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God gave us everything. Because of Him, we are given a first birth. We come into this life as little lumps of flesh and bone. We only understand our own needs. If we need something, we cry. Someone is there to take care of our hungry tummy or dirty diaper. Babies have no ability to say thank you to the person caring for them. As we grow, we are taught to be thankful. If someone does a nice thing for you, it’s important to say thank you. Sadly, there are some very ungrateful people all around. People who think the world owes them everything, and they give nothing. They don’t even give thanks to God.

We can point fingers all we want, but let me ask this question: Have you shown your thanks to God for all He’s done for you? No matter how humble you are or how much you give to others, if you don’t thank God for what He’s done, then you need to open your heart. Because Jesus willingly entered His creation to shed His blood for our redemption, we have the chance for a second birth. All we have to do is truly accept the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and we are able to live eternally with Him.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

That, my friends, is something to give thanks for.

Christians have so much to be thankful for. We are indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit, also called the Comforter. He will guide our thoughts and feelings if we allow Him to. It’s hard to wrap our human mind around the fact that God indwells us at the moment we accept Christ for salvation.

“In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Our understanding of God is tainted by our human understanding. He is so much more than we can imagine. After coming to Christ, we will still face problems in this life. We still live in a fallen world and face all the troubles and temptations that Satan puts in front of us. As Christians, we must seek God in all things. We need to allow Him to change our attitudes and heal our hurts.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

If we look to earthly things to fill our lives, we can never show our thanks to Christ like we should. The Apostle Paul faced shipwrecks, beatings, jail, and more. Still, he could encourage all of us to be thankful no matter what we face in life.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

I’ve found that no matter how heartbreaking a situation I’m in, I can always find something to be thankful for. I may have to look hard to find it, but that’s when seeking the things of God helps.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

This life is temporary, but God has given so much for us to be thankful for. Give thanks to Him daily, no matter how bleak your life may seem at the moment.

Do you have children? The bond of love between parent and child is strong, but there are drawbacks. Have you ever given your child a gift that you were excited about because you just knew they would be thrilled with it and thankful? When they don’t like that special gift, it hurts deeply. Maybe they do like the gift but don’t show their gratitude. Lack of gratitude is hurtful, but it happens.

What about our ingratitude towards God? He gave us the free gift of eternal life through Jesus. Remember, the Holy Spirit is inside of us. When we live our life having a pity party because of all the things we don’t have, or because we expect God to do more and give more to us, that shows our ingratitude for all God has done.

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

When I was a child, my brother was killed in an automobile accident. That was tough for a six-year-old to deal with. Sometimes, it seemed as if nobody cared about my sorrow and hurt. They did care, but I only saw my sorrow, not really understanding that others in my family were hurting too. Over time, I began to remember the fun my brother and I had together. Remembering the good times helped, and eventually, I could be thankful that I had had a brother. This lesson helped me through so many deaths. When my husband died, I was devastated. Whenever my grief begins to overwhelm me, I thank God for every minute He allowed me to spend with Ron. Ron was a Christian, so I also thank God for the assurance that he is with Jesus and I’ll join them one day.

When you look outside of your troubles and focus on your blessings, you show God that you’re thankful and you can serve him better. You will see the needs of others rather than your own needs and disappointments in others for not being more sensitive to your troubles. When you thank God for everything, you will be changed.

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing on another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:12-13).

Jesus gave you eternal life, and that’s a lot to be thankful for. Praise Him for this free gift and share it with others.

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:14-15).

The word “charity” isn’t talking about giving handouts to the less fortunate, although that could be what you should do. The word “charity” is from the Greek “agape.” That’s the unselfish love of God. It’s hard to dwell in your own grief and sorrow when you’re showing the love of God to others.

“And, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

The second birth through Jesus Christ should have brought about a change in you. Instead of the focus being on you and your own needs, Christ will help you to see that others have needs too. What hurt are they hiding deep inside? How can you help them? By showing God’s love through your words and actions. When you do this, you show God that you’re thankful for His blessings in your life.

We have come to the time of year that Americans call Thanksgiving. There are parades to watch, football games to cheer for, and lots of food. Remember to show God that you love Him, and give thanks to Him in all things. Show your thanks to Him every day of the year. He has given you so much.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.rapture ready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

I have often referred to the UN (United Nations) as the United Nothing. I have sometimes thought that is too harsh and felt guilty about being so critical. But when I read several stories like I have read this morning, I think it is true and well-deserved.

