by the late Jerry Falwell

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, I want to briefly examine how the Bible exhorts us to respond to God's faithfulness. The answer is very simple: to be thankful.

King David thought the virtue of thankfulness so important that he appointed a large group of Levites (priests) who did nothing else in the House of God but to thank and praise Him. As Christians, we must continue to show our thankfulness to God.

Here are 12 things for which we should give God persistent thanks.

1. For creating us in His image

Psalm 100:3, 4: "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

How wonderful and comforting to know we have not evolved from some ancient muddy glob, but rather have been created by the hand of the Mighty God. Like God, He made us a trinity: body, soul and spirit.

2. For redeeming us by His blood

Revelation 5:9: "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

3. For sending His Son

2 Corinthians 9:15: "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

4. For His holiness

Psalm 97:12: "Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." Unlike the cruel, immoral pagans Gods, our God is holy!

5. For His mercy

Psalm 103:1, 8: "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

This virtue is so important that the psalmist refers to it no less than 26 times in Psalm 136.

6. For His shepherding ministry

Psalm 79:13: "So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations."

7. For other Christians

That's right. We are instructed not only to pray for other believers, but to actually thank God for them.  Time and again, the apostle Paul did this. Philippians 1:3 is a great example: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you ...."

8. For victory

I Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This means we have victory over the world, the devil, temptation, lust, fear and ultimately death itself.

9. For that specific work God has called us to do

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

10. For allowing us to give to Him of our tithes and offerings

Psalm 50:14: "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High."

11. For Christ's coming millennial reign

We should be vigilantly thankful to God in advance for the story that will ultimately have a happy ending.

12. For anything and everything

I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

This is certainly the most difficult of all to do. How can we possibly thank God when financial loss comes our way, or when medical crisis comes to us? During these critical moments we must ever remind ourselves that God often permits these tragedies so that through them we might ultimately be blessed.

He is a perfect God, my friends, and worthy of our constant praise. May we all spend time thanking Him for these essential gifts to us this Thanksgiving.

This article originally ran in Jerry Falwell's November 2006 e-newsletter.

What are you thankful for? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below. read more

by R.T. Kendall

I have so much for which to be thankful. Do you? Do you show Him how thankful you are for what He has done? How could you best build in a daily opportunity to thank the Lord?

You may say, "He knows I'm thankful. I don't have to tell Him every day." Please tell Him. Do you not appreciate it yourself when people thank you for something?

Even though God can see your heart whereas people cannot, you need to tell Him. God also knows what things you need before you ask Him (Matt. 6:8), but He still wants you to tell Him, and when you pray that is what you should do.

We have a curious way of asking the Lord for what we need (even though He knows the need). We should also remember to thank Him (even though He may well know we are thankful).

How can we be so sure we are thankful if we do not go through the trouble of remembering to say thank you to the One who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3)?

We all know people who annoy us by their lack of gratitude and appreciation. It is surely true that those who remember to say "thank you" are more thankful than the ones who forget to say "thank you." God loves to hear us say "thank You" to Him and to each other. I believe that there are three principles behind thankfulness: God loves gratitude; God hates ingratitude; and gratitude must be taught.

A good parent will teach his or her child to be thankful, to show thankfulness, and to express it. God, the perfect parent, has taught this in His Word. With great care and patience He taught the children of Israel to be thankful. He was grieved when they were unthankful. Jesus taught the same thing, as did the apostle Paul.

The biblical doctrine of sanctification is to be seen as the doctrine of gratitude. Sanctification is the process by which we are made holy. It is becoming more and more like Jesus. But why be sanctified? Answer: to show we are thankful. This is why the reformed doctrine of sanctification has been called, literally, the doctrine of gratitude.

You can read more and purchase R.T. Kendall's book, Just Say Thanks!, which this article is derived from, by clicking here.

R.T. Kendall was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, England, for 25 years. Born in Ashland, Ky., he was educated at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Oxford University. He is well known internationally as a speaker and teacher. He is the author of more than 40 books, including The Power of Humility, The Word and the Spirit, The Sensitivity of the Spirit, The Anointing, Just Say Thanks! and Total Forgiveness. read more

by Sandra Clifton

Have you ever looked through a kaleidoscope lens to see a picture form, only to turn the base and experience an entirely new picture form before your very eyes? I had this kaleidoscope effect happen to me one day—surprisingly, at a time when I least expected it.

I was sitting on the couch, feeling overwhelmed by some challenges, and feeling less than up to facing any of them. This is when I prayed. And this is when the kaleidoscope thing began to happen in a way that I could only describe as supernatural of God.

