Category Archives: Gratitude

Thank YOU, JESUS!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #45

26 Wednesday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's Faithfulness, God's got you and me!, Gratitude, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jesus Saves!, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Thank YOU, JESUS!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #45

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created

by him, and for him:

17 And he is before

all things,

and by him

all things consist.”  Colossians 1:12-17

 This is one of my favorite prayers from the Apostle Paul to the Colossian believers, and it is so apropos for us today, for it is so easy to let the busy-ness of ‘life’ cause us to forget what Jesus has done for us, to forget how loving and amazing our God is who “gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life…”!

So, let’s rehearse some of the blessings and wonders that God has done and is doing for us—all in, through, for, and because of Jesus and HIS sacrifice for our salvation, and forgiveness of our sin!  And my friends, SIN is the issue.  We can pay for our own sin in hell, or receive the gift of God through Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. (See Romans 3:23 & 6:23)

Remember, our salvation was and IS God’s idea, not ours.  GOD calls us to Himself, provides the sacrifice for our forgiveness, which Jesus came to BE, so that we could be “delivered…from the power of darkness…and…. translated…into the kingdom of his dear Son”!  Oh, how grateful I am for God’s truly amazing love and grace and what joy to know that our Redeemer, Savior, and KING is the creator of all things.  May we each take some time today to think on these things and thank God for His amazing gifts of love.  Think on this: Jesus, the Lord of all, the one who sits at the right hand of God The Father, LOVES you and me!  HE died to save us, if we will but come to HIM in repentance of our sin and faith in the sacrifice that HE made our sin, to “save His people from their sin…”.

Yet, we must remember that “today is the day of salvation”, and we have no guarantee of tomorrow, so won’t you call on the Savoir today, and if you are HIS, then remember what HE did and is doing for you and share it as God gives you opportunity!  How glorious to live a life of gratitude, shining an “attitude of gratitude” everywhere we go, and in whatever we may do.

“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 3:14-15

May God encourage your heart today with HIS Word, as you ponder His faithful care for us, and for Jesus, the only way!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6 

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent

me draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

A final word from Paul, to remind us of God’s sufficient grace for every need, regardless of the burden or trial!  God can—yes, HE can!  Thank YOU, Jesus for loving me, the unlovely!  Hallelujah!!!

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,

in reproaches, in necessities,

in persecutions, in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Amen and Amen!!!

What Am I Thankful For??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #11

08 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Giving Or Taking?, Glory To God, Gratitude, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greater is HE that is IN US!, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, Though HE slay me--still will I trust HIM

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What Am I Thankful For???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #11

Bible Ballistics

“See that none render evil

for evil

unto any man;

but ever follow

that which is good,

both among yourselves,

and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.  

21 Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming

of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”   1 Thessalonians 5:15-24

I love this precious list of things which Paul encouraged the believers in Thessalonica to observe, oh, that we might follow suit and set our hearts and minds on this kind of holy living, dependence on our Lord Jesus, and loving gratitude to HIM “IN EVERYTHING”!  There is something I’d like to point out for our consideration today; I’ve often heard it said that we are to give thanks “IN” all things but not “FOR” all things!  I’ve even been heard to say that very thing, but what does scripture say?  Let’s find out.  First from Paul’s letter to the Roman believers:

“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?”  Romans 8:28-31

While verse 28 is often quoted or shared in times of trial or crises, we so often miss verse 29 and following (I know I did for many years!), for while we have confidence that “all things” are working for our good—and they are—we must allow scripture to say what it says; for our confidence is not just in some “pie in the sky” hope that “things will all work out somehow”, because our confidence MUST rest in the truth that GOD IS WORKING on our behalf, not in some ethereal random purpose, but that ‘ALL’ has the purpose of causing believers to “be conformed to the image of his Son”!  Therefore, it’s important to follow the flow of this passage; God is conforming us into the image of our Lord Jesus, yet Paul also reminds us of who we are IN Jesus, we are “called….justified…and glorified” by the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross!  Are we living in light of these truths?  Paul concludes this section of scripture with a powerful truth: “If God be for us, who can be against us?”!  And my friends that is what I want us to understand in this brief study; because God not only calls us to be thankful “in” all things, but HE actually calls us to be thankful “FOR” all things—because HE holds it all!

“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 5:19-20

How? By remembering whose we are, and how we became His children (See John 1:12-14); and standing fast in this truth (which has always been truth) we can confidently proclaim with Job:

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

“And said,

Naked came I out of my mother’s womb,

and naked shall I return thither:

the LORD gave,

and the LORD hath taken away;

blessed be the name of the LORD.

