Word for the Day June 18
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. It is not difficult. As we thank 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.
