The Heart of Thanksgiving

1 Thess. 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”-

 To give thanks is to express gratitude in every things in life. Not always an easy things to do when all seems to be going wrong. The key word in this passage is “in” and not “for”. When we face things in life that are unpleasant, we trust God that He will be glorified. We give thanks that God has all things in control and it will all work out to His purpose. For this we are thankful. In spite of all the bad things that can happen, the heart of thanksgiving finds those things that are good. When we find ourselves complaining about life, we need to stop and consider all the blessings that Christ has bestowed on us. His blood that was shed for our sins, His grace that extends beyond what we deserve. He is God and is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving. This day Lord, we offer up our sacrifice of praise, and give you thanks for your love and mercy. Praise His name, for He is God and worthy to be praised!

Garment of Salvation

Isa 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God. For He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” 

Born in sin we all bare the shame of our nakedness. Once innocent and blameless before God, sin enter the world through our 1st parents who caused us to lose our holy disposition. They hid from God, looking for cover for they were ashamed that they were without clothes. But, God in His great mercy, sent Jesus to shed His blood that we may be clothes in robe of righteousness. It is the righteousness of God, not of any merit that we have done that we can now stand boldly in the presence of God. Christ, our garment of salvation has covered us with His grace and mercy to live blameless and without shame before Him. This is something to rejoice about!.

Death of His Saints

Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”-

 It is the fate of all men to live and someday die. The passing of many in the last months brings the reality of death to the forefront to my daily thoughts. Michael, Maria, Doris Meeks, and word yesterday of Spamps mother passing away. The hope of those who live for Christ is that death is but portal into the presence of God. It is the end reward in life to be with Jesus in physical death. The Lord looks down and with great care, views the treasure of heart and extols the virtue of the soul to be of great value. His saint! The one that lives out their life to bring glory and honor to his name. He welcomes them with open arms and treasures His children through out eternity. 

Great Expectations

Phil 1:20 “according to my earnest expectation and my hope that in nothing shall I be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always so now also, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death”- 

We all have expectation and most often they fall short of what we desire. But the greatest expectation is to know that Jesus is being glorified in the midst of all people regardless of how it is being done. He is the reason for living and all I really desire in life is to see Him lifted up so that all men will be drawn to Him. No matter what our plight in life is, if Christ is manifested in us through our afflictions, then we have truly lived a life that counted. “To live is Christ and to die is gain”.

Give Thanks Anyway

Eph. 5:20 “giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”- 

The thought of giving thanks for everything that happens is our life seems to be beyond reasonable. So many things in life happen to us that are unpleasant and un wanted. To say “Thank you” in the face of it difficult circumstance and ugly situations can only be done if one believes in the providence of God and His power of being in full control of all things. Giving thanks for the good is never a problem with most people, but to give thanks for the bad take something super natural, something that is beyond human ability. A life that is completely surrender and under control by the Holy Spirit is filled with God’s power and grace to stand in the face of unwanted events and say “Thanks you God, I don’t know why you allowed this to happen, but for some reason you are doing it for my good, and I want to thank you for this” Not possible? Right! But, with God all things are possible.

Waiting in Submission

Psalm 40:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me and heard my cry” 

Waiting is this verse is not a reference to time, but one of service and submission. As a waiter, waits to serve others. As we humble ourselves in God’s presence and submit our will to His, He listen to us and desires to meet our need. He hears to anguish of our hearts and see the real desires and motivation of our prayer. In His timing, He answers our cry and meets our need. The secret is always in our waiting to submit to His divine plan. 

Share The Gospel

Roman 10:14 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” - 

What a responsibility we have as Christians to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. “For it is the power unto Salvation unto to all who will believe” It would seem that in a day of mass media that everyone would have had the opportunity to hear the good news that Jesus saves! But the reality is that many have been blinded to the truth because they have only experience hypocrisy among those who called themselves Christians. The true light of Christ is demonstrated in the way we live and in the way we love our neighbor. Sharing the Gospel in 2014 is done more effectively when we demonstrate the Love of Christ to those around us and let them know we care because Christ first cared for us by giving His life on the cross. When it is all said and done, it is only Jesus and His death on the cross that we may have forgiveness and live a life loving others and forgiving others.

