Christmas Reminders
Linda J. Gilden
Christmas has become extremely commercialized. Everywhere we look we see Christmas trees, lights, presents, signs enticing us to buy this or that for the people on our lists. But let's try to keep our thoughts focused on the real meaning of the season.
When we see a wreath, let's remember that God's love is never ending.
When we see the lights, let's remember that Jesus is the light of the world.
When we see candles, let's remember that our lights, however small, shine brightly enough to spread to those around us.
When we see presents, let's remember that God gave us the greatest gift of all in His Son, Jesus Christ.
When we see a Christmas tree, let's remember a tree on top of a hill called Calvary.
When we see snow, let's remember the One who cleanses our sins in a way that makes them pure white.
When we sing carols, let's remember the importance of making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
When we sit down to Christmas dinner, let's remember that Jesus is the bread of life.
When we see all those around us in need, whether physically, financially, emotionally, or spiritually, let's remember that Christmas really shouldn't be limited to one season of the year.
God's gift was for all seasons. And, every time we share that gift, it's Christmas!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
cbn
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Don't Give Up
John Fischer
Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on [this] journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So I'm asking you to give me the hill country that the LORD promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the Anakites living there in great, walled cities. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said." (Joshua 14:10-12)
- Caleb to Joshua as he divided the Promised Land among the tribes.
Okay, I've been running again now for over 2 months and I've been waiting for that thing to kick in that all joggers know about - that extra wind that hits you about halfway into your run and suddenly you feel like you could run forever. Well, it finally happened, so I stretched my run another half mile.
On the way back, I found myself thinking about getting older and whether there comes a time when this doesn't happen anymore. Then I started to wonder if there would ever come a time when I would have to give this up.
Then suddenly I thought of my dad and an encouraging phone conversation I had had earlier that week. It was the best conversation I have had with him in a long time.
1) He didn't talk about any physical ailments. I know he could have, but he didn't, and that was significant.
2) He didn't complain about anything. He has been concerned over the phasing out of the choir in his church for a praise band, but he only talked about how he had just gotten back from a choir retreat and what a great time he had there.
3) He then cracked three new jokes he picked up at the retreat.
4) He invited me to come sing a couple numbers at his assisted living apartment house in a few weeks when his choir from church does a Christmas program there. Last year he directed the choir for this same event. This year he is bowing out, but the current director insisted that he direct one number. (Now there's a fine man who understands how my dad comes alive when he directs a choir - something he loves and did for years.)
5) And finally, he told me he is going to start leading a Bible study in his complex. “Just once a month to start with,” he said.
“Dad,” I said. “You've got to meet more often than that.”
“That's all I could get on the calendar here.”
“They'll want more,” I assured him. “We'll pump it at the Christmas concert. What else do these people have to do?”
“Oh, they have a very full social calendar going.”
“Yeah, but they haven't been to your Bible study yet. You watch, they'll beg for more.”
How about that? And I was worried about giving up.
My dad is 93.
PDL
John Fischer
Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on [this] journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So I'm asking you to give me the hill country that the LORD promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the Anakites living there in great, walled cities. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said." (Joshua 14:10-12)
- Caleb to Joshua as he divided the Promised Land among the tribes.
Okay, I've been running again now for over 2 months and I've been waiting for that thing to kick in that all joggers know about - that extra wind that hits you about halfway into your run and suddenly you feel like you could run forever. Well, it finally happened, so I stretched my run another half mile.
On the way back, I found myself thinking about getting older and whether there comes a time when this doesn't happen anymore. Then I started to wonder if there would ever come a time when I would have to give this up.
Then suddenly I thought of my dad and an encouraging phone conversation I had had earlier that week. It was the best conversation I have had with him in a long time.
1) He didn't talk about any physical ailments. I know he could have, but he didn't, and that was significant.
2) He didn't complain about anything. He has been concerned over the phasing out of the choir in his church for a praise band, but he only talked about how he had just gotten back from a choir retreat and what a great time he had there.
3) He then cracked three new jokes he picked up at the retreat.
4) He invited me to come sing a couple numbers at his assisted living apartment house in a few weeks when his choir from church does a Christmas program there. Last year he directed the choir for this same event. This year he is bowing