Category Archives: Attitude of Gratitude

Got Any BE’s??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #84

14 Friday Apr 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Ask God For Wisdom, Assurance IN GOD!, Attitude of Gratitude, Beatitudes, BEattitudes, Busy Bees, Change your attitude, Jesus call

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Got Any BE’s???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #84

We’re going to spend some time this morning being a “biblical apiary” — looking for the “BE’s” from God’s Word so that we may be found faithful “busy bees” when our Lord returns!

“But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face

in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed

in his deed.”  James 1:22-25

We can choose to “BE” a doer of God’s work or as James says, or forgetful “hearers only.”  Oh, to choose Jesus, HIS Word, and God’s ways is a joy to my soul!  How about you?  Are you “Being” so God can work through your ‘doing’, or have you been so distracted by the world that you have forgotten what “God’s mirror of HIS WORD” reveals?  It takes commitment, devotion, and the power of The Holy Spirit to be and then to DO, but it’s our call, our command, and can be our joy and delight!  The choice is yours and mine, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye

stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

I’d like to close with my version of the ‘Beatitudes’, which I call the “BEattitudes”, and a practical application from Paul!  I hope it will encourage you today.

“And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are

the poor in spirit:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4

Blessed are

they that mourn:

for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are

the meek:

for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are

they which do hunger and thirst

after righteousness:

for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are

the merciful:

for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are

the pure in heart:

for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are

the peacemakers:

for they shall be called

the children of God.

10 Blessed are

they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:2-10

BE ‘poor in spirit’–

those who see their abject poverty to pay for sin

and turn to Jesus.

BE ‘mourners’–

       Those who grieve over the things that grieve God.

BE ‘meek’–

       Those who aren’t weak but have yielded to God’s power!

BE ‘hungry and thirsty for righteousness’–

Those who are always wanting more of JESUS, His WORD

       And HIS ways.

BE ‘merciful’–

Those who recognize the needs of others and meet them as they are able       and directed by The Spirit (whether they deserve it or not, in our view!).

BE ‘pure in heart’–

       Those who have been washed in the blood,

and keep a guard on their heart, mind, and mouth!

BE ‘peacemakers’–

Those who help other receive the “peace of God through

Jesus” and maintain the “peace of God” in their walk.

BE aware and ready to receive ‘persecution for righteousness’–

Those who don’t ‘go along to get along’, but speak the truth                           in love and without fear.

And Paul’s wise advice:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8.

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s HIS Time, Not Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!!

15 Friday Jul 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Assurance IN GOD!, Attitude of Gratitude, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Doubt and Confusion?, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's got you and me!, God's ways are not our ways, HE makes all things beautiful, IN HIS TIME!, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Sovereignty, Stand Fast, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, The Love of God

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It’s HIS Time, Not Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #21

I have another brief word this morning—one that is precious to my life—my heart!  In fact, I have a painting in my home that has this very sentiment, and it is so true, and brings confidence, comfort, and assurance to my heart.  Assurance that GOD IS in control—that GOD IS still GOD—that GOD IS still good—and that I still love and trust HIM, no matter what my eyes may see, my ears may hear, or my heart may momentarily “feel”!  It’s those times when heartache, tears, confusion, and doubt assail our lives that we absolutely must stand—must camp—on what we KNOW to be true about our GOD, NOT what we “feel”!

We live in a culture that runs on ‘feelings’, ‘desires’, and ‘instant’ everything; from orange juice to happiness (so called)!  But to have the joy and confidence that only God can give, and HIS “peace that passeth all understanding” will get us through every issue that confronts us in this life.  Remember, We Win!

“I have seen the travail, which God hath given

to the sons of men

to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful

in his time……”  Ecclesiastes 3:10-11a

Nehemiah’s word of encouragement to the people of Jerusalem when their challenge had been provided by The Lord God Almighty, is the same word that you and I can camp on today.

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD

is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Amen and Amen!!!

Thankful For HIS Care??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 04

15 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, Attitude of Gratitude, Comfort, Confidence, Dependence, Follow Jesus, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, IN Jesus!, TODAY, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Wisdom

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 04   Thankful For HIS Care???

 

Today I’d like to share a bit of personal testimony as well as God’s Word; sometimes knowing that others are or have been in the same boat as we have been is a help and an encouragement.  I pray that we can encourage one another!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able

to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”    2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Paul was sending this second letter to the believers at Corinth to encourage them after his first letter and their response of obedience to his instructions in a most difficult situation.  He was also reminding them that he had suffered trials and difficulties himself, and he is reminding them as well as us, that we are to be an encouragement to one another as we all face difficulties in life, and God can and will use all our trials to minister to others along with ourselves.  God’s comfort and provision isn’t to be “hoarded” but shared for God’s glory, our growth and good as well as good for others.