Humble, Submit, and Cast

1 Peter 5:6,7 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you.”-

 Does God really care? When the load gets heavy and life’s pressure starts to squeeze the breath out of you. Sometime it takes times like these to get us to realize how much we need Him. May I dare say, that God often allows us to face these difficult situations to test our faith. Are we willing to humble ourselves before Him and acknowledge that He alone is our answer. Humility is best demonstrated when we realize that we are nothing and He is everything. That it is only when we allow the pride of our heart to be slain and summit ourselves to the might hand of God that we will know the freedom in casting all our cares on Him. He does care, but we must humble ourselves to Him and His will.

He Will Bring You Out

Ex. 6:7 “And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, who bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”- 

Life is not meant to be a “bed of Roses” Even for the Christian, life has it’s ups and downs. The burden to do more with less is often laid upon us as we see many who have drifted from God. The demands of life often weigh heavy on our hearts. It is easy to wonder where God is when pressure becomes so great. The temptation is look at our situation and give up on God as the Israelites did under the cruel bondage of Pharaoh. It can be become discouraging, but it is in those times that the Lord reminds us of His promises. He is God and He will not leave us or forsake us. “O’ for a faith that will rise above trouble waters and touch the fingertip of God.” Help me Lord to grab hold of your outstretched hand of love and mercy.

Love with Passion

1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”- 

The possibility of having hot, burning and passionate love toward each other seems like a possibility in another world. How is it feasible to have such intense passion when we are so prone to human weakness and failings. The human emotions are so subjected to hurt and disappointment. Such love does not exist in our nature. It is only the through super natural means that one is able to demonstrate passionate love to all regardless of what others have done. To forgive is one thing, but to have a burning, passionate love toward those who disappoint you is beyond the scope of human emotions. It is only through complete surrender and humility to God that we are able to have this kind of love that supersedes human love.

What is Greatness?

Mark 10:43-44 “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister,  and whosoever of you would be the chiefest shall be servant of all.”- 

The world views greatness when one achieves power, prosperity, popularity or political favor. This is evident in a culture where people are idolized for the feat that they accomplish. Whether it be in music, sports, or in Hollywood, man without God has a twisted view of greatness. In the eyes of God, what is greatness? It is a rare occasion in our media culture that a person is recognized for their selfless giving and holy desire to serve others. The Christian world view sees things through the eyes of Jesus. What does he have to say about true greatness? In spite of wanting to achieve success and a measure of greatness, such aspiration are only truly obtain when we humble ourselves before God and give of our best to the master by serving and giving to help others in time of need. Always willing to give rather than to receive.

Jesus Understands

John 11:33 “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled”- 

The sorrow of death touches the very heart of all people. We sorrow because life as we know it has been silence and our loved ones are no longer able to respond to our touch and our expressions of love. We weep for those who feel the pain of loss and separation of relationship on this earth. Jesus wept, for He was moved with our own feeling of infirmity. He understand that loneness of separation. But, we sorrow not like others, for in our weeping we can rejoice in knowing that Jesus is the resurrection of Life. For those, who put their faith and trust in His death and resurrection will someday be made alive and live with Him for ever. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? We live today for Christ that we may die tomorrow to live with Him eternally.

We Do Not Have To Fall

Jude 1:24 “ Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”- 

If no one is perfect, then why does the Word say that we can be faultless? If it is not possible not to sin, then why does the Word say that He can keep us from falling? It would be arrogant to think that in our own human efforts that we can keep ourselves faultless. So, it would stand to reason that with God all things are possible, and if we seek Him first in everything we do that he can lead us through times of temptation and keep us spotless from the taint of sin. Praise be to God who is able by His power and grace to sustain us in our time of need and help us to stay focus on the mark. We don’t have to “miss the mark” if you keep our eyes on Jesus.

Things Eternal

2 Cor 4:18 “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”-

 We look now through a dark glass. What is real to us now is only real for a season. This temporal life on earth is but a dress rehearsal for eternity. Trails and difficult circumstances will often bog us down with despondency and fear, but we don’t live for today, we live to see Jesus. My friend Michael Wright just left this temporal world. He loved life, but his eyes were always set on things eternal, and on things above. Heaven's gain is our lose. 