As I prayed, I was suddenly led to thank the Lord, not for my problems and challenges, but for His greatness and goodness. The more I began to thank Him, the more it felt as if I was moving through a great door into His very presence—a special door that gave me access to the very throne of God ... that intimate place in Him where there was a joy beyond words, hope beyond limitations, help for every need.

In that precise moment of thanking the Lord for His goodness and greatness and His love, I began to see myself with new eyes— I saw myself through His unconditional loving eyes...eyes that spoke beyond words His love for me, eyes that shone brightly with the promise of brighter days ahead.

I was reminded of God's Word that promises us that in His presence is the fullness of joy (see Ps. 16:11). I was now living this promise! His joy was greater than any down mood or sorrow I could possibly experience! I was also comforted that His joy was available to me 24/7. It is available to us all.

The mere act of giving thanks to the Lord was an invisible but powerful door in the Spirit that could usher any of us into His awesome presence—bringing with it, the miracles of His love and His joy and His strength for us to walk in.

This Thanksgiving, I invite you to walk through this miraculous door in the Spirit of God—His door to the great love and joy that awaits you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandra Clifton has a doctor of ministry and masters of divinity from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. Sandra and her husband, Terry, both ordained ministers, have an outreach healing ministry called Sandra Clifton Ministries. She is the author of From New Age to New Life and New Age Lies Exposed. read more

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 24, we're focusing on the holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Starting Sunday, Nov. 20, be sure to visit the Ministry Today website for timely articles and features on Thanksgiving.

To kick it off, try your hand with the Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz below. The answers are at the end. Please let us  know how you did by commenting at the bottom.

1. Just before the Pilgrims came to America, they lived in:

A. Ireland B. France C. Holland D. Scotland

2. The Pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower to find religious freedom were called Separatists. The others on the ship with them were called:

A. Socializers B. Strangers C. Sympathizers D. Sailors

3. The title of the supreme leader of the Wampanoag Indians, who helped the Pilgrims, was Massasoit, Ousimechan, which meant:

A. "Peaceful Protector" B. "Raging Buffalo" C. "Yellow Feather" D. "Strong Tree"

4. Squanto and Samoset taught the Pilgrims how to plant the "three sisters" of Indian agriculture:

A. Barley, corn, and beans B. Potatoes, rice, and corn C. Squash, corn, and potatoes

D. Corn, beans, and squash

5. The name of the captain of the Mayflower was:

A. Miles Standish B. John Smith C. William Brewster D. Christopher Jones

6. The name of the baby born on the Mayflower during the crossing of the Atlantic was:

A. Atlanticus Standish B. Boatswain Smith C. Oceanus Hopkins D. Peregrine White

7. The Indian, Squanto, taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn and cook other foods native to America. He told them to plant corn "as soon as the leaves of the white oak were as large as the ear of a ..."

A. Squirrel B. Cat C. Lamb D. Wolf

8. Which one of these men did NOT actually serve as governor of Plymouth Colony?

A. William Bradford B. Edward Winslow C. Stephen Hopkins D. Thomas Prence

9. Which foods did the Pilgrims not enjoy at their first Thanksgiving?

A. Bread, milk and potatoes B. Fish, berries and watercress

C. Lobster, clams, and boiled pumpkin D. Berries, plums, dried fruit, and cornbread

10. The first president to proclaim a National Day of Thanksgiving:

A. George Washington in 1789 B. Thomas Jefferson in 1810

C. Abraham Lincoln in 1863 D. Ronald Reagan in 1984

Correct Answers

1. C. Holland

2. B. Strangers

3. C. "Yellow Feather"

4. D. Corn, beans, and squash

5. D. Christopher Jones

6. C. Oceanus Hopkins

7. A. Squirrel

8. C. Stephen Hopkins

9. A. Bread, milk and potatoes

10. C. Abraham Lincoln in 1863 read more

Dr. Doug Weiss is all about healing—devoting his life to healing the sexually broken. Through his work as a counselor and clinical psychologist as well as his many books, public speaking and numerous media appearances, Dr. Weiss has been able to help rescue thousands from sex addictions and other problems—with an 85 percent success rate.

Because he's really healing marriage, it was natural that I invited Dr. Weiss to be the guest editor of the November-December issue of Ministry Today, with the theme of strengthening marriage. We refer to Dr. Weiss as "The Marriage Doctor" in the issue—which is now available—because he's putting lives back together and affecting the very fabric of our society at a time when it seems everything is trying to tear it apart..

You can read Dr. Weiss' "The Miracle of Marriage" cover story, in which he shows how helping build strong marriages begins with recognizing their unique place in God's creation.

