Category Archives: Thanksgiving

Gratitude Will Shine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #410

28 Friday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Giving and Sharing, Giving Or Taking?, Giving Thanks to God!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness, How much goodness is enough?, Humility, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Gratitude Will Shine???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #410

As we have just celebrated Thanksgiving, I want to share a simple reminder that gratitude isn’t about a day, but rather an attitude, that will color our whole outlook toward the world, and shine a measure of love, kindness and helpfulness to those around us.  And while this time of Thanksgiving is so stressful for so many people, your kind smile and a thank you could do wonders for some one!  Let’s look at some scriptures that can help us put on that Jesus’ Shine!!!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all

that are in the house.

16 Let your light

so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Let me make just a few comments on this passage, for we cannot be “the light of the world” unless we know Jesus!

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Without “the light of life”, we have no ability to “shine before men”!  Just as the moon has no light of its own but is rather a reflection of the light of the sun!  So without “The Son”, Jesus, we have no light to share with the world—a lost, dark and dying world, in need of light and life!  A world to which Jesus sends us out with His light when we are born again by His Spirit.

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

Oh, to shine His light in all we do—everywhere we go—in all our ways—in all we say!  Oh, to be Jesus to someone who needs to hear and see how much HE loves them, and so do I!   How much of Jesus are we taking to this world?  Just a bit on Sunday?  Just a bit at Thanksgiving or Christmas, or even Resurrection Sunday?  How about every day, in every way, for all to see Jesus not me!  Giving our gifts in secret to those in need, rather than blowing that trumpet to announce our good works and get the credit!   How about the clerk at the quick mart?  Or the teller at the bank?  Or the checker at those crowded “box stores”?  How about to little children who are sometimes too loud, and too rambunctious?  To that one who has caused us harm or offended us!  One of the verses I had my children learn and speak to each other when they were mad at each other, still works today, for you and me!

“Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

Now, if you have nothing to be forgiven for, this may not apply to you!  Really?  Not!  We are called to extend to others the grace, forgiveness and mercy that God gives to each of us—each day!

And just to pull all of this together, the prophet Micah, made it clear what God expects at the very minimum.  And don’t devalue his emphasis on “humility”!  Our light can dim in a moments time in the presence of pride!

“He hath shewed thee, O man,

what is good;

and what doth the LORD require of thee,

but to do justly,

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with thy God?”  Micah 6:8

Paul gives us a great picture of how humble we are to live!  May we take this to heart as we go forth into a new year soon!

“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…”.Philippians 2:6-9a

Amen and Amen!!!

Entitled Or Grateful??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #409

23 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Encouragement, Faith or Entertainment?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Greed, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Entitled Or Grateful??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #409

“But I beseech you,

that I may not be bold

when I am present

with that confidence,

wherewith I think to be bold against some,

which think of us

as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds😉

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:2-5

This is a passage where Paul is calling us to remember that we are to learn from God’s work in our lives, not only in the spiritual realm, but also understanding that God is ever at work through the physical circumstances that surround us to teach us, grow us, and most importantly to conform us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, being an example of His grace in us to a lost and dying world!.

“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?”  Romans 8:26-31

And while these two passages are a bit lengthy, I want us to get a grasp on the truth that we are blessed by a God who not only loves us but also has made perfect provision for us in every way. In thinking of that may we not become complacent or become like the world around us and fixate on expectations rather than gratitude!  We are called to be a grateful people, not only by scripture, but by the very truth that “…God so loved the world (ME) that He gave…”!  He gave His “only begotten Son…” for you and me!  He gave Him to die for my sin and yours.  And if there is one passage that pictures this amazing love, grace and provision that Jesus made for all who will come to Him, it is found in 2 Corinthians.

“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

… 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 & 21

John said it this way:

“We love him, because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

I am grateful that God loved me first!  I was lost in sin—as we all are—yet Jesus reached down and lifted me up to Himself.  I encourage you to examine your own heart and ask God to help you know where you stand with Him—and if you ask in faith, He will reveal your true state to you; if you are saved He will encourage you in The Word, and if not, He will bring you to the cross if you will but hear His voice and heed His call.  It isn’t by entitlement, but by grace!  How we ought to continually have an attitude of gratitude; Paul says it better than I can.

“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 ask you to join me in thanking God always, in all things, remembering that in Jesus—we are victorious!  Remember, as I often say, We Win!  Keep that attitude of gratitude, not looking for what you think you are “entitled to”!  As the old song calls us to “count your blessings”!  I encourage you to spend some time this week rehearsing your blessings—count them, name them, and thank God for them!  And if He lays someone on your heart that you need to thank—do it!  Today!  Today! Today!

Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done for me!  Thank you for these precious friends who follow these posts each week!  Grow each of us in Your grace!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Thank God Always??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #336

04 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Advice for the journey, All Sufficient God!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Thank God Always???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #336

Just a lovely rainy morning to say thank you Jesus and Father God for the much-needed rain here in Oklahoma; and prayers for those who have suffered through tragic weather events here and around the country. May we never forget to say thank you!

