Tags
1 Timothy 2:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 5:15-20, Generosity, Giving out of Thankfulness, Grateful Hearts--Generous Hands, Gratitude, Proverbs 3:27-28, Thanks-Giving
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!