I recommend picking up Rick Renner’s “Last Days Survival Guide”. It is a comprehensive textbook of deep truths laid out in everyday language that will help you not only navigate but thrive in these very difficult times we are living in. I’m not going to sugarcoat these days; the Holy Spirit warned us that in the very last days, perilous times would come.
Second Timothy chapter 3 is a summary of what is happening around us presently. The first few verses spell it out pretty clearly: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
It should be of no surprise when we see the corruption, deception and evil pervading our society. Although it can be disturbing, we can and should live above the perilous times in a different world within the world’s system (we are in the world but not of the world)... the Kingdom of God... the secret place... seated in heavenly places (in the Spirit) ruling and reigning with Jesus.
God has given us powerful “forces” that we can access and implement in these last days. As I mentioned last week, thankfulness is one of those forces. Gratefulness is a FORCE to be reckoned with! It is not just about having a thankful attitude... it is a force that you can put into effect that will actually change the spiritual environment around you!
One of my favorite “old” songs from the 90s is “Thank You Lord” by Don Moen. I know the sweet peas roll their eyes at this one (because it is antiquated to them) but you may just want to pull it up on YouTube (the one I like is “Don Moen – Give Thanks/Thank You Lord | Praise and Worship Songs”) and join me in belting it out at the top of your lungs. Sometimes I play it on repeat many times when I’m feeling discouraged... and as I begin to raise my voice in thankfulness, my problems begin to dissipate, my heart grows strong and encouraged and the atmosphere around me is charged with hope.
God wants our hearts more than our submission. He is looking for that position of the heart… a thankfulness despite all that is going on around us. As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of something Lil Sweet Pea has asked repeatedly in times of correction and discipline… “what is it you want?” My reply is, “Your heart.” It’s not about “getting it right”. It’s about the thoughts and intents of our heart.
Our gifts (supernatural abilities) and our character (discipline) could be flawless but if our hearts are not in intimate union and openness with Father God, we are missing out on implementing the spiritual law: “Happiness is only obtainable where there is a thankful heart” (Rick Renner).
Is our inner person so connected with Christ, that naturally, relational gratitude pours out of us (because we want to) rather than checking off the box of disciplined gratitude (because we should)? You may wish to expand further learning with a powerful teaching by Emma Stark: “Attitude of Gratitude Power Hour Episode 162”.
Let’s use the force of thankfulness in our life and change the atmosphere around us. More on this next week…
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