I have wrestled with a lot of life changes and challenges of late, and while it is just that “a challenge” to know what, when, where, or how to respond to the issues that we deal with almost daily, and to maintain a godly, kind, and honest demeanor to the things that seem to assail us with a vengeance.  Paul reminded the Corinthian believers to remember how God had comforted them, and to realize that our experiences are sent and/or permitted by God for our good and HIS glory!  In fact, it brought me to a new understanding of another passage about God’s sovereign work in our lives.

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up

for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32

Even as Paul states in verse 26, “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities”, we can have absolute confidence in God’s work in our lives, and the overflow of HIS work into the lives of others, if we will but trust HIM in all things and obey as we see HIS direction and hear HIS Spirit speaking to our heart and mind—and as we feast on HIS Word!  Just as it says above, the Holy Spirit is ever working in my life and yours, in fact in the lives of every born-again believer—working in us and helping us to know how to walk “according to the will of God”!

Oh, how grateful I am that I don’t have to depend on my own wisdom, for sometimes it is in pretty short supply, but God is never delinquent to supply HIS wisdom to all who will “ask…seek… (and)… knock”!

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.

7 For let not that man think

that he shall receive any thing

of the Lord.”  James 1:5-7

Paul also gives us insight into the wisdom that we are to seek.  But remember that “godly wisdom” isn’t always welcome, but it is where we must stand by HIS power, grace, and provision—trusting the consequences to our Father and Lord!

“For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish

foolishness;

but unto us

which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy

the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews

and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Paul goes on to share even more about the difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of men.  Oh, that we would learn to recognize the difference!

“Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you

seemeth to be wise in this world,

let him become a fool,

that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world

is foolishness with God.

For it is written,

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

20 And again,

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise,

that they are vain.

21 Therefore let no man glory in men.

For all things are yours;” 1 Corinthians 3:18-21

I want you to know that as I face the difficulties that come my way, my greatest resource is Jesus Christ my Lord!  I go to HIM in prayer continually, seeking to know how HE wants me to respond in every situation, and going to HIS WORD as the standard for all things.  The Word of God is the standard that God has set, and if we don’t know what it says, we won’t know what God expects.  When I know HIS Word, I will find the confidence and power to run to Jesus instead of the world!

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:12-16

I pray that this will help you today and encourage your heart to press on with the greatest Lord and friend, Jesus!  For remember, we win!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go

and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.”  John 14:1-4

And if you don’t know Jesus today, you can come to Him today by repenting of your sin, and trusting to HIS substitutionary (He took our place), atoning sacrifice (He paid our debt) for your sin (The problem we all have and cannot cure.), and receive HIS gift of eternal life.

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3:16-19

Amen and Amen!!!

Your Attitude Matters! Really??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #728

12 Wednesday May 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Ask God For Wisdom, Attitude of Gratitude, Be not conformed to this world, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Growing in Jesus!, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Whose Sheep are You?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #728  Your Attitude Matters!  Really???

 

I just want to share a relatively brief word of encouragement with you this morning that I hope will lift your heart, mind and eyes heavenward.  It’s so easy to become so bogged down with earth’s seeming drudgery, that we so often miss the very real presence of our Lord.  Like Paul, and while I fall so far short regularly, I desire to reflect Jesus—no more, no less.

“But God forbid that I should glory,

save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world is crucified unto me,

and I unto the world.”  Galatians 6;14

We had a little crisis last evening, when we couldn’t find the charger to my husband’s portable oxygen device, and we knew we’d need to charge it to be out of the house today.  Well, last night we hunted and fretted (yes, I know Jesus said, “fret not”, but sometimes it just jumps up on me, like a dog on a bone!) and couldn’t find it.  It was late and I was tired, so I told my husband, ‘I’ll check the car in the morning’, for I wasn’t going to get dressed again to go out to the car!  I really did rest well, because I had asked God to help us; and this morning I prayed again, for I knew I couldn’t fix this problem alone, and sure enough there it was in the car (probably having fallen out of the bag), but it was there and it’s charging as I write this now.  I just praised God for all HIS amazing grace in the “small stuff”—but you see, when we truly learn to walk with Jesus—there “ain’t no small stuff” for we are HIS child, and even more than you and I, HE loves HIS children and wants the best for us.  I’m thinking of the wonderful song by the Collingsworth Family, “If It Matters To You, It Matters To The Master!” (Written by Sarah McCutcheon), for its message is so true (if you haven’t heard it, check it out on the music services or YouTube—you’ll be blessed) and so needed in our culture today!