Dr. Weiss is challenging our very concept of what Christian marriage is. I heard his teaching "The miracle of marriage" a year ago for the first time. He says the concept of "one man, one woman" is incomplete. Marriage was really God's last creation on earth. And He created marriage as a trinity—between Himself, and the husband and wife. This is a revolutionary concept we must begin to take hold of. To me, it's the most important message of the issue.

What do you think? Please feel free to comment below. read more

Did you miss the Ministry21/Ministry Today conference call earlier this week with Dr. Doug Weiss, who we call "The Marriage Doctor" in the November-December issue of Ministry Today—now available? You can listen to our engaging conversation with the nationally known author, speaker and Christian counselor, by clicking here.

A clinical psychologist, Dr. Weiss is the executive director of Heart to Heart Counseling Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., which offers 3 Day Intensives for marriage, sexual addiction and intimacy anorexia issues.

During the conference call, Dr. Weiss answered several good questions from listeners, including a number of wives, about pornography, polygraph testing and boundaries. Listen to the lively recorded call, and discover why Dr. Weiss is passionate about empowering churches in strengthening and restoring marriages.

Let us know your thoughts about the conference call by commenting below.

Now is the perfect time to subscribe to Ministry Today—a great gift idea for Christmas. We're currently offering a special promotion that includes two free gifts—evangelist Reinhard Bonnke's "Full Flame" DVD series and the ESV (English Standard Version) Thinline Bible. Click here to subscribe to Ministry Today. read more

Check out some links below to recent stories from Charisma News that you'll find interesting and informative. You can also sign up to receive stories on your smart phone by signing up for the free app Charisma News by clicking here.

Rick Warren Addresses Rumors He Supports Chrislam

TheCall Detroit Leaders Repent for Racism

Tony Perkins Says Obama is Hostile to Christianity

Crystal Cathedral Members Laugh, Cry During Bankruptcy Hearing

Hank Hanegraaff Defends Teen Mania Against 'Cult' Accusations read more

You don't want to miss the Ministry21/Ministry Today conference call next week with Dr. Doug Weiss. Join us for an hour of engaging conversation with the nationally known author, speaker and Christian counselor on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. EDT, 3 p.m. CDT, 2 p.m. MDT and 1 p.m. PDT.

Here is the call information: Dial-in number (712) 432-1001; access code: 465167955#. Listen in as we to talk to Dr. Weiss about strengthening marriage, the theme of the November-December issue of Ministry Today, now available.

A clinical psychologist, Dr. Weiss is the executive director of Heart to Heart Counseling Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., which offers 3 Day Intensives for marriage, sexual addiction and intimacy anorexia issues (drdougweiss.com).

He has helped save thousands from sex addictions in the last 20 years. Today, he is passionate about empowering churches in strengthening and restoring marriages. You can read my "Healing Marriages One at a Time" introductory article about Dr. Weiss in the magazine's latest issue, now available, by clicking here.

You will want to get a copy of the magazine because the issue is full of good material by nationally respected leaders such as Gary Smalley, Dr. Tim Clinton, pastor Jimmy Evans, and Larry and Jonathan Stockstill—who were Ministry Today guest editors last year on the issue of "integrity." So there is plenty here to minister to you in your own brokenness, and to help heal those whom God has entrusted into your care as a leader.

Now is the perfect time to subscribe to Ministry Today—a great gift idea for Christmas. We're currently offering a special promotion that includes two free gifts—evangelist Reinhard Bonnke's "Full Flame" DVD series and the ESV (English Standard Version) Thinline Bible. Click here to subscribe to Ministry Today. read more

We're excited to have finalized next year's guest editors lineup and themes for Ministry Today, which is better than ever, as you can see below.

• January/February: Bishop Harry R. Jackson Jr. on Christian Political Action

• March/April: Robert Stearns on Christian Zionism

• May/June: Bill Johnson on Revival and Healing

• July/August: R.T. Kendall on Preaching (Balancing the Word and the Spirit)

• September/October: Joyce Meyer on "Loving Out Loud: Radical Generosity"

• November/December: Joey Bonifacio on Discipleship

In the past year, the Ministry Today "brand" has grown more than 200 percent. Our guest editors have brought new vitality to the magazine, while helping pastors and leaders grow both in ministry and personally. Our 2012 guest editors lineup promises to continue to bring valuable teaching and ministry insight to pastors and leaders.

Now is the time to reserve your best advertising space, as premium space is reserving fast. You don't want you to miss out on reaching thousands of Ministry Today readers with your product/services/books or conferences in 2012.