Worried and Concerned

Mat 6:25 “Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. ”- 

Worrying is a natural emotion that if allowed to continue can consume our lives. The nature responds of human nature when things appear to be going wrong is to worry about the outcome. On the surface it looks like worry and concern seem to be two sides of the same coin. I can worry about how the bills will be paid, or I can say that I’m concern about how the bills will be paid. The difference is that to worry is to allow that concern to control your life and dictate your mode and ability to trust God for the situation. Jesus knew that worrying would be a difficult emotion to submit to God, so He gives His children reassurance that He will not forget about them, that He has everything under control and for some divine purpose He is allowing for set backs. He desire that we submit our hope, our desire and fate into His hands. Seeking first the will of God and doing it always bring contentment and reassurance that God will take care of all the rest. 

Sweet Rest

Psalm 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for Thou Lord only, makest me dwell in safety.”- 

There are many things in life that disturb our peace. Sleep often avoids us in the night as we rest our head at the end of a long restless day. The cares of life and fear of what will happen “if” this or that takes place. Anxiety and concern about our children’s choices in life and their relationship with God sometimes weighs heavy on our hearts. Conflict and strained relationships with those we once called our friends find their way into our thinking and cause us to become discouraged. Resting in the arms of Christ is our only refuge from the despondency of our circumstance. Sleep can come when our trust is put in Him that He cares and understands wanting to give us peace in the mist of the storms. Sweet rest knowing that He is in control of our life.

God Gives The Increase

1 Thess 3:6 “But now when Timothy came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have a good remembrance of us always and desire greatly to see us (as we also desire to see you),”-  

God’s work is done by a collection of people who desire to see His kingdom come to pass. It is our responsibility to be faithful to the calling that God has called us to. Seeing an increase in numbers added to your fellowship is always encouraging, but it is not the main indicator of God’s approbation. We all plant the see, water it and cultivate the ground, but it is God who is given the glory for the increase of numbers or spiritual growth. Paul sowed the seed in Thess, but Timothy came back with a good report. and God was given the praise. May He increase in our hearts that others may see the works of Christ working in our lives. 

New Life in Christ

2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”- 

It was Feb 21st, 1974 that I began my spiritual journey as a new babe in Christ. The life I lived before Christ was a short 15 years. The sins of my life were washed in the blood of Christ. I became a new person, and slowly my life style started to change as I grew in the knowledge of my Lord. Life now had new meaning and purpose as my eyes were open to spiritual truths. I now look at life through the eyes of God’s Word. Christ became the center of my Life and everything I did was focused on pleasing Him. Almost 40 years later, and I don’t regret the path that I choose to take. A life of full surrender and adventure as I journey this earth with the Lover of my Soul by my side. 

Waiting on God

James 5:8 “Be ye also patient; make firm your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”--

 Probably one of the most difficult virtues to obtain. Waiting, doing nothing, when you have so much to do and places to be is not something that come natural for most of us. The idea of having patience (waiting for an event to take place or for something to be completed) is address in God’s Word because it is so much of what happens in our lives day to day. I often have to take a deep breathe and remind myself that God has everything under His control and on His time clock. Many still wonder when the Lord will return, but all we need to worry about is to be ready when He comes. Occupy ourselves doing the work of the Lord, waiting patiently for His coming. 

Power From Above

Luke 24:49 “And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.”- 

For us to be effective below, we must have the power from above. Once we are endued, filled, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the impact of our life for Christ increases greatly. The power from on high fills our hearts with perfect and fearless love to live for God no matter what circumstances and situations come our way. The promise of Christ He gave to His followers before ascending to heaven was to send the Holy Spirit to fill us, so that our lives would be Holy Ghost directed. Living a victorious Christian life can only be done consistently when the Holy Spirit dwells with in each one of us. Without Him, we become easy prey for the devil.

Do it for Jesus

Col 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him.”- 

It is not what we do that counts, but why we do it. No matter the deed and no matter how insignificant it may seem, if it is done out of a heart of mercy and kindness, then God is pleased. The acts that we do may not be seen of men and acknowledge, but God sees them and He will shower His blessings. Such is the life of a true believer. He will access what he does in light of what God desires. It is important that we examine our life to make sure that “whatsoever” we do in life that it will honor Christ and meet with His approval. 

