Thankfulness as “Miracle Grow”
As we approach the holiday celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I thought it would be healthy to remind myself and others about just how important it is to cultivate a thankful heart. I can certainly get wrapped up in the spiritual war that is going on in our country. I constantly need to be reminded of the words of the apostle Paul when he states clearly that we don’t just wrestle with natural things, like politics and general nastiness, but we wrestle with all the evil and wickedness of a Satanic agenda. That agenda is eradicating the peace of God and promoting hatred and distrust. That can not happen. A spirit of thankfulness is what will miraculously bring forth growth and victory!
Ephesians 6:12-13
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
I need to read this passage daily because I see our country being ripped apart by self-serving people who are just looking for an advantage to get ahead of the next guy. Politics can be a dirty business, at all levels of government, with people maligning others for personal gain. Instead of running on the issues, people will say anything that puts their opponents in a bad light. Our current president has been maligned since he declared his candidacy and it has only gotten worse since his election. For me, hatred can be contagious! Why? Because I expect people to be better than they are…..which causes me to be worse than I know I should be.
If this sounds more like a confession, it partially is. More importantly, I want to shed light on Satan’s scheming while also bringing to light our secret weapon. It’s a weapon that, at times, I fail to use but God make available to us all. First, let me bring to light a most important challenge for all of us. We need to be “CAREFUL” how we walk. It does no one any good if we know the good to do yet just keep being foolish with our hearts and minds in the deadly fight. As children of God we are called seek the “Kingdom of God” first and foremost. His kingdom includes submitting our hearts and minds to the will of God before we engage in hand to hand combat.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
The days are evil and if we are not smart in our living and fighting will be overcome by that evil and either try to hide from the conflict or fight in the flesh rather than the Spirit.
So, let’s assume we have surrendered our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit and we are doing so daily, which prepares us for the secret weapon. If this is the case, be prepared to get “Pushback” from a number of different areas. First, there is the struggle of your own soul. Your “Old Nature” or old habit pattens are ready to kick back in whenever we let our guard down. For me, when my guard is down, the anger of “Mr. Grumpy” creeps into my spirit.
Ephesians 4:26-27
BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.
Secondly, we will get pushback from people around us that causes us to say things we wish we hadn’t. Paul says the way to avoid this and have the strength to combat bad feelings and actions is not to “GRIEVE” the Holy Spirit. The word to grieve is to cause the Holy Spirit to have sorrow or heaviness. In other words, don’t be manifesting an attitude that He dislikes and causes a sigh of disappointment.
Ephesians 4:30-32
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
So, here is the secret weapon God gives us to operate in a healthy frame of mind and spirit…..Give Thanks! Does this simple proclamation surprise you? It shouldn’t. You see, we all know the truth that praise and thanksgiving are one of the best cures for what ails us. In addition, it is also highly desired by God. In the morning, one of my habits is to go to breakfast or a meeting and start thanking God for the condition I find myself in. If it’s raining, I thank God for the rain. If it’s sunny, I thank him for the sunshine. I endeavor to first focus on being thankful because I know he desires my gratitude. It is a win-win because it’s very healthy for my soul!
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
You and I have to make a concerted effort to make room for God’s peace to take root and change us. For me, Mr. Grumpy is just waiting to manifest his old nature in me and unless I crowd him out with the peace of Christ I….can not be thankful! If you and I allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts and minds and exercise Thanksgiving by what we say and do, it will be like putting “Miracle Grow” on our lives. We will be healthier people and will make a difference that is beyond our expectations!
Questions:
1) Have you let the frustration of life overcome you? Confess it and let God’s peace enter into your life.
2) Are you ready to encourage others this Thanksgiving? Surrender to the will of the Holy Spirit and have your mouth share thanksgiving.
Pastor Dale
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