Dear Thanksgiver,
We are quickly approaching the holiday season where families will gather together to spend time with loved ones. This is a special time of year that gives each of us an opportunity to be with and think about the people we love.
On that note, think about the person you love the most. To what degree has heartfelt communication with him/her factored into the quality of your relationship? How could you improve upon it? The fact is that true love must communicate. The goal of genuine communication is oneness with another person. We see this truth in Jesus’ passionate communication with his Father not long before his death.
John 17:20-21 (KJV)
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
As God’s children He has made it available for us to communicate with Him directly. Our national holiday, Thanksgiving, should remind us to profusely express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father every day of the year. In the Bible, much of what is referred to as “prayer” is giving thanks, praising God and Christ, and simply expressing our love for them.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
One of the most vital aspects of our Christian lives is Prayer. As a follower of Christ, deepening the intimacy of our communication with God, just as Jesus did, will produce everything that God desires for us – to bless us beyond measure.
Most Christians today are not being taught that God always wants to do “exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think,” and thus many often pray: “Lord, if it be your will.” When it comes to having a vibrant prayer life, an accurate knowledge of God’s Truth is indispensable.
Prayer orients us toward our Father and our Lord Jesus, and thus takes the focus off ourselves. Rather than concentrating on and stressing about our own needs, prayer directs us to look up to the one who has promised to meet our needs. God is blessed whenever we turn to Him for anything, as well as when we come to Him in intercessory prayer for others.
1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
Intercessory prayer gives God and Christ an in-road into Satan’s domain. They need our prayers to invite them into this earthly realm so they can act on our behalf. Our prayers enable God and Christ to turn countless critical situations into victories. When we get to the Judgment Seat of Christ, we will see that our prayers of today have made an everlasting difference.
Philippians 4:4-7 (REV)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say it: rejoice! Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and as a result, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts since you are in union with Christ Jesus.”
What a wonderful promise this is: “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts since you are in union with Christ Jesus.” It is important to note the context of this promise, because that’s where we find the condition: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” God’s peace is promised to guard those who pray about everything with thanksgiving.
As you are blessed by your daily communication with your Heavenly Father whose love for you has no bounds, always remember that “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
On behalf of our entire TLTF Leadership, we pray that you have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving with your family and those you love.
In Christ’s love,
Franco Bottley