Hallow His Name

Mat. 6:9-13 “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever. Amen.”- 

What does it mean to pray? We are often caught up in the eloquence of words as we try communicate our thoughts to God. As if our flowering words have more meaning, we rattle on just speaking words without really  taking thought of their meaning. The simplicity of prayer comes from the heart and often is spoken in just a few words. This is especially true for those who have learned the vocabulary of scripture. Words have meaning, and if spoken from the heart, they speak volumes. The power of the prayer that the Lord taught His disciples is but only one examples of the impact of few words spoken, but packed with a powerful message of submission to God and forgiveness of others. Let us take time to “hallow His Name”.

Be Seen of God

Mat 6:1 “Take heed that ye do not your almsgiving before men, to be seen by them; otherwise ye have no reward from your Father who is in Heaven”- 

Motivation is key to sincerity. For what purpose do we give and do acts of kindness. Human nature of man desires to be recognized for their accomplishments, for things that bring good to the community. But the warning is given by Jesus to be careful that we don’t fill our hearts with pride and desire the praise of men by the good works we accomplish. It is better to hide our identity and give as unto the Lord and not to man. We must live our lives to glorify Him and let others see what God can do and not what we can do. Giving or doing things to be seen of men does not come from a heart that is totally submitted to God. A heart that is given to God will do all things that He may be lifted up. Do it unto God, and not unto men. 

Adopted By God

Eph. 1:4-5 “He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to be His own adopted children by Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will”- 

The Creator and Maker of the universe and mankind desired from the beginning to have fellowship with His creation. His desire was for us to remain blameless and to have holy fellowship with Him. For true love to be reciprocated, man must be given a free will to return this love. His foreknowledge of man’s choice to reject Him to serve the creation above the creator put in motion a provision to redeem and reinstate mankind to a place of holy fellowship. Through the death of His Son Jesus Christ, we now have access through faith. Faith in Christ brings us back to God and we are now sons of God and children of the most Holy. Adopted and made heirs to His Kingdom. I’m so glad am a part of the family of God. His children forever I’am.

Things Happen

Phil. 1:12 “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel”- 

It is tough to understand why things turn out the way they do sometimes. The situations in our lives are often unwelcome and undesirable. We ask God, “For what purpose did this happen?” Everyone that walks this earth will encounter good and bad things, but for the Christian it essential for us to understand that God has a purpose and reason for life’s situations to occur. Satan desires is that we blame God for the bad things that happen since God knows and allows these things to take place. God has promises if we trust Him, He will make the bad turn to good and His Name will be glorified and His kingdom will advance. We must allow God to take our situation and use it to His glory.

What Does The Lord Require

Micah 6:8 “He hath shown 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?”-

 “My dear child, why do you live life contrary to My will, I brought you out of sin, and delivered you from Satan, gave you the Holy Spirit to help and guide you through this journey? What will be your excused when you come before God? The works of vein sacrifices will all fall short when you stand before me. You know what you need to do to live a life acceptable to God. Live a life that is right and just, always do what is right. Go the extra mile and reach out to people who need help, this may mean some sacrifice on your part, and lastly, don’t get a proud heart and think that you are better than anyone else. Stay humble under the hand of the Almighty, walk and live your life in peace as you are led by the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all truth and give you the power to live right, merciful and humble”

Desire the Word

(1 Peter 2:2) “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” -

 Growing in the things of God does not come without effort and purpose. As it was in the day of Ezra, the people hungered for more of the word of God. It was their life substance to feast of the commandments of God. As Christians, we must not be satisfied with just a morsel or crumbs from the master’s table. If we want to grow strong in Christ we must consume His word and make it a vital part of our lives. Every day we should be like babies who cry out to fill the appetite and longing of our heart to have more of Him. If we are going to be able to stand in the test of time, we must be strong in God, and this comes by learning more about Him and putting into practice the things we learn in our daily lives. Let us not go a day without spiritual nourishment we need.

For This I Give Thanks

Ps 1: 36 “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.”- 

Thank the Lord for giving me another year. 2013 was a year of change for me and my family. Some of the changes were good ones and other changes were difficult to make. But in all of life’s changes it is still good to give thanks to God for His mercy and goodness. 2014 is still a gift that has not yet been unwrapped and what God has in stored can only be good. Even in the bad circumstances of life, The Lord means it for good, and for this I give thanks. His grace and mercy will carry me through this journey and my only desire is to live His praises and honor Him with my life. God is good! All the time!