Thanksgiving Isn't a day..It's a Doorway!

Devotional

Day 1: Thanksgiving Opens the Doorway to God's Presence

Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a doorway into the presence of God. When you enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, you are stepping into a place where God’s presence is tangible and His blessings flow. This posture of gratitude is not about a single moment or event, but a continual attitude that keeps the door to God’s presence open in your life. No matter what you face—good, bad, or ugly—choosing to give thanks ushers you into a deeper relationship with Him, allowing His joy and peace to fill your heart. [31:27]

Psalm 100:4 (NKJV)
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you have been waiting for a breakthrough? Today, take a moment to thank God for His presence in that area, even before you see the answer, and notice how your heart and perspective begin to shift.

Day 2: Thanksgiving Produces Breakthrough and Wholeness

When you give thanks in the midst of your circumstances, you position yourself for God’s supernatural breakthrough. Just as the one leper returned to thank Jesus and was made whole—not just healed—your gratitude unlocks restoration and completeness in your life. Thanksgiving is more than a polite response; it is an act of faith that brings you into the fullness of what God has for you, turning moments of lack or pain into testimonies of His goodness and power. [42:39]

Luke 17:15-19 (NKJV)
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?' And He said to him, 'Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.'"

Reflection:
Think of a time when God answered a prayer or brought you through a difficult season. Have you returned to give Him thanks? Take a moment today to express your gratitude, and ask God to make you whole in every area.

Day 3: Thanksgiving Is a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare

Thanksgiving and praise are not just responses to God’s goodness—they are powerful weapons in spiritual battles. When you choose to praise God in the midst of storms, like Paul did on the breaking ship or Paul and Silas did in prison, you invite God’s supernatural deliverance and victory. Gratitude lifts burdens, breaks chains, and confuses the enemy, turning what was meant for harm into a testimony of God’s faithfulness. [51:24]

Acts 16:25-26 (NKJV)
"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed."

Reflection:
Is there a situation in your life that feels like a prison or a storm? Instead of focusing on the problem, spend time today praising and thanking God, and watch how He begins to move on your behalf.

Day 4: Thanksgiving Sanctifies, Multiplies, and Restores

When you give thanks, even for what seems not enough, God sanctifies and multiplies it, bringing increase and restoration. Jesus gave thanks for the loaves and fishes, and what was not enough became more than enough. In the same way, your gratitude transforms lack into abundance and brings God’s sanctifying power into every area of your life. Thanksgiving is the key that unlocks God’s provision, healing, and restoration, making you a partaker of His inheritance and benefits. [01:08:52]

Colossians 1:12-14 (NKJV)
"Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection:
What is one area where you feel you don’t have enough—whether it’s time, resources, or strength? Offer it to God with thanksgiving today, and trust Him to multiply and restore what you need.

Day 5: A Cheerful, Thankful Heart Is the Cure

A merry heart does good like medicine; laughter and joy are God’s cure for discouragement, heaviness, and lack. Choosing to rejoice and give thanks, even in difficult times, brings healing to your soul and strength to your spirit. This attitude of gratitude is not just for your benefit—it overflows to others, reflecting Christ and spreading hope. Keep God’s promises in front of you, rehearse His goodness, and let thanksgiving be your continual response, knowing that you are qualified, loved, and more than a conqueror in Christ. [01:01:22]

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
"A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones."

Reflection:
What is one thing that brings you genuine joy or makes you laugh? Intentionally make space for it today, and as you do, thank God for His gift of joy and healing in your life.

Sermon Summary

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday or a single day on the calendar—it is a doorway into the presence, power, and provision of God. When we choose to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, we are not just following a tradition, but stepping into a spiritual reality where God’s goodness, mercy, and breakthrough are made manifest in our lives. The act of giving thanks is not dependent on our circumstances; rather, it is a discipline and a weapon that keeps the door to God’s presence open, regardless of whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley.

We see throughout Scripture that thanksgiving is the key to experiencing God’s fullness. The leper who returned to thank Jesus was not only healed, but made whole—restored completely. Paul, in the midst of a shipwreck, gave thanks and encouraged others to be of good cheer, and God delivered them all. Even in the darkest prison, Paul and Silas praised God before their chains fell off, demonstrating that praise and thanksgiving precede breakthrough and deliverance.

Thanksgiving requires humility. Like the camel passing through the eye of the needle, we must kneel down, lay aside our burdens, and come before God with a grateful heart. When we do this, we are sanctified, multiplied, and restored. Thanksgiving transforms lack into abundance, pain into healing, and discouragement into hope. It is the cure for spiritual heaviness, fear, and discouragement—a cheerful heart truly does good like medicine.