“I will wash mine hands in innocency:

 so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all thy wondrous works.”  Psalm 26:6-7

“I will praise the name of God

with a song,

and will magnify him

with thanksgiving.”  Psalm 69:30

“Let us come before his presence

with thanksgiving,

and make a joyful noise

unto him with psalms.

3 For the LORD

is a great God,

and a great King

above all gods.”  Psalm 95:2-3

“Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving;

sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds,

who prepareth rain for the earth,

who maketh grass to grow

upon the mountains.”  Psalm 147:7-8

Have a blessed day of rejoicing in thanks!   Amen and Amen!!!

Humble Or Grumble??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

27 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Humility, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Salvation, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, The Love of God, The Word

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Humble Or Grumble???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

I love the saying that I saw on a church sign several years ago, and I have used it many times, and today is one of those times. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, the greed, the selfish mindset slipping in to replace a giving heart!  I just want to take this time to share a reminder of the importance of choosing to live gratefully; for the choice is yours, will you be “Humbly grateful, or grumbly hateful?”

Let’s be the one spreading the love of Jesus not the common meanness that we see all around us.  Hurry, fear and greed shouldn’t be the rulers of our attitude but the love of God that has been imparted to us who are believers in Jesus.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

 in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:1-8

God loves sinners and He saves us, transforms us and places His love within us—we are to be reflections of the glory, love and grace of our God through Jesus Christ The Son of God!  And that my friends, is reason to rejoice and be humbly thankful!!!

“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

“Make a joyful noise unto God,

all ye lands:

2 Sing forth the honour of his name:

make his praise glorious.”  Psalm 66:1-2

Amen and Amen!!!  Have a blessed and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

What Are You Thankful For??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

25 Monday Nov 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Salvation, Thankful, Thankfulness with joy!, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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What Are You Thankful For???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #292

Today’s post is a simple reminder that I have shared before; we need to count not only our blessings of “things”, but even more importantly, our blessings of the people that God has placed within our lives.  So I just want to set the example.

First and foremost, I am grateful that Jesus still saves and changes lives, and that He spoke to my heart those many years ago (some 50 years I’ve walked with The Lord Jesus), and I fell on my knees and asked for His forgiveness and salvation.  Oh, what a difference a moment can make!  Thank you, Jesus for dying for me.

I am also thankful for godly parents who loved my siblings and me and taught us the virtues of loving, caring, sharing and thinking of others, and while they are now with our Lord, their impact remains a constant reminder of the power we are given to help or harm other’s lives.  I’m thankful for a brother and sister who love me and are still serving Jesus also, my brother a pastor, my sister, a pastor’s wife! We were so blessed with an extended family who loved us and lived lives worthy of following.  We didn’t have a grandmother (as both of our grandmothers had died before we were born, and a grandfather), while we had one grandfather still living, we didn’t get to see him very often, but we were able to make up a little lost time when he came to live with us for the last months of his life.  What a treat to hear his stories (true or not—who knows) and share his life for a while.

I am more than blessed with friends, my Miss Diane who has been my friend since we were preteens; and many friends who have come and gone, as I’ve heard: some come to stay a while, some for a brief time, some for a lifetime, but each one brings new insights—some joyful, some sorrowful.  There are those friends who have left us behind and joined our Lord in glory.  Oh how I miss them, but how I treasure the times we spent together—the coffee/tea we shared—the stories we rehearsed-the joy we shared.  Even thinking of those stories, I sit here smiling as I write this.

Then there are those who have tired us!  There are those whom we have tried and had to apologize to!  Praise God for forgiveness and restoration, it is such a blessing to enjoy restored relationships.  Yet for some of us sadness burdens our hearts for lost relationships, as we pray for them!

I’ve been blessed to live in many places (I was a Navy brat!) and find friends and people who loved me and impacted my life in countless ways.  There are names I can’t recall now but have glimpses of memories that linger still.

So, why do I share all of this?  Hopefully to spur us to action.  Is there someone that you need to call or go visit to thank for their influence, help, love or just being there?  Make that phone call.  Write that note, or text or email.  Send that gift that would make someone’s day!   And don’t forget to thank God for His gift of Jesus and all His mercies upon us.  Don’t forget sunshine and rain, cold and heat, tears and smiles, a baby’s laugh, a dandelion flower from a three-year-old, God’s love and provision, open arms of grace, and our hope in Jesus’ return.

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him,

sing psalms unto him,

talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name:

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength,

seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works

that he hath done,

his wonders,

and the judgments of his mouth;”   1 Chronicles 16:8-12

And in closing a reminder of the grace of our Lord.

“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 14:14-16

If you know Jesus, rejoice in His love, grace and provision for us!  If you don’t know Him, you can!  He is calling today, if you will but hear and heed His call to repent of your sin and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours!  Amen!!!

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice, and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

 “For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!