22 In all this Job sinned not,

nor charged God foolishly.”  Job 1:21-22

As we close, may we remember these truths and stand with Paul and Job, knowing that our confidence is in The ONE Who has redeemed us by HIS own blood, and HE is coming back for us someday soon!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed within me.”   Job 19:25-27

What are you thankful for?  In all things and for all things we can practice our “attitude of gratitude”; because our God reigns in ALL!

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him… ”  Revelation 19:6-7a

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!!!

Perhaps A Simple Thank YOU? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 12

11 Sunday Jul 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Walking With Jesus, Walking Worthy

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 12 Perhaps A Simple Thank YOU?

 

I’d like to turn our attention to gratitude for a few minutes this evening—and yes, I know it’s not November; but gratitude is an attitude that we ought to cultivate every day of the year, not just in November, or on Thanksgiving Day! Gratitude is a biblical mindset, and we ought to pursue it daily.  Paul gives us a list of godly characteristics that we are to cultivate, and I pray that we can be encouraged through the scriptures.

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”   1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

We can hardly rejoice and pray effectively when we don’t have a grateful spirit; for we can find ourselves caught up in a spirit of resentment, bitterness, and selfishness when we allow our attitude to forget to have scripture as our guide and not the world around us.  We must reject the mindset of the world which most often is one of greed, lust, and self-gratification; rather than one of joy, prayer, and gratitude, and not “quenching” the Spirit of God!  Ouch!  There is an Old Testament passage that I think gives some great insight into this dilemma.

“The LORD liveth;

and blessed be my rock;

and exalted be the God

of the rock of my salvation.

48 It is God that avengeth me,

and that bringeth down the people under me,

49 And that bringeth me forth

from mine enemies:

thou also hast lifted me up on high

above them that rose up against me:

thou hast delivered me

from the violent man.

50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee,

O LORD,

among the heathen,

and I will sing praises

unto thy name.

51 He is the tower of salvation

for his king:

and sheweth mercy to his anointed,

unto David,

and to his seed

for evermore.”  2 Samuel 22:47-51

“I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen”!  We are to give “thanks unto” The Lord, “among the heathen”, living a life of gratitude among a world of self, greed, and lust!  We are to live a life that reflects WHO our “tower of salvation” IS!  Part of the 100th Psalm reminds us of the awesome power of our Creator—our Lord—our Redeemer—our Savior!

“Make a joyful noise

unto the LORD,

all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD

with gladness:

come before his presence

with singing.

3 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.

4 Enter into his gates

with thanksgiving,

and into his courts

with praise:

be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good;

his mercy is everlasting;

and his truth

endureth to all generations.”   Psalm 100:1-5

Even as John recorded in the Book of the Revelation:

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,

Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

which was,

and is,

and is to come.

9 And when those beasts

give glory

and honour

and thanks

to him that sat on the throne,

who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders fall down

before him that sat on the throne,

and worship him

that liveth for ever and ever,

and cast their crowns

before the throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord,

to receive glory

and honour

and power:

for thou hast created all things,

and for thy pleasure

they are

and were created.”   Revelation 4:8-11

And as John continues, regarding The Lamb of God “who takes away the sin of the world”, the only One who IS worthy to open the scroll/book.

“And they sung a new song, saying,

`Thou art worthy

to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

 10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign

on the earth.

11 And I beheld,

and I heard the voice of many angels

round about the throne

and the beasts

and the elders:

and the number of them was ten thousand

times ten thousand,

and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power,

and riches,

and wisdom,

and strength,

and honour,

and glory,

and blessing.

13 And every creature

which is in heaven,

and on the earth,

and under the earth,

and such as are in the sea,

and all that are in them, heard I saying,

Blessing,

and honour,

and glory,

and power,

be unto him that sitteth upon the throne,

and unto the Lamb

for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said,

Amen.

And the four and twenty elders

fell down and worshipped him

that liveth for ever and ever.”   Revelation 5:9-14

As God is “worthy” of our praise and our gratitude, we are to live worthy lives unto The One who loves us, and cares for us, and gave HIMSELF for our eternal life!  Paul makes it clear that we are called to “walk worthy” of HIM who died for us.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another

in love;”  Ephesians 4:1-2

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;”   Colossians 1:9-10

“As ye know how we

exhorted

and comforted

and charged

every one of you,

as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy

of God,

who hath called you

unto his kingdom and glory.”   1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

And as we are thinking about gratitude, and walking worthy of our Lord, I simply want to direct our hearts and minds to that which our Lord taught us about a life of prayer—prayer that is focused on God, in His Word, and pursuing HIS will and HIS Kingdom in all we do.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine

is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

When was the last time you/I said “thank you” to our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?   May God truly help us to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude”, walking worthy of the blood that cleanses us from all sin!  May others see a grateful heart reflecting The Lord who transforms lives!

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God,

and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:

but we know that,

when he shall appear,

we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him

purifieth himself,

even as he is pure.”  1 John 3:2-3  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!