Consider the following stories:

>On Nov. 15, 2023, Reuters reported that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an agency that is part of the UN system, said Iran has enriched enough uranium to about 60% purity to build at least three atomic bombs, and they constantly call for “Death to Israel” and “Death to the United States.” What has the UN done about this? Very little, if anything.

>On Nov. 15, 2023, it was reported that the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian Territories told a National Press Club in Australia that Israel’s right to defend itself against the Hamas atrocities (rape of women and children, beheading of babies, burning people alive, seizing of hostages, etc.) on Oct. 7th is non-existent because it is an occupying power. She echoed remarks that Russia’s Ambassador to the UN made a week earlier. What will the UN do about this? Probably nothing.

>On Nov. 15, 2023, it was reported that Israeli troops raised the Israeli flag over a UN-operated school (it was one of many) that reportedly has been teaching Gaza children for 20 years to hate Jews (many Gaza children have likely grown up to be terrorists, and some may have been involved in the Oct. 7 rapes, beheadings, etc.). During the 20 years that this was going on, what did the UN do to stop this? It looks like the UN ignored it for 20 years.

>On Nov. 15, 2023, Israel reported that dozens of Israeli troops entered Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, and they found weapons, ammunition, and a tunnel in the basement. It has been common knowledge for several years that Hamas was using hospitals, that there were tunnels under and near them, and that it is a violation of the Geneva Convention and other rules of war. So, what has the UN done about this? As far as I can tell, nothing.

>On Nov. 15, 2023, Hezbollah in Lebanon claimed that it had struck eight targets in Israel; this has been going on for years, the UN has troops near Lebanon’s border with Israel, they know that Hezbollah keeps attacking Israel. So, what has the UN done about it? Very little, if anything.

The United Nothing (oops, I mean the United Nations) has been around for more than 70 years, and most people I know believe the world is in a mess.

It distorts the truth, is anti-Israel, anti-Christian, and is working to establish a world government that will be the most evil, corrupt failure in human history.

There have been reports of UN troops raping women, trafficking in drugs, and more.

The U.S. is the largest contributor to the United Nothing, and I truly wonder what U.S. citizens are getting for their money.

(More: On Nov. 16, 2023, Florida Gov. DeSantis promised to defund the UN if he is elected Pres. of the U.S.)

(More: On Nov. 16, 2023, a spokesman for Netanyahu condemned International agencies and officials (the United Nothing) for allowing Hamas to turn Gaza’s hospitals into terror bases and not doing anything about it. He asked, “Why do you continue to do propaganda for Hamas instead of doing your jobs?”)

(More: On Nov. 20, 2023, Israel accused the UN and WHO of war crimes for not doing anything about Hamas using their hospitals for their terrorist activities (protection, command centers, storage of weapons, etc.)

(My opinion: Globalists who want to establish a world government and let the UN and WHO have authority over it are demonic or mentally ill.)

Here are some stories that made the news this week:

One, going back to the United Nothing and Nov. 15, 2023 (the same day as mentioned above): the UN Security Council passed a resolution that calls for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors” for “a sufficient number of days” to allow full, rapid, safe, and unhindered access for UN agencies and partners throughout Gaza. The resolution also calls for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access.”

Two days later, on Nov. 17, 2023, Joseph A. Klein (author and UN Columnist for the Canadian Free Press) wrote that there are at least three flaws in the resolution:

First, there is no condemnation of Hamas for beheading babies, burning people alive, or any of their other atrocities.
Second, there is no set time limit on the pauses, no definition of what a sufficient number of days means, and everyone knows that lengthy UN-required pauses will give Hamas time to regroup and rearm.
Third, the UN Security Council resolution calls for (but does not require or demand) the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and it does not refer to Hamas or any of its terrorist allies as terrorists.

So, what does the resolution do? Probably nothing but give the UN, the media, and others grounds to condemn Israel.

Here is a link to Klein’s article:

https://canadafreepress.com/article/un-security-council-resolution-on-gaza-war-passes-without-condemning-hamas

Two, concerning the days of Noah (wickedness) at the end of the age: on Nov. 17, 2023, Memphis, TN, police chief C. J. Davis said crime is out of control in her city.

According to Davis, sending in troops will not change anything if the criminals are not kept in jail.