Obedience is intertwined with thanksgiving. Sometimes, the breakthrough comes not from understanding how God will move, but simply by trusting, obeying, and giving thanks in all things. Jesus gave thanks when there wasn’t enough food, and God multiplied it. He gave thanks even on the night He was betrayed, focusing on the promise rather than the pain. When we give thanks, we are qualified to partake in the inheritance of the saints, to receive God’s benefits, and to walk in His will.

Let us not drift away from these truths. Continually rehearse God’s promises, keep thanksgiving on your lips, and remember that you are qualified, loved, and equipped for every good work. Thanksgiving is not just a day—it is a lifestyle, a doorway, and a weapon that keeps us in the presence and blessing of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Thanksgiving is a Doorway to God’s Presence Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a spiritual doorway that ushers us into God’s presence. When we give thanks, we open ourselves to His joy, peace, and glory, regardless of our circumstances. This posture of gratitude keeps us connected to God and allows His fullness to flow in our lives. [29:30]
2. Praise and Thanksgiving Precede Breakthrough Breakthrough often comes after we choose to praise and thank God, not before. Whether it’s Paul in a shipwreck, the leper made whole, or Jesus multiplying loaves and fishes, the pattern is clear: gratitude and praise unlock God’s supernatural intervention. Don’t wait for the chains to fall off—praise Him in the prison, and watch what He will do. [57:25]
3. Humility and Obedience Release God’s Power Entering God’s courts requires humility—laying down our burdens and coming before Him with a thankful heart. Obedience, even when we don’t understand the “how,” positions us for God’s provision and restoration. Thanksgiving is the act of surrender that sanctifies and multiplies what we place in God’s hands. [37:55]
4. A Cheerful Heart is the Cure Scripture teaches that a merry heart does good like medicine. Laughter and joy, rooted in Christ, cure discouragement, fear, and spiritual heaviness. This is not shallow optimism, but a deep, Spirit-born joy that sustains us through every trial and lifts the burdens we carry. [60:44]
5. Thanksgiving Qualifies Us for God’s Inheritance We are qualified by Christ to partake in every spiritual blessing. Thanksgiving is the key that unlocks our access to God’s benefits, reminding us of our identity and inheritance. When we give thanks, we step into the fullness of what God has already deposited in us.

** [65:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:16] - Joy in Gathering and God’s Presence
[27:20] - Thanksgiving: More Than a Day
[28:28] - The Table Prepared in Adversity
[29:30] - Thanksgiving as a Doorway
[31:13] - Demonstrating God’s Goodness
[32:42] - Thanksgiving Opens God’s Presence
[33:19] - Blessing God at All Times
[34:57] - Praising God Before the Breakthrough
[37:09] - Continual Praise Keeps the Door Open
[37:55] - Humility and Laying Down Burdens
[39:22] - Thanksgiving Produces Wholeness
[44:24] - Thanksgiving Lifts Burdens
[47:35] - Do Not Be Afraid—Take Heart
[51:39] - Thanksgiving as a Weapon
[57:25] - Praise Before the Chains Fall Off
[60:44] - A Cheerful Heart is the Cure
[65:22] - Thanksgiving Sanctifies, Multiplies, Restores
[72:14] - Giving Thanks in All Things
[84:48] - God Supplies Every Need
[87:19] - Rehearsing God’s Promises
[92:57] - Returning to God with Thanksgiving
[94:57] - Prayer for Healing and Breakthrough
[97:21] - Offering and Blessing for Thanksgiving
[100:21] - Closing Blessing and Declaration

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 100:4 (ESV) — "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"

- Luke 17:11-19 (ESV)
(The story of the ten lepers, where only one returns to thank Jesus and is made whole.)

- Colossians 1:10-14 (ESV)
"...giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 100:4, what is the “password” or way to enter into God’s presence? How does the passage describe the attitude we should have as we come before God? ([31:43])
In the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), what was different about the one who returned to thank Jesus compared to the other nine? What did Jesus say to him? ([41:32])
In Colossians 1:12, who qualifies us to share in the inheritance of the saints, and what is our response supposed to be? ([01:05:53])
The sermon mentions that thanksgiving is not just a day, but a “doorway.” What does that mean, based on the examples given? ([29:30])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think only one leper returned to thank Jesus, and what does this show us about the connection between gratitude and wholeness? ([41:32])
The sermon says that praise and thanksgiving often come before breakthrough, not after. Why might God want us to thank Him before we see the answer or the miracle? ([57:25])
How does humility play a role in entering God’s presence with thanksgiving, as described in the story of the camel and the eye of the needle? ([37:55])
According to Colossians 1:12-14, what does it mean to be “qualified” by God, and how does thanksgiving help us remember our identity and inheritance? ([01:05:53])

