This article by Francis Frangipane is a simple yet profound message in which he says:
Yes, thankfulness is a priceless key that unlocks much to us from the Lord. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
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The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. It is one's attitude that determines whether life unfolds into a place of blessedness or wretchedness. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns come with roses. It all depends on your perspective.
This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the shelter of the Most High God.
Our Worst Enemy - the Destroyer
Perhaps the worst enemy we have is not the devil but our own tongue. James tells us, "[T]he tongue is set among our members as that which...sets on fire the course of our life..." (James 3:6). He goes on to say that this fire is ignited by Hell. Consider: with our own words we can enter the spirit of Heaven or the agonies of Hell! (Photo via Pixabay)
It is Hell, with its punishments, torments and misery, that controls the life of the grumbler and complainer! Paul expands this thought in 1 Corinthians 10:10, where he reminds us of the Jews who "...grumble[d]...and were destroyed by the Destroyer." The fact is, every time we open up to grumbling and complaining, the quality of our life is reduced proportionally—the "Destroyer" is bringing our life to ruin!
People often ask me, "What is the ruling demon over our church or city?" They expect me to answer with the ancient Aramaic or Phoenician name of a fallen angel. What I usually tell them is a lot more practical: One of the most pervasive evil influences over our nation is ingratitude!
Do not minimize the strength and cunning of this enemy! Paul said that the Jews who grumbled and complained during their difficult circumstances were "destroyed by the Destroyer." Who was this Destroyer? If you insist on discerning an ancient world ruler, one of the most powerful spirits mentioned in the Bible is Abaddon, whose Greek name is Apollyon. It means "Destroyer" (Rev. 9:11). Paul said the Jews were destroyed by this spirit. In other words, when we are complaining or unthankful, we open the door to the Destroyer, Abaddon, the demon king over the abyss of Hell!
In the Presence of God
Multitudes in our nation have become specialists in the "science of misery." They are experts—moral accountants—who can, in a moment, tally all the wrongs society has ever done to them. I have never talked with one of these people who was happy, blessed or content about anything. They expect an imperfect world to treat them perfectly. Truly, there are people in this wounded country of ours who need special attention. However, most of us simply need to repent of ingratitude, for it is ingratitude itself that is keeping wounds alive! We simply need to forgive the wrongs of the past and become thankful for what we have in the present.
The moment we become grateful, we actually begin to ascend spiritually into the presence of God.
The psalmist wrote: "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing...Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 100:2, 4-5). (Photo via Piqsels)
It does not matter what your circumstances are; the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key that unlocks the gates of Heaven is a thankful heart. Entrance into the courts of God comes as you simply begin to praise the Lord.
Prayer
Blessed, Lord, forgive me for being a complainer. Help me to offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all things. Lord, I come this day to covenant with You. By Your grace, I will be thankful, regardless of what my life seems to be. O God, remember Your 'covenant pledge' and gather me near to Your heart, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: info@frangipane.org
Website: www.frangipane.org
Pastor Francis Frangipane has traveled throughout the world ministering to thousands of pastors and intercessors from many backgrounds. Francis' heartfelt prayer is to see established in every city, Christlike pastors and intercessors, united before God, revealing the love of Christ to their communities. He is the author of several books, including The Three Battlegrounds and Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God, as well as several others. He founded an online training course called In Christ's Image Training which has trained thousands of Believers around the world in Christlikeness, humility, prayer and unity.
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There is a lot to be said about being THANKFUL. During the holiday season, especially, we should reflect on and be grateful for all God has done in our lives...including being thankful for one another.