(More: On Nov. 18, 2023, it was reported that the mayor of Washington, DC, has declared a public emergency because of the increase in juvenile crime and drug fatalities. The situation is so bad that some residents now call the city a war zone.)

Three, concerning deceit and corruption in the White House: on Nov. 19, 2023, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, said, “The GOP has moved closer to filing an impeachment inquiry into Pres. Biden.”

House members believe they have found a lot of proof of shady business dealings by the Biden family, and they have started subpoenaing people.

Four, concerning a cashless society and the Mark of the Beast: on Nov. 18, 2023, it was reported that the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently told the world to prepare for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to replace cash despite the opposition of some groups.

CBDCs will allow the government to track all buying and selling. (Note: Nothing was said about when CBDCs will be rolled out globally, but we were being advised that it is coming, like it or not. According to the report, more than 100 nations are already exploring the use of CBDCs, and global interest is unprecedented.)

(More: On Nov. 21, 2023, Worthy News reported that “The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has launched a virtual handbook on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to serve as a reference guide for Central Banks, aiming to facilitate the implementation of CBDCs and the transition towards a cashless society.”)

Five, concerning a deliberate population reduction: on Nov. 19, 2023, The Expose reported that the UK government Office for National Statistics recently released data on deaths of those who were never vaccinated for Covid-19 versus those who had been vaccinated; those that had been vaccinated three times (booster); and those that had been vaccinated four times (double booster).

According to the government report, 95% of those who died between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, had been vaccinated, and 94% of those who died during that time had triple or quadruple vaccinations.

Six, concerning climate change and lab-grown meat: on Nov. 21, 2023, The New American reported that Italy recently “passed a law prohibiting the production, sale, import, and export of lab-grown meat and other synthetic foods, including the insect-based ones.”

Sadly, Italy is the only country to do that.

Seven, concerning corruption in the 2020 elections: on Nov. 20, 2023, a U.S. District Judge in Georgia ruled that voting machine critics are not conspiracy theorists. Judge Amy Totenberg said there is sufficient reason to believe that the electronic voting machines used by the State of Georgia have substantial flaws.”

The case will now wind up in a higher court.

Eight, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog (Russia, Iran, and others attacking Israel in the latter years and latter days: on Nov. 21, 2023, it was reported that:

The U.S. is concerned that Iran may soon start supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.
Russia is helping Iran improve its satellite collection capabilities, and it may start helping Iran improve its missiles, air defense, and military electronics weapons.

Nine, concerning the return of Jews to the Promised Land at the end of the age: on Nov. 21, 2023, the head of a major Israeli immigration agency said he expects the current hostilities toward Jews in foreign nations to cause more than one million Jews to relocate to Israel in the coming years.

Here are some daily updates on Israel’s war with Hamas:

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 (Day 41)

Israel found the body of one of the hostages (a 65-year-old mother of five), assault rifles, and RPGs in a building next to the Al-Shifa hospital.
Israel found a tunnel shaft and a booby-trapped vehicle containing many weapons at the Al-Shifa hospital.
Israel showed members of the BBC and a U.S. TV crew guns, bullet-proof vests, laptops, etc., that troops found under bags of medical supplies at Al-Shifa hospital.
Israel is involved in a violent attack at the last functioning hospital in Gaza City.
Israel said they have found tunnels and weapons at three Gaza hospitals.
The head of Iran’s Quds Force (the foreign arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corp; IRGC) said, “We will not let Israel defeat Hamas.”
The head of the IRGC warned Israel to expect more surprise attacks like the surprise Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
Former U.S. Sec. of Defense Mark Esper said, “To ultimately defeat Hamas — you have to prevent their ability to reconstitute their military forces — that means you have to deal with Iran once and for all.”
UK Labor Leader Keir Starmer said, “A ceasefire now will not bring peace.”
Palestinian terrorists shot six Jews in Israel near Jerusalem.

Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 (Day 42)

Syria said it shot down several missiles that Israel fired toward the Damascus area.
Syria said Israel fired missiles at a town that has several Iranian-backed militias, and the Israeli missiles hit targets.
Israel found the body of a second hostage near Al-Shifa hospital (a 19-year-old female soldier).
Israel pumped exploding gel into the tunnel at a Gaza hospital and detonated it. Smoke spewed from at least three points along a nearby road.
Israel said it has found underground infrastructure and important information about the hostages; Israel found bombs, mortars, and other weapons in a kindergarten room; and Israel found weapons at an elementary school.
Israel will not comment on what Israel knows about the hostages because Israel does not want to put them in more danger than they are already in.
Israeli jets struck several Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Israel announced the death of one of Hamas’ top political leaders.
The head of Bahrain became the first leader of an Arab nation to condemn Hamas for attacking Israel on Oct. 7 and to demand the release of the hostages.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 (Day 43)

All but 5 doctors and 120 patients who are too sick to be moved have left Al-Shifa hospital, and it has been taken over by the Israeli military.
Communications blackouts in Gaza are hampering reporting from there.
Israel intends to expand its operation in Gaza.
Israel will not agree to a ceasefire until all hostages are released.
Biden called for a revitalized PA to take over the Gaza Strip when the war is over.
Prime Min. Netanyahu said Israel didn’t enter Gaza to hand it over to the PA.
Biden called for efforts to achieve the two-state solution when the war is over. (This would divide Jerusalem, give east Jerusalem to the Palestinians, and let them locate the capital of a Palestinian state there.)

Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 (Day 44)

Israel found a tunnel in a shed at the Al-Shifa hospital complex that is 10 (32.8 ft) meters deep and runs 55 meters (about 180 feet) to a blast-proof door (what is on the other side of that door is unknown).
Israel found laptops at Al-Shifa hospital with video of Oct.7, 2023, hostages on them, and those hostages were at the hospital.
Israel’s war cabinet will meet tonight to discuss an agreement to pause the war for the release of some of the hostages.
An Internationally brokered agreement for the release of some hostages in exchange for an equal number of non-Hamas Palestinians and a pause in the war is looking likely.
The Israeli military released a video that they said shows Hamas terrorists forcibly taking Oct. 7 hostages into the Al-Shifa hospital.
In the past, PA Pres. Mahmoud Abbas has denied the Holocaust, and today, he denied that Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. My question is, why do the UN, U.S., EU, and others think Israel should withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip and allow this man to rule over the area?

Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 (Day 45)

About this time (date uncertain), a senior Iranian official said Israel’s war with Hamas will expand to new fronts in the coming days. He said, “The war in Gaza is a war for control of the region, and it’ll determine the fate of Israel and the fate of the resistance axis, which will play a larger role in the future.”
Israel said its troops came under fire from terrorists inside the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza, and the Israeli troops returned the fire.
Israel accused the UN and WHO of war crimes for not doing anything about Hamas using their hospitals for their terrorist activities (protection, command centers, storage of weapons, etc.).
Hezbollah fired powerful rockets and flew drones from Lebanon into Israel that caused major damage at an Israeli base. (Israel retaliated.)
Cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel is heavier than any time since 2006.
Israel claims that Hezbollah has fired more than 1,000 rockets at Israel since Israel’s war with Hamas began.
An international broadcaster from France released a recorded interview of a British doctor who worked at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza for three months at some time in the past, and he said when he worked there, he was told that there was a lower ward going down to the basement, it was off-limits to medical staff, and if they went down there, they could be shot.
Israel released video of an explosion they set off in a tunnel that caused several other explosions in the area, indicating a whole network of interconnected tunnels with explosives inside.
Hamas has 24 battalions of troops in Gaza with about 1,000 terrorists in each battalion, more than 10 battalions have been significantly weakened, the number of missiles they fire at Israel each day has been drastically cut, and many commanders have been killed.

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 (Day 46)

Fighting between Israel and Hamas increased in several areas in northern Gaza.

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 (Day 47)

Israel agreed to suspend (pause, not end) the war for four days (Hamas said the pause will start at 10 am Nov. 23, 2023), release about 150 Palestinian (no members of Hamas) prisoners, halt aerial surveillance of Hamas six hours per day, allow some fuel deliveries, and more in exchange for the release of 53 Israeli women, children, and elderly hostages in small groups (not all at once) during that four-day period.
Netanyahu said Israel will resume the war when the four days are over, and it will not end until Hamas is destroyed and all prisoners are released.
Other nations should negotiate the release of their own citizens who were taken hostage.
Israel told Palestinians in northern Gaza to use the pause to leave and head south.
Israel said they have found and destroyed 400 tunnel shafts in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com

General Articles

Show God You’re Thankful :: By Nathele Graham

The United Nothing :: By Daymond Duck