Category Archives: Thanksgiving

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #1

01 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by in Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Thankful, Thanksgiving

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What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #1

When I don’t know what to do?

“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.

8 A double minded man

is unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:5-8

I am thankful that The Almighty God of all creation loves me and has promised to grant me wisdom for each day.  You can count on Jesus!  He never fails.

Amen and Amen!!!

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!!!

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!