Tag Archives: Thanks-Giving

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!

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!

 

 

 

A Month Of Gratitude??? #3 Bible Ballistics: BBs #601

06 Wednesday Nov 2019

Posted by in Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Contentment, Gratitude, JESUS, Thankful, Thanksgiving, That They May Know

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #601     A Month Of Gratitude??? #3

 

As we continue on with our month of gratitude, I am thankful for the Word of God, and it’s import to me because it His Word that is our road map, our guide, our encouragement, our true north!  While we live in a world that refutes virtually every principle of godly living—they can’t change “Truth”!

“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

The world around us says we’re all “going” to the same place, we’re just talking different paths, but Jesus makes a defining statement that clearly declares that HE alone is “The Way” to God!  Paul also reinforces this truth in His letter to the Philippian believers.

“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 2:8-11

When we belong to Jesus, we can truly rejoice and thank our God in, for and through every situation.

“In every thing give thanks:

 for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.”   1 Thessalonians 5:18

“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

“Thanks be unto God

for his unspeakable gift.”  2 Corinthians 9:15

And a final word in regard to thankfulness from Paul.  May it encourage each of us to walk in the spirit of gratitude and reflect a joyful, thankful heart in all we do—to a world desperately in need!

“Rejoice in the Lord

alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation

be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 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 4:4-7

Here’s my heart’s word to you today!

“Giving thanks

always

for all things

unto God and the Father

in the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ;”   Ephesians 5:20

You are part of of my list of “all things” to be thankful for!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

A Month Of Gratitude??? #2. Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 12

03 Sunday Nov 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Gratitude, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Resurrection, Thankful, Thanksgiving, That They May Know, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 12.   A Month Of Gratitude??? #2

 

As we continue in our consideration of gratitude, I’d like to thank God for being GOD!  I thank God for loving us first and sending Jesus to pay the debt for my sin and yours!

“Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son

to be the propitiation for our sins…

… 18 There is no fear in love;

but perfect love

casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth

is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him,

because he first loved us.”   1 John 4:10 & 18-19

Oh, how amazing it is to me that “he first loved us”!  We who are sinners, have received the abundant grace and mercy of God, beyond measure!  And Paul painted such an amazing picture of it.

“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.  

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 5:1-11

Let those amazing words sink in!  While we were “yet sinners, Christ died for us”—what an amazing gift to all who will believe “in Him” and receive His saving “grace”!  How could we not be thankful to our God and live with a continual ‘attitude of gratitude’!  And while I was thinking about gratitude, I was reminded of Lazarus—one who had received one of Jesus’ greatest miracles—when he was raised from the dead!  The question is, have you “been raised” in Jesus?

“Therefore we are buried with him

by baptism into death:

that like as Christ was raised up

from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

even so we also

should walk in newness of life.”   Romans 6:4

Just as Lazarus was raised up from the dead, we too are raised from the dead spiritually—given new life by the power of HIS blood.

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children

of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead

in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:1-7

Like Lazarus, we can be raised by faith in Jesus, who will save us from our sin, by repentance and faith!  Amen!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

 and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Have you been “made”?  It’s a term often used in the ‘cop shows’ for being detected; but it also means being created into something new, and that is what God does for us—He makes us new IN Jesus!  And IN Jesus, we also receive something else in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus:

“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 5:21

What more could we ask from our God—He not only gave “His only begotten Son” to die for us—but to paraphrase Paul:

Jesus—who knew no sin—

 Took on sin—at Calvary for me—

That we who were born in sin—

Who choose to sin—

 Are accounted ‘righteous’—

IN HIM!!!

In contrast to those who think “salvation” is an opportunity to be ‘scot-free’ and do as we please, it is the gift of God which changes us from those who revel in darkness to those who walk in the light with our Lord Jesus!

“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:”  Colossians 1:12-14

I’m so grateful that HE has delivered me—translated me—and is ever working to make me/you into the image of Jesus!  We can truly know that “resurrection” power of Jesus, like Lazarus—all because Jesus came that we might have abundant LIFE IN HIM!!!

“For as the Father hath life in himself;

so hath he given to the Son

to have life in himself;”  John 5:26

“And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”   John 6:40

“I am the door:

by me

if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”   John 10:9-11

Have you come to the shepherd of your soul?  If no, He’s calling you to Himself today!  If you have come to Him, what more could we have to be thankful for?  I pray that you will join me in this season of gratitude, to share this great gift!  Amen and Amen!!!