Category Archives: Gratitude

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

16 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Am I willing to go?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Finishing Well, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

I have an unusual word for today, for myself more than anyone else.  It is often so difficult to keep my heart and mind focused on the things of my Lord; I get distracted by the smallest things, and I spend a lot of time going into rooms and forgetting what I went in there for!!!  Maybe you don’t suffer from this plague, but if you live long enough you will–ha ha ha!!!  But really, it is a constant battle to keep my mind, heart, and feet on the right track.  I pray that you will join me in praying to have a heart like Mary’s heart of submission and obedience to whatever God asks of me!

“And Mary said,

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me

according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.

39 And Mary arose in those days,

and went into the hill country with haste,

into a city of Juda;

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias,

and saluted Elisabeth…

….46 And Mary said,

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced

in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate

of his handmaiden:

for, behold,

from henceforth all generations

shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty

hath done to me great things;

and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy

is on them that fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;

he hath scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty

from their seats,

and exalted them

of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry

with good things;

and the rich he hath

sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers,

to Abraham,

and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months,

and returned to her own house.” Luke 1:38-40 & 46-56

I love the simplicity of this account, Mary received a visit from an angel, heard the news of her impending pregnancy, and her only question was, “How…?”, I think wondering if she was to be with Joseph, or what; to which the angel replied that God’s Spirit would overshadow her, and she would become a mother by the hand of God not a “man”!  Her simple reply revealed a wisdom and faith beyond her years (probably about 15 or 16) as she replied to the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”! This young woman of faith and obedience would bear the Messiah!  Our soon-coming King!  I can’t imagine all the thoughts that went through her mind; but I think she went to see Elizabeth for a confirmation that she had really heard the angel’s message correctly (for who else would be likely to believe her account?  Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant and God did it.  Really???  Even Joseph didn’t believe it until an angel appeared to him and confirmed Mary’s story, see Matthew 1:21)

We’re not told whether she went to her parents, and obviously not to Joseph until she returned some three months later, after her encounter with her elderly cousin Elizabeth.  I can’t even imagine the questions in her heart and mind, but I know she obviously had a faith in her God beyond earthly measure, and I desire to have a growing faith like that!  How about you?  Will we “settle for” getting by–keeping up–doing the ‘churchy’ thing–impressing people?  Or will we desire the approval and pleasure of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, as we yield ourselves to the work of The Holy Spirit of God in our hearts and lives?  Help me yield to You Lord in all my ways!!!

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection

on things above,

not on things on the earth…

…. 14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 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 3:1-2

In closing, may this verse I repeat to myself often, touch your heart and mind today, as we ponder the things of holiness, righteousness, and love.  May others truly see Jesus in me/you?

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Christ And HIM Crucified??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 21

21 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 21 Christ And HIM Crucified???

I have a simple and hopefully encouraging word for today–it’s all about Jesus from one of the most profound scriptures in all of The Word (to me!)!  I pray that it will lift your heart this week, as we here in the U.S. celebrate a day of Thanksgiving; while knowing that “Thanks–Giving” is a heart attitude not just a ‘day’ of family, food, and football; not just a ‘day’ for turkey, treats, and too much dessert; not just a day of sharing our blessings, but truly a day to remember and praise God for HIS amazing gifts of love, mercy, and sustenance!  All because we are loved by the Creator of the universe!!

“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.”  John 3:16

And what did God give His Son to do?  To take on flesh, live among sinful men and give HIS life on the cross for our sin!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

And for your consideration as we go through this week, hopefully focusing on our “attitude of gratitude”, remembering the beauty of the gift that Jesus became!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:5-11

May God bless you with eyes to see and ears to hear.  May we each respond in gratitude for the greatest gift ever given!

Oh, that we will truly be found to be a grateful people, believing in this “only begotten son”, and I pray that you will receive HIS gift of “everlasting life” which JESUS bought and paid for at Calvary with HIS own blood! Thank YOU, JESUS!  (See Revelation 1:5)

Blessings on you and yours, my friends.  And may you enjoy a most love-filled HAPPY THANKS-GIVING!!!

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.”  Psalm 100:4

Amen and Amen!!!

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #10

10 Thursday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Children, Choose You This Day!, Godly Wisdom, Good News, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Love, Thankful, Thanksgiving, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #10

Today I want to share one of my favorite passages on parenting, especially on this day #10, which just happens to be the date of my mother’s birthday (and she would have been 99); and how appropriate to honor biblical parenting on this day. I am truly thankful to have been blessed with godly parents–not perfect– but a father and mother who pursued godliness. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me so!

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

6 And these words,

which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand,

and they shall be as frontlets

between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-9

 And if I might make a bit of commentary, God was telling His people that it all started with them–if you don’t love God, you can’t pass it on!  If you do love God with your “all”, then pass it on–taking advantage of every ‘teachable moment’ with your children; in conversation, in relaxation, in activities, at bedtime and waking time, decorate your home with godly reminders instead of worldly distractions!

So, in closing, this will be our last “What am I thankful for?” post for now, and I’ll see you in a few days.  Blessings on you day and remember what a blessing it is to have godly parents and a real call to “BE” a godly parent!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #9

09 Wednesday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Contentment, Courage, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Thankful, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #9

When the way is seemingly blocked before you and you’re wrestling with fears and doubts—remember, my friend, God has the answer and the right timing!

“Be still,

and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

While fear is an emotion and not a sin, we can let fear become sin, when we let it control our lives and our choices.  I have two simple scriptures that I hope will encourage you today!

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

And Paul’s amazing instruction to us has always been a great help to me and I hope it will lift your heart today.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

 Stand fast my friends—remember, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”!  We win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #8

08 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Good Citizens, Good Stewards, Gratitude, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Sovereignty, Thankful, Thanksgiving

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #8

Today I am thankful to live in a Democratic Republic, and for the privilege to vote.  I thank God for America, and I pray that each of you will pray, do your due diligence in making your choices, and then go and vote (or thank you if you early voted or sent in your absentee ballots)!  And then please do the most important thing and that is PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

Trust the rest to The Sovereign God of all.

“The king’s heart

is in the hand of the LORD,

as the rivers of water:

he turneth it whithersoever he will.”  Proverbs 21:1

And an amazing reminder from the prophet Daniel.

“Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me

wisdom and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:20-23

Blessings on you and yours, and God, please bless America again!

Amen and Amen!!!