Romans 8:6, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Romans 15:33, "Now the God of peace be with you all."

2 Peter 3:13,14, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

I have never counted the times that the word "peace" is in the Bible, but I know that it rings and flows throughout the entire scope of the Bible. In fact, in the Old Testament, Isaiah states in chapter 52:7, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation that saith unto Zion - Thy God reigneth!"

The angels also gave a resounding cry of worship and praise as they proclaimed the birth of Christ,

"GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TO MEN" (Luke 2:14).

Every human being knows that there must be some kind of peace available because he is constantly searching for it. If you stood on a street corner and asked each person what they wanted most out of life, a large number would say they are searching for peace. What is real peace? How would you define the kind of peace that you need?

I like to think of peace as total well being. This means that I am contented and thankful for life and for the position that I hold in life. I have a deep calmness and rest within at all times. This does not mean there are never any problems or troubles that come, but it does mean that I can have a supernatural supply of peace from the river of God that never runs dry.

The original meaning of the word peace as it is used in Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind (thoughts or imaginations) is stayed on thee:  because he trusteth in thee." The original Hebrew says that this kind of peace means to be safe, well, happy, friendly, at rest, and to have health and prosperity. The New Testament writers give us further enlightment as we look at several verses that show the kind of peace that God gives through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The original Greek text reveals that this kind of peace means to be at one with yourself, to have quietness, rest, and prosperity. Please meditate on these verses and just see the beautiful life of love and peace that God has provided for his people. Visualize yourself receiving the kind of peace that is revealed.

Luke 8:48, "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort:  thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."

Acts 10:36, "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ."

Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified  by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

As we approach our national holiday of Thanksgiving our thoughts turn more to the word "thanksgiving". Hopefully, we as Christians will see this not as just a calendar event, but as another opportunity to saturate ourselves with praise and thanksgiving. As we habit ourselves in thanksgiving and prayer, we tend to become people who worship God from within.

RESULTS OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING:

1.  Praise Opens the DOOR to Effective Prayer which Results in Deliverance. "Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:14,15).

2.  Blessing, Praising and Seeking the Lord Brings an end to Lack. "I will bless the Lord at all times:  his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord:  the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing" (Psalm 34:1-3,10).

3.  Praise to God Brings Increase - "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him" (Psalm 67:5-7).

4.  Praise with a Pure Heart Brings God's Salvation - "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." In the Hebrew translation, the word "salvation" means:  liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety (to be safe), to preserve, to get victory.

How can we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ live a life of thanksgiving which causes us to flow in praise and thankfulness? In the Old Testament verses, the Hebrew translation for praise and thanksgiving is the same. The real meaning given by the Holy Spirit warms our hearts as we are given insight into the thoughts of God.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING MEANS TO:

**Declare openly-confess freely 

**An extension of the hand - to revere or worship with extended hands 

**An adoration ( a choir of worshippers)  **Make a confession  **Give an offering

In the new Testament, Philippians 4:6 states that we are to present our requests (prayers and supplications) to God with thanksgiving and then an amazing thing happens - the power of a thankful heart brings peace and guards our hearts and minds.  I am reminded of my dad, Rev. J.T. Campbell, who pastored in many churches for over fifty years. When he and my mother came to our home for Thanksgiving dinner, he would always ask one of the grandchildren to read Psalm 100 just before we enjoyed our meal.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness:  come before his presence with singing. 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 his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:  be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

Let me encourage you to be a humble person and to daily express your gratitude to the Lord for his faithfulness. Many blessings!