For more information on advertising, contact Ann Marie Kelly at AMKelly@charismamedia.com, call her at 407-333-7158 or click here. read more

Dr. Doug Weiss is all about healing. He has devoted his life to healing the sexually broken. Through his work as a counselor and clinical psychologist as well as his many books, public speaking and numerous media appearances, Dr. Weiss has been able to help rescue thousands from sex addictions and other problems. He claims an 85 percent success rate. He personally understands sexual addiction, and has been successfully sober for more than 24 years.

Since the late 1990s, I've had the privilege of publishing several of his books, including The Final Freedom; Get A Grip; The 7 Love Agreements; Intimacy; Sex, God And Men; and 30-Day Marriage Makeover.

In 30-Day Marriage Makeover, Dr. Weiss discusses the power of intimacy and explains how couples can experience the abundant life Jesus promised—yes, even in marriage.

"Throughout my years of counseling, I have discovered that many marriages lack structures to encourage intimacy," he writes. "We grow up believing that one day we will get married and live happily ever after. We enter marriage ill equipped for intimacy and are disappointed when our husband or wife doesn't possess the secret code to intimacy either."

In this 30-day, step-by-step guide, Dr. Weiss uses his biblical knowledge and counseling experience to help couples strengthen their relationship with Christ, which will in turn deepen their relationship with each other. "I have been married for many years, and as we have applied these principles to our marriage, we have continued to grow closer and stronger together," he says. "Throughout the years, these principles have given life to my wife, to many of my clients and to me.

"Understand that passion is a result of setting priorities," Dr. Weiss adds. "Too many people attempt to get back the passion instead of getting back their priorities. Once you get the priorities back, the passion follows and grows naturally."

Click here to read an excerpt from the book and here to purchase 30-Day Marriage Makeover. read more

Check out some links below to recent stories from Charisma News that you'll find informative and intriguing. You can also sign up to receive stories on your smart phone by signing up for the free app Charisma News by clicking here.

Michele Bachmann Discusses Her Charismatic Roots

Can Controversial Film Sway Mississippi Voters to Ban Abortion?

Joel Osteen Discusses Views on End Times and Heaven

John Hagee Donates $6 Million to Jewish Charities

'Anonymous' Movie Attacks Christianity read more

A recent salvo against the 2011 edition of the New International Version (NIV) is not likely to resolve the 20-year divide over gender-neutral language in modern Bible translations. Yet the latest round of debate is spilling into the pew, making it a concern for every pastor.

Released originally in 1978 and updated in 1984, the NIV is today’s best-selling Bible in charismatic and evangelical circles. It isn’t the only version that upsets critics of modern adaptations, but it attracts far more attention than such versions as the New Living, New Revised Standard or New Century Bibles.

Gender references in the Today’s NIV that debuted in New Testament form in 2002 and the complete Bible in 2005 prompted intense criticism over the inclusion of gender-neutral language. In 2009, rights holder Biblica announced an update that would supplant the TNIV. This occurred with the release in March of the new NIV, published by Zondervan. read more

You don't want to miss the Ministry21/Ministry Today conference call today with leadership expert Tim Elmore. Join us for an hour of interesting conversation with the founder and president of Growing Leaders at 4 p.m. EDT, 3 p.m. CDT, 2 p.m. MDT and 1 p.m. PDT.

Call in to listen to Tim, and share this with your friends. Here is the call information: Dial-in number (712) 432-1001; access code: 459091245#.

Based in Norcross, Ga., Growing Leaders is a nonprofit organization that develops emerging leaders. Tim and his team equip students to think and act like authentic, servant leaders. Tim has spoken to more than 250,000 students, faculty and staff on hundreds of campuses across the country. He has taught leadership and mentoring at universities on every continent of the world. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, he has written more than 20 books, including the best-selling Habitudes.

Listen in as we to talk to Tim about leadership, the theme of the September-October issue of Ministry Today. You can read Tim's article on "Wired for Influence" in the magazine's latest issue, now available, by clicking here.

Click here to read some of the testimonials about Ministry21 Network, and here to find out how you can be part of this exciting network. read more

Courageous, the follow-up from a church in Georgia that made the hit movie Fireproof, continues to do well at the box office—with support from churchgoers.

The Sherwood Pictures' fatherhood-themed film was the No. 4 movie in the country during its Sept. 30 opening weekend, making $9 million in 1,161 theaters nationwide. With a production budget of around $2 million, the PG-13 drama finished No. 8 this past weekend, and has made $21.4 million at the box office so far.

Courageous addresses fatherhood through the lives of four police officers. Michael Catt is executive producer of the movie, and senior pastor of Courageous' film-making brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick's home church, Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, Ga.

