Category Archives: Thanksgiving

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!

Control Or Gratitude??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #673

05 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Follow Jesus, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Praise God Today!, Testify, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #673       Control Or Gratitude???

 

“I will praise thee

with my whole heart:

before the gods

will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I will worship

toward thy holy temple,

and praise thy name

for thy lovingkindness

and for thy truth:

for thou hast magnified thy word

above all thy name.”   Psalms 138:1-2

I love the Psalms!  They are an amazing mixture of praise, distress, confusion, hope, joy and sorrow; and more than we can list here this morning.  I want us to look at this particular Psalm today, for we often need reminding that we are to be a people of praise and gratitude.  We all fail to recognize the import of gratitude—we want to control God—in fact we want to control almost everything much of the time—in our lives, and that as believers in and followers of Jesus Christ The Lord, we should ever be overflowing with praise and gratitude.

This is on my heart this morning for it has been a most difficult week for me, not only dealing with the continuing grief over the loss of my only daughter, but I also had a dear friend who was struggling with a very serious illness, and was alarmingly ill with, at times, what seemed like a hopeless situation.  Well, my friends, I tell you that the tears have flowed for days in prayers, in fear of the loss of my dear friend, in hope and faith in my God to heal—all these emotions, mixed with faith, hope and fear.  I know that many talk about fear being the antithesis of faith, but I think that sometimes (even though we don’t like to admit it) we can have both at the same time.  Much like the father of the demon-possessed child who came to Jesus for Him to heal the child—he believed that Jesus could heal his son, but he was afraid of another lost effort.  We are no different for if we are truly praying in faith, we are praying that “Thy Will Be Done”, and that is walking by faith through my fear.  Knowing that I serve the God Who Knows!

I have often prayed that same “Lord, help thou my unbelief”!  How about you?  Yet, God knows our frailty and humanity and when we come to HIM, we can trust to His care, His love, and His Word.  Even as the Psalmist said above, God honors HIS own Word.  He IS His Word! (See John 1:1-5).  As we continue on with the Psalm, let us consider Paul’s admonition for our need of gratitude.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

“Continue in prayer,

and watch in the same

with thanksgiving;”   Colossians 4:2

Oh, if we could simply realize the power of gratitude!  Even as the Psalmist said in verse one, “I will praise thee with my whole heart”!  Let’s peruse the rest of this Psalm—it’s so full of encouraging truth!  I pray that you and I will ponder these words and their import!

“In the day when I cried

thou answeredst me,

and strengthenedst me

with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth

shall praise thee, O LORD,

when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5 Yea, they shall sing

in the ways of the LORD:

for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 Though the LORD be high,

yet hath he respect unto the lowly:

but the proud

he knoweth afar off.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

thou wilt revive me:

thou shalt stretch forth thine hand

against the wrath of mine enemies,

and thy right hand

shall save me.

8 The LORD will perfect that

which concerneth me:

thy mercy, O LORD,

endureth for ever:

forsake not the works

of thine own hands.”  Psalm 138:3-8

And as my own eyes flowed with tears this week (and I might add, healing and comforting tears, as well as tears of earnest love and concern!) I know that God heard and answered our prayers, for many things, but especially for my friend who is doing much better.  And for that I will gladly praise and thank my LORD for hearing and answering my heart’s desire!  So, my question for us today is simply this, “Will you pursue gratitude or control?”  It’s your choice but choose wisely; there is a test!

Amen and Amen!

A Month Of Gratitude?? #11. Bible Ballistics: BBs #606

27 Wednesday Nov 2019

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #606  A Month Of Gratitude??? #11

 

I am so thankful for the privilege of gratitude!  Thank you, Lord, for the “image” of yourself that you have imparted to us—I am so glad that we can express gratitude back to you.  I’d simply like to call each of us to spend some time this weekend considering the blessings that we have to be thankful for.  For I have found this simple adage to be true: “Are you humbly grateful, or grumbly hateful?”  Gratitude is a choice, and I pray that we will pursue and maintain our “attitude of gratitude”!

May we work on our list of thankfulness!

Thank you LORD for:__________________(You fill in the blank!)

“I will praise thee with my whole heart:

before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I will worship toward thy holy temple,

and praise thy name

for thy lovingkindness

and for thy truth:

for thou hast magnified thy word

above all thy name.

3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me,

and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth

shall praise thee,

O LORD,

when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD:

for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 Though the LORD be high,

yet hath he respect unto the lowly:

but the proud he knoweth afar off.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

thou wilt revive me:

thou shalt stretch forth thine hand

against the wrath of mine enemies,

and thy right hand

shall save me.

8 The LORD will perfect that

which concerneth me:

thy mercy, O LORD,

endureth for ever:

forsake not the works

of thine own hands.”   Psalm 138:1-8

Thank You Lord!

Amen and Amen!

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours!

 

A Month Of Gratitude? #10 Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 15

24 Sunday Nov 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Dependence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Gratitude, IN Jesus!, Independence, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 15   A Month Of Gratitude??? #10

 

Dependent Or Independent?  I thank God, not only in this time set aside for gratitude, but every day, for His perfect provision!  What does that have to do with “dependence”?  Well, it is most significant to our successful walk with Jesus, yet we must make a decision of our will whether we will walk in obedience or rebellion.  It can affect our daily walk, as well as our prayer life, both of which are oft neglected and distorted, by the flesh today.

“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.”  Matthew 6:9-10

Jesus told His disciples that prayer wasn’t for our own selfish whims, but for the glory of God, to draw us closer to Him, to seek to know HIS will, His desires, and to increase HIS kingdom—not our own!  Jesus told us that our desire in prayer was and is to praise God—”Hallowed be thy name”; we are to seek God’s glory as we praise Him, not our own ‘independent’way!

