Thanksgiving Preparation - Richard Maisenbacher
As we approach November in the United States, we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, a National Holiday. In addition, we recently celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles to remember that He is the Lord who brought us out of a house of bondage, during the wilderness! It is a time of rejoicing in God’s goodness during the years of wandering. It is also a time to undo bitterness and complaining and focus on His provision and grace. Even though we may be walking through challenging circumstances, He wants us to choose to look to Him, find joy in His presence, and celebrate!
1st Thessalonians 5:18 emphasizes “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What an appropriate scripture to implement in our lives as we move toward Thanksgiving. During my study/research, I came across the following suggestions on the internet that may help you apply this scripture to the unique season many are presently experiencing. (author unknown)
A Hebraic understanding of 1st Thessalonians 5:18 emphasizes that "giving thanks in all circumstances" is a command to cultivate an ongoing attitude of gratitude, not an instruction to be happy for adverse events. This perspective highlights to trust in God's sovereignty and constant presence, even amid hardship. The command is to find something to be thankful for in every situation, which involves recognizing God's provision and faithfulness, and a choice to trust His goodness despite difficult circumstances.
Key principles from a Hebraic perspective:
Distinction between "in" and "for": The command is to give thanks "in" (Greek: en) all circumstances, not necessarily "for" them. This is a crucial distinction, as it allows a believer to be thankful for God's presence and help during a difficult time without being thankful for the hardship itself. For example, in a medical crisis, one might be thankful for the skill of the doctors and the care of family, even if not for the illness.
Cultivating a thankful heart: The Greek word for "give thanks" (eucharisteo) is a present-tense imperative, meaning it is an ongoing command that requires a cultivated and practiced attitude of gratitude, not a one-time emotional response. It's a virtue that must be developed and grown in.
Trust and contentment: This intentional thankfulness is a demonstration of trust in God's sovereignty over all situations, including those that are difficult. This trust can lead to a greater sense of contentment, as it shifts focus from what is lacking to what is present, with God at the center.
God's constant presence: The instruction is rooted in the belief that God is present in every moment and every situation. Therefore, one can always find something to be grateful for, such as God's strength, presence, or guidance, regardless of what is happening.
I encourage you to cultivate and practice an attitude of giving thanks in everything during this pre-Thanksgiving season, regardless of the cultural and personal challenges that we all face!
In His Covenant Love,
Richard Maisenbacher
Covenant Outreach MInistries, Inc.
www.thecovenantcenter.com
PO Box 524
Lakeland, Florida 33802-0524
Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com
Richard Maisenbacher was born in Columbus, Ohio and began his walk with the Lord in 1977. When he was 28, he began attending a traditional church and received the baptism in the Spirit a year later. After participating in everything available in his church, he began to see many of the requirements of church life, did not line up with his biblical understanding. In 1988, Richard and his family moved to Florida to pursue prophetic training, igniting a quest to learn more about hearing God, healing, deliverance, as well as studying Hebraic culture with greater understanding of God’s ways.
Richard and his wife, Rebecca, incorporated Covenant Outreach Ministries in 1999, and began several house group meetings with the goal of teaching regarding Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, charismata, hearing God and prophetic training, with dream understanding. By 2002 the once small group of seven grew from renting a room, purchasing a small building, ultimately moving to a large rental building. The Covenant Center in Lakeland, Florida was birthed from the vision God gave to Richard to train and equip a generation in their gifts and personally hear from God. Encompassing over twenty-six years of full-time ministry, The Covenant Center’s website www.thecovenantcenter.com, contains the online school of ministry; Bookstore containing books written by our TCC authors; as well as blog posts and contact information. He also has served as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University.