Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 13   A Month Of Gratitude??? #5

 

As we continue in our month of gratitude, I want to share a brief word today in hopes that it will make us all cognizant of the import of a grateful heart.  I want to share God’s Word in this regard with only a few comments.

“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.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:14-17

We are to pursue Christ—making out heart an open home for HIM—gaining His wisdom, teaching, and sharing with each other—all with HIS grace in our hearts!  Doing all that we do “in the name of the Lord” and thanking God by HIM!  And “in” His name doesn’t mean the meaninglessly tacking on of Jesus name as we follow our own way—it means doing all things with the life of Jesus Christ in us, by His power, His love and for HIS glory.

“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.”  Romans 5:1-6

Paul goes on to remind us of this amazing grace of God that reaches out to “all we like sinners”—that’s you and me!  Oh, how can we not be thankful for this God who loves us so much!

“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.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now

received the atonement.”   Romans 5:7-11

I’m so grateful for “the atonement”!  How about you?  Have you come to the Redeemer?  If not, He’s there calling YOU!  If you do know Him, don’t let the world keep you so busy that you forget to thank HIM for His grace, love and provision for us; even as Paul goes on to tell the church at Ephesus that focusing on gratitude toward our God helps us keep Him first—not being controlled by substances, circumstances, or the distractions of the world!

“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 5:17-20

Have you noticed how often Paul reminds people that singing and praising God are to be a big part of our “attitude of gratitude”!  I know from experience that God speaks to my heart and mind through music—it nurtures the soul, soothes the emotions, and helps us keep our focus on God and not our circumstances!

I’d simply like to share a few of the Psalms to rehearse the beauty of a thankful heart.  I pray that God will lift you up as we share these things regarding gratitude.

“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

“O come, let us sing

unto the LORD:

let us make a joyful noise

to the rock of our salvation.

2 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 95:1-3

And in closing a reminder of our God who is worthy of our gratitude; and may the world see our joy and gratitude and be drawn to our Redeemer!

“Sing unto the LORD

with thanksgiving;

sing praise

upon the harp unto our God:”   Psalm 147:7

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.”  Philippians 4:6. Amen