Application Questions

The sermon says thanksgiving is a “doorway” to God’s presence, not just a holiday. What is one way you can make thanksgiving a daily habit, not just something you do once a year? ([29:30])
Think about a situation in your life right now where you are waiting for a breakthrough or answer. How could you practice praise and thanksgiving before you see the outcome? ([57:25])
The story of the leper shows that returning to give thanks leads to wholeness. Is there an area in your life where you have received something from God but haven’t yet returned to thank Him? What would it look like to do that this week? ([41:32])
The sermon talks about laying down our burdens and coming to God with humility. Is there a “burden” or worry you need to lay down before God in order to enter His presence with a thankful heart? ([37:55])
Proverbs 17:22 says a cheerful heart is like medicine. When you feel discouraged or spiritually heavy, what is one practical thing you can do to choose joy or laughter, as the sermon suggested? ([01:00:44])
The pastor said that thanksgiving “qualifies” us to receive God’s inheritance. Are there times when you feel unqualified or disqualified? How can you use thanksgiving to remind yourself of your identity in Christ? ([01:05:53])
The sermon encouraged us to “rehearse God’s promises” and keep thanksgiving on our lips. What is one promise from God’s Word you want to rehearse and thank Him for this week? ([01:27:19])

Sermon Clips

Let me show you the goodness of God. Let me show you the goodness of my father because he's a good, good father. You know, all you come with him, you enter his gates with what? Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. And so it is a doorway for God to be able to do what he just wants to do as our father. [00:31:15] (18 seconds) #GoodnessOfGod

You are the tool for the job. You are the wife for your husband. You are the husband for your wife. You are the parents for your children. You are the person to be at that job. You are the person to own that business. You are, you are that person. In all things, I will bless the Lord at what? All times. In the good, the bad, and the ugly. [00:33:38] (24 seconds) #YouAreTheTool

All hope that we should be saved was finally given up. Some of us in our life, our ship is breaking apart. Please go back. All hope that we should be saved was finally what? Given up. Some people may say that man, my marriage, I've given up all. All hope that would be saved is finally given up. I've given up on my kids. I've given up on my job. I've given up on my boss. I've given up on me. [00:45:56] (32 seconds) #AttitudeOfGratitude

I'm here to tell you, don't be afraid. You might be on the mountain, you might be on the valley, you might be going up, you might be going out, but I'm here to tell you by the spirit of God what it says is do not be afraid. God has not given you what? A spirit of fear, but love, power, to sound mind. Hey, you have the spirit of God and what is the spirit of God? God is love. [00:47:46] (21 seconds) #TrustAndObey

How many times you're not going to praise God until the chains are off, until the doors open? Then I'll praise God. Walk by faith and not by sight. You're going to live by faith and not by sight. Faith worketh by love and love conquers all. Here's Paul and Silas. How did they get out there? They did it by faith. They knew that their God is never going to leave them or forsake them. [00:57:26] (23 seconds) #RememberGodsBenefits

In everything give thanks for this is the what will of god in christ jesus for you in all things give thanks that is the will of god what do we say our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever amen [01:12:45] (33 seconds) #YieldIncrease

Everything's been deposited into you it is all there and you get to use it and you just and it stays open it flows in it flows out it's good and then how do you get out you have this debit card right but what happens when you lose that debit card it's all there you just can't get it out how do i how do i open it up how do i get it out thanksgiving and praise that's how it comes out that's how it gets there and so when i when i do this i see my goodness the sanctification that happens get get into his will and he will [01:14:29] (35 seconds) #JoyIsYourStrength

Whatever you have you give thanks and you give to God and if you think it's not enough it's always more than enough because all God need is you to be in his will God can do everything else give it to God thankfulness God made it more than first Corinthians watch this one too first Corinthians 11 23 through 25 here's another time we see Jesus Jesus is at the table it's with his disciples and he grabs the bread and he grabs the juice and he and he says he breaks it and gives thanks [01:16:46] (35 seconds) #GodIsTurningAllToGood

Thanksgiving it transforms the lack it transforms the pain the regret the hurt it changes in the miracles it changes into life and a life more abundantly thanksgiving it restores it restores hope and strength it restores it psalm 67 5 through 6 let the people what praise you then the earth shall yield its what increase that is restoration you say well i just don't feel increased i opened my fridge the other day and it was empty and i need some stuff to put in it [01:19:38] (41 seconds)

Restore hope strength let the people praise you then the earth shall what yield its increase you just saw a yield of increase right there just for showing up the church there's a yield of increase nehemiah 8 10 it says the joy of the lord is what your strength it's your strength the joy of the lord is your strength of course romans 8 28 thanksgiving reminds us reminds us god is turning all things to good all things to good he's turning all things to good [01:25:15] (41 seconds)

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