My point is, we had a choice—and so do you—we could have spent our time “doubting, pouting and dropping outing” (as my former Pastor Brad was wont to say), or we could choose to trust “The Master”—HE who holds us in HIS hands!  And when we will learn to know HIM, we will come to trust HIM more and more each day, trusting Him with greater and greater parts of our lives!  And that, my friends, is the thing that God desires from us—our total trust and devotion.  But remember it is a choice!  We can choose to fill our lives with gratitude, focusing on the cross and our risen LORD; or we can allow the things of this world to crowd HIM out!  Me?  I’m going to do my best to join Paul and make the cross my focal point.

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching

was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith

should not stand in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

I simply ask that you ponder these things today—in light of whatever crises you are facing.  Who will you run to?  Friends?  Relatives?  TV and modern philosophies?  Will you choose Jesus as your counselor, strength, and confidence?  Or will you settle for the world’s garbage heap?

As I’ve said before, it’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  And I can’t help but believe it’s very near!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

And in closing, the words of our Lord:

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father

are one.”  John 10:27-30

Whose sheep are you?  Whose voice are you heeding?  Food for thought.  Amen and Amen!

 

Grateful Hearts/Generous Hands??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 10

22 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Attitude of Gratitude, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Giving Or Taking?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Only Jesus, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 10 Grateful Hearts/Generous Hands???

 

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man

according as he purposeth

in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able

to make all grace abound

toward you;

that ye,

always having all sufficiency

in all things,

may abound

to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Contrary to popular belief, the bounty that God gives is not for selfish consumption, but that we may “abound to every good work”— good works that God has called us to do when we become HIS children by grace through faith.  It’s not a contest, that like the world says, “The one who dies with the most toys, wins!”; but rather it’s a gift that is to be shared with those whom God calls us to bless!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For

we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”   Ephesians 2:8-10

As Paul goes on to say, we are to be a people of gratitude, because we only have that which we have received—and if we have received it ourselves, how can we withhold it from those in need, or from those whom God has placed in our path to bless?  When we are truly grateful it should produce hearts and hands of generosity.  We will be willing to share as we have opportunity, thanking God for the privilege of being a blessing!  Are you thankful for what God has done for you?  For what HE is doing for, in and through you?  For the glory that is to come with HIM. (Note ‘received’ in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5)

“See then that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools,

but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,

but understanding

what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk

with wine,

wherein is excess;

but be filled

with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing

and making melody

in your heart

to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always

for all things

unto God and the Father

in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ;”  Ephesians 5:15-20

Let’s take this apart for consideration, are you/I:

Walking circumspectly—with righteous character?

Being foolish or wise in our behavior?

Redeeming “our” time for God’s purposes?

Doing right regardless of the evil around us?

Understanding God’s will by knowing HIS Word?

Maintaining a sober mind (set on God not substances)?

Being filled with HIS Holy Spirit over fleshly desires?

Speaking godly words to ourselves and others?

Having and sharing God’s joyful song from our heart?

GIVING THANKS—

ALWAYS—

FOR ALL THINGS—

UNTO GOD (not self!)—

BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR US?

These are questions that each of must answer continually; yet as we listen and heed the voice of God’s Spirit within us, we will find ourselves gaining the victory over self and abounding in the generous, grateful heart that God calls and equips us to express before a lost and dying world!

What have you shared today?  Yesterday?  Do you plan on sharing tomorrow?  I’d simply like to leave us with a few words of encouragement from The Word; and I pray that you have a most blessed and Holy season of Thanks–giving!  Not just a day—but a lifestyle with an “attitude of gratitude” (especially in these perilous times!)!

“I exhort therefore, that,

first of all,

supplications,

prayers,

intercessions,

and giving of thanks,

be made for all men;

 2 For kings,

and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life

in all godliness

and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge

of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4

And as the author of the Proverbs reminds us:

“Withhold not good

from them

to whom it is due,

when it is in the power

of thine hand

to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour,

Go,

and come again,

and to morrow I will give;

when thou hast it by thee.”  Proverbs 3:27-28

I pray that your Thanksgiving is blessed and peaceful, and I’ll see ya’ll next time!   Amen and Amen!