and Jesus—the Revealer and Mediator—will show you how to get where you are called to be.

Your thanksgiving pleases God more than anything else you do (Psalm 69:30-31). Therefore, make the decision today to maintain an attitude of gratitude—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life.

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We Are a House of Prayer By Lynne Hammond

All these I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56:7 AMP)

Astounding things happen when God’s people get together to pray.

Impossible victories are won.

Enemies that stubbornly resist the opposition of individual believers flee in terror when pray-ers assemble side by side, each one giving his or her own unique supply of the Spirit.

The Bible affirms it again and again. Both the Old Testament and the New tell us about times when the powers of darkness were driven back and defeated because people linked their hearts and their faith together and became a house of prayer.

That is what we are as born again believers, you know. We are a house of prayer. We are God’s temple. He dwells in us not only individually but “collectively as a church” (1 Corinthians 3:16 Amp). And these days, I sense in my heart that our collective power is most urgently needed.

As precious as our solitary times of prayer may be and as much as we may enjoy fellowshipping alone with the Father, we are living in a time fraught with challenges that can only be met by the corporate prayers of God’s people. We are in a season when we need not just lone prayer rangers, but “the church, in all its various parts, closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied…each part [with power adapted to its need]…working properly [in all its functions]…(Eph. 4:16 Amp).

In other words, during these last and greatest days of the Church, God is looking for pray-ers who will draw near not only to Him but to each other.

He is searching for those who will join hands and hearts and become a house of prayer.

Source: Devotions for the Praying Heart by Lynne Hammond.

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You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill. Ants don’t have leaders, but they store up food during harvest season. How long will you lie there doing nothing at all? When are you going to get up and stop sleeping? Proverbs 6:6-9 (CEV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Laziness comes in different forms; it’s not always a matter of not having a job. Some of the hardest working people in the world are the laziest when it comes to financial management and planning for retirement. Today in practically every western country, many seniors are practically scared to death because their government retirement and medical benefits are being considered for budget cuts. Such cuts are inevitable because the current systems are absolutely unsustainable. I read a statistic several years ago that said after a lifetime of working hard, most senior citizens in America cannot write a check for $5000. That’s sad especially when you take into account that the average American works for 40+ years before retiring.

If you are under the age of 55, today’s Wisdom verses are just for you. The U.S. Government has known for more than 20 years that the onset of Baby Boomer retirements which started in earnest in 2006 would put tremendous pressure on Social Security. An estimated one million Baby Boomers will retire every year from 2006 to 2024. Their receipt of benefits will come on top of those already being received by non-Baby Boomers. If you were born after 1964, there is a very good chance that you will not receive Social Security at all or the benefits received will be severely reduced.

You have to have a viable plan for retirement and now is the time to start. Instead of dreams of owning boats, motorcycles, timeshares, and the like, focus your attention on being able to eat and have a place to sleep when you’re 80! I know how many Christians think. They believe that everything is going to just work out because Jesus loves them and He does. He loves us so much that He put Proverbs 6:6-9 in the Bible to prepare us for long life on the earth.

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.” (John 16:33 AMP) What is the mechanism Jesus uses to deprive the world of power to harm us? His Word! Specifically, our strict obedience to it.

Take to heart the advice laid out in Proverbs 6 and prepare for the inevitable part of life known as aging. Plan for your financial future.

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All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (CEV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

I believe wholeheartedly in Proverbs 2:6. Let me first establish that. All Wisdom certainly comes from God. However, I have a bone to pick with, not only this translation of the verse, but several other modern translations of it as well.

The point of contention for me is the use of the phrase “common sense” as opposed to knowledge. Nothing that God gives is common because He is a holy God. The word common is synonomous with impure, unholy, unclean, and defiled.

The Lord gave Peter specific guidance in this regard. He said, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” (Acts 10:15b NKJV) Moses also gave Aaron and his sons, the priests, instructions in line with this too. He said, “You shall make a distinction and recognize a difference between the holy and the common or unholy, and between the unclean and the clean; (Leviticus 10:10 AMP)

Anything that comes from the Lord is uncommon, pure, holy, and perfect. You are not common because “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV) Therefore, nothing God gives you to be successful in this life is common, to include your sense.

Stop referring to your mental faculties as common sense. The world may have that, but you have the precious knowledge from Heaven.