We are to pray for God’s kingdom to come—not our own! Yet so many today are being taught and led to believe that we can manipulate God by using certain words, by having enough, or a right kind of faith, or claiming what we want in a particular way!  But Jesus calls us to pray seeking God’s kingdom and God’s will to be accomplished in this worldly realm.  We are never called to pray for God to endorse our plans, but we are to pursue God’s will, His ways, being willing to wait for His timing.  Not the easiest thing to do; but the thing that will grow us into the “image” of Jesus!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Oh, how hard it is to learn to “wait upon the LORD”—yet it is the pathway to strength, courage, stamina, endurance—for God has a plan that we can never know except to walk in His light.

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

As we walk “in the Spirit”, we can avoid the pitfalls of the flesh; learning and pursuing God’s pathway of light, and His direction, as we yield to HIS Spirit’s work in us. (See Gal. 5:16,25)

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”   Matthew 6:13-14

Jesus goes on in this passage to remind us that just “saying so” doesn’t make it so; but a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ The Son.

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:21-23

Just as the proverb told us, there is “a way” that seems right—our own way–yet God calls us to walk HIS way—the way of light.

“Thy word is a lamp

unto my feet,

and a light

unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

The Apostle John also called us to walk in God’s pathway of light.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God

is light,

and in him

is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ

his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”   1 john 1:5-7

Oh, what precious words, ”the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”.  One of my favorite passages clearly displays the contrast between walking in “dependence” upon God, and the “independent” person who chooses to forsake God and go his own way.  We are free to choose but remember there is a test!  Choose wisely—you can be independent and trust to your own “goodness” to save you—or you can trust to God’s provided salvation in Jesus. There is only One Way—and His name is Jesus!

“For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

 in exchange for his soul?”   Matthew 16:26

And the beautiful Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law

doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also

shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand

in the judgment,

nor sinners

in the congregation

of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.”  Psalm 1:1-6

And remember that the only righteousness that will give us a right standing with God is the Righteousness of Jesus, imparted by God, to those who come to Jesus, in repentance and faith!  It’s His blood that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  Are you cleansed and depending on His grace; or are you living independent from God!  Thank YOU Lord, that we can depend on YOU!

“Now then we are ambassadors

for Christ,

 as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you

in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

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 5:20-21

Jesus will be your righteousness, if you will depend on HIM:

“Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Matthew 11:29

Amen and Amen!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #605 A Month Of Gratitude? #9 Courage

22 Friday Nov 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, By His Grace, Courage, Finishing Well, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Testify, Thankful, Thanksgiving, That They May Know, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #605  A Month Of Gratitude??? #9 Courage

 

On this Friday before the big “Thanksgiving” day celebration, a dear friend is being laid to rest—and she is the inspiration for this post today.  Miss Carolyn was one of the most faithful, godly and courageous women I have ever known. In these last few years when I got to know her, she was frail in body, but her heart and soul were mighty before God, even though she wrestled with a chronic and debilitating ailment, but her spirit soared before God and man!, partly (I believe) because she understood what Paul reminded the Corinthians of, where our courage comes from:

“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 10:3-5

I am so grateful to God for the faithful influences that He has brought into my life, and Miss Carolyn is one of those at the top of my list of blessings and encouragers—her presence will be sorely missed by many.  She was an amazing teacher, a wife, who still grieved for her beloved “Jim” (with whom she is now reunited), a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother!  So many lives touched by the influence of her devotion to God, His Word and His ways!

Thank you, Lord, for those great, holy, and powerful men and women of faith that You send, and have sent, into our lives.  I think this is what the author of Hebrews wanted to remind us of.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction

of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

This passage isn’t picturing some “great stadium in the sky” where the saints of God are cheering on as spectators of the events on earth—no way!  It is picturing the faithful witness that God’s servants, who have just been described in the chapter 11’s ‘hall of faith’, have exhibited before the world for their good and ours!!  It is referring to the testimony of faithful witnesses (witnesses which we all are—be it a good witness or a poor one—ever a witness of what/who we “really” believe); those who have run the race, fought the fight, stood their ground, and kept their eyes on the prize—Jesus!  The passage goes on to remind us of the faithful example of service, love and obedience that our Lord demonstrated.

What a mighty God we serve—He not only sent Jesus to live a perfect life, pay the sacrifice for our sin, to be raised from the dead for our salvation, but He has given believers His precious Holy Spirit to dwell within us empowering us to be an example for others—yet the cost is higher  for some than it is for others.  Miss Carolyn paid a price for her faithful service—pain in her physical body—but she was ever pressing on for Jesus, and the people she loved—a witness to the power and provision of God –as a faithful warrior not a spectator, even with her physical limitations. She was a great teacher, a prayer warrior for so many who knew her, and I count it an honor to have been one who depended on and benefitted from her faithful prayers!  Thank You Jesus!

May we ever remember the witness of our Lord, and the encouraging testimony of those He places in our path?  May we strive to follow their example, ever keeping the cross in sight that we might reflect its glory, power and grace!

“For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if,

when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

 he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.”  1 Peter 2:20-24

We have been empowered by HIS stripes which “healed” us from our sin disease!  Let’s run the race that HE has set before us that we might also be found faithful in His service.

“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

Thank You Lord for the faithful witness of your servants, and the encouragement and instruction that they pass on to us.  As the song says, “may those who come behind us find us faithful”!  (From “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green)!

Blessings on your day, and don’t forget to not only thank God for those special people in your life, but a phone call, note, card, email, text, or even a visit is in order to let them know how they’ve blessed you/me!  Go—be thankful—spread that “attitude of gratitude”!

Amen and Amen!