Boosted by grass-roots support and bulk ticket purchases from churchgoers, Fireproof made $33.4 million at the box office, despite a modest $500,000 budget from Sherwood Baptist. The top independent movie release of 2008, which starred Kirk Cameron as a firefighter who turns to God to save his marriage, has been credited with rescuing countless marriages.

Courageous has been endorsed by numerous ministry leaders. "Best movie of the year," said Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., and author of The Purpose-Driven Life. Beth Moore, well-known Bible teacher and best-selling author, added: "Courageous is so good. I think God has something far beyond good, solid family entertainment for this film. The guys in your life will love the movie."

Courageous has been heavily marketed to the faith-based community, especially pastors' screenings. The producers have created a ministry resource site, which includes clips, sermon outlines and small group materials, as well as multiple related products. Click here for more information.

A faith-based marketing firm, Lovell-Fairchild Communications has promoted Courageous through Charisma Media.

For more information on advertising faith-based films and related resources, contact Ann Marie Kelly at AMKelly@charismamedia.com, call her at 407-333-0600 x 2244 or click here. read more

Check out some links below to recent stories from Charisma News that you'll find interesting and informative. You can also sign up to receive stories on your smart phone by signing up for the free app Charisma News by clicking here.

Billy Graham: Growing Old Greatest Surprise of My Life

Wall Street Protest Stirs Christian Controversy

Atheist Support Group Serves Faithless Christian Pastors

Prayer Event Sparks Visually Impaired Youth Ministry

Gay Protesters Launch Obscenities at Mars Hill Church read more

Mark your calendar for this month's Ministry21/Ministry Today conference call with leadership expert Tim Elmore. Join us for an hour of interesting conversation with the founder and president of Growing Leaders on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. EDT, 3 p.m. CDT, 2 p.m. MDT and 1 p.m. PDT.

Call in to listen to Tim, and share this with your friends. We are widely publicizing it, and we expect a lot of people on the call. Here is the call information: Dial-in number (712) 432-1001; access code: 459091245#.

Based in Norcross, Ga., Growing Leaders is a nonprofit organization that develops emerging leaders. Tim and his team equip students to think and act like authentic, servant leaders. Tim has spoken to more than 250,000 students, faculty and staff on hundreds of campuses across the country. He has taught leadership and mentoring at universities on every continent of the world. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, he has written more than 20 books, including the best-selling Habitudes.

Listen in as we to talk to Tim about leadership, the theme of the September-October issue of Ministry Today. You can read Tim's article on "Wired for Influence" in the magazine's latest issue, now available, by clicking here.

Click here to read some of the testimonials about Ministry21 Network, and here to find out how you can be part of this exciting network. read more

Check out some links below to recent stories from Charisma News that you'll find informative and interesting. You can also sign up to receive stories on your smart phone by signing up for the free app Charisma News by clicking here.

Samuel Rodriguez Says Obama Meeting Was Like 'Conversation Amongst Believers'

Lou Engle Takes TheCall Prayer Movement to Detroit

Survey: Majority of Pastors Experience Loneliness, Discouragement

Annual Christian Celebration of Sukkot Drawing Thousands to Jerusalem

Pastor Shot in Back of Head Heard 'Loud Clap From Heaven' read more

This month our Ministry21/Ministry Today conference call is with leadership expert Tim Elmore. Join us for an hour of interactive conversation with the founder and president of Growing Leaders on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. EDT, 3 p.m. CDT, 2 p.m. MDT and 1 p.m. PDT.

Call in to listen to Tim, and share this with your friends. We are widely publicizing it, and we expect a lot of people on the call. Here is the call information: Dial-in number (712) 432-1001; access code: 459091245#.

Based in Norcross, Ga., Growing Leaders is a nonprofit organization that develops emerging leaders. Tim and his team equip students to think and act like authentic, servant leaders. Tim has spoken to more than 250,000 students, faculty and staff on hundreds of campuses across the country. He has taught leadership and mentoring at universities on every continent of the world. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, he has written more than 20 books, including the best-selling Habitudes.

Listen in as we to talk to Tim about leadership, the theme of the September-October issue of Ministry Today. Click here to read Tim's column on how to transition from attracting followers to reproducing leaders in the magazine's latest issue, now available.

Now is the perfect time to subscribe to Ministry Today. In conjunction with Clergy Appreciation Month, we're currently offering a special promotion that includes evangelist Reinhard Bonnke's "Full Flame" DVD series and the ESV (English Standard Version) Thinline Bible. It's $100-plus worth of resources for $24.97. Click here to subscribe to Ministry Today. read more