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People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed? Proverbs 19:3 (MSG)

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3 NLT)

People’s own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3 NCV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Don’t be the kind of person who makes ill-advised decisions and then blames God for the negative consequences! God doesn’t cause car accidents, plane crashes, building fires, misfortunes, etc. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP)

God is the Life-giver, not the life-taker; Satan holds that dubious title. Nine out of ten times when bad things happen in life, it’s our own fault and satan merely capitalizes on our stupity. The other one out of ten is initiated by the devil himself. So, drive the posted speed limit, don’t play with matches, or smoke in bed, or leave candles burning unattended. Don’t drink and drive, or act a fool at work, or fail to pay your bills on time. If you do any of these things or things like them, you can’t blame God for the negative outcome. Say, “Amen” to this!

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It’s a school of hard knocks for those who leave God’s path, a dead-end street for those who hate God’s rules. Proverbs 15:10 (MSG)

Pastor’s Commentary:

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV)

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (Ephesians 2:10 AMP)

She [Wisdom] takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. (Proverbs 8:2 NKJV)

Stay on the path that the Lord predestined for you to take. It is where your peace, destiny, and all the necessary resources and blessings for your life are found.

If you find yourself somehow enrolled in the “school of hard knocks”, let it be the first indicator that you have left the designated course or path. Don’t despair; repent (change course)! The plan for your life never changes, so pick up where you left off.

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Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Come with me [Wisdom], oh come, have dinner with me! Proverbs 9:4 (MSG)

Pastor’s Commentary:

We have consistently established the immutable fact that Wisdom makes life on the earth much easier and enjoyable. In today’s Wisdom verse from The Message Bible, Wisdom poses a question and a solution. She asks, “Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on?” Then, the solution is given. “Come with me!”, Wisdom says.

This sounds a lot like the New Testament invitation for Wisdom in James. There it says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT)

There’s no need to be confused and unsure about life. The God of Wisdom has already mapped out the plan for your life. The Word says, “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) And God Himself says, “…I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NCV)

So, accept Wisdom’s dinner invitation and eat at her table everyday. She will lead you to the path God has predestined for you!

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Wherever you walk, they’ll guide you; whenever you rest, they’ll guard you; when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next. Proverbs 6:22 (MSG)

When you go, they [the words of your parents’ God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you. (Proverbs 6:22 AMP)

Pastor’s Commentary:

God has a simple and indomitable plan to bring us constant success in this age and the Age to come. It is hearing and obeying His Words of Wisdom and instruction. “Wherever you walk, they’ll [His Words will] guide you; whenever you rest, they’ll guard you; when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next.”

As we have discovered, guessing is unauthorized in the Kingdom of God. If there’s ever a time I don’t know what to do next, it’s because I haven’t spent enough time placing a demand on the Wisdom of God. If ever I feel insecure or afraid to embrace my destiny, the reason is the same.

Instead of blaming God or others for my predicament, I should clear my schedule and get on my face before God and listen. Our God is a speaking Spirit; He’s always available to give direction and instruction.

Pause and calmly think about that…

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Whoever gives thought to the Word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 (ESV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. Joshua 1:7 (ESV)

The Lord’s instructions to Joshua after the death of Moses were simple. He told Joshua, in effect, “You can have the same success as Moses, as long as you keep My Word uppermost in your mind!”

That is exactly what He’s telling us today. We can have total success in every venture and undertaking, if we start by discovering His Will and then meditating on His Word.

The Word of God is the Will of God. He never says anything He doesn’t want to happen, so if it’s written, it is possible. Let’s look at Luke 1:37 (AMP). It says, “For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.”

Solomon, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “Whoever gives thought to the Word will discover good.” Another way to translate “good” is success. In other words, whoever, regardless of race, gender, social standing, etc., gives complete thought to the Word of God will find success! Get that in your spirit and renew your mind to it.

You’re supposed to succeed in everything you do. Keep God’s Word as the focus of your life and speak His Word without ceasing. Enjoying the manifestation of success is just a matter of time.

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Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Everything that God does is done in a progressive, yet measured manner. In Mark chapter four, Jesus described God’s method of operation. He said, “The Kingdom of God [God's way of doing, according to Matthew 6:33 (AMP)] is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground…the earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” Hasty or overnight success is a work and machination of the flesh, not the Holy One of Israel!

The physical accumulation of wealth is no different than any other work of God. The Lord promises to make those who believe in Him rich (see Proverbs 10:22), but the way that God infuses that wealth is progressive and measured. Why? You may ask. Because God is first and foremost a Father and as a Parent, He is refuses to give any of His children more than they have developed themselves to bear. When money comes too quick, especially to those who are financially immature, it is wasted. But those who gain wealth little by little, simultaneously gain the appropriate level of financial knowledge, experience, and savvy to maintain their wealth.

As you well know, the promises of God come by faith and patience. Take your time as you grow your wealth. Let the Holy Spirit, the single greatest financial manager in the universe, guide you to your wealthy place…slowly, yet surely.

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