Word for the Day November 19
By: Evangelist Cascille Hammack
"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's
will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thankfulness to God transforms
our hearts and lifts the heavy burdens we carry from us. When our hearts are changed by having a thankful heart to God
our minds become immediately renewed. It takes our focus off of our burdens and puts it where it belongs, on our
precious Savior. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke
upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. It is amazing how one thought of thankfulness
to the Lord in your heart instantly multiplies into many prayers of thanksgiving and praise. It is not difficult.
As we thank Him and praise Him, He lifts each heavy burden from us. Consider Paul and Silas in Acts 16:22-40, as they
sat in a dungeon with their feet in the stocks, after being stripped, beaten and severely flogged, their hearts were raised
to the Lord praying and singing praises to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. The
Lord's response was mighty. He sent an earthquake and threw open all of the prison doors! The jailer even asked
them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30 Acts 16:31 tells us, "They replied,
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household" and they spoke the Word of the
Lord to the jailer and his household. The jailer washed their wounds and they baptized them all.
He invited them to his home and fed them. Look how the Lord turned that situation around and received glory because
they were faithful to pray and sing to the Lord even in their dire situation. Their eyes were not on their situation,
they were on Jesus. Take your eyes off of the stocks on your feet today whatever they are and whatever has imprisoned
you. "We walk by faith and NOT by sight!" 2 Cor. 5:7 Put your eyes on Him and begin to praise
Him with thanksgiving in your heart and watch what He does for you! He will send an earthquake and throw the prison
doors in your life open. He is just waiting to hear from YOU! He loves you that much.
In Luke 24, after Jesus' resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others found Jesus had risen. Two
angels came to them and said He had risen, just as He said. When they told the apostles, they did not believe, then Jesus
came and walked and talked with them. Luke 24:45-49 explains, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand
the scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on
the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning
at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has
promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” After this happened,
Luke 24:50-53 says, " When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem
with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."
My little 4 year old, Josiah,
said, "The reason some people do not obey the Lord is because they do not believe He is alive!" When you know
He lives, you will praise Him with thanksgiving in your heart. He is worthy of all praise. Stop right now and
praise Him and thank Him, for He is alive!
If you are in the Baton Rouge area, join us today, November 19, for the
Thanksgiving Outreach to the homeless at Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless Center 153 N. 17th Street Baton Rouge,
70802 Volunteers should arrive at 10:00 am to serve, outreach will be held 11:00 am- 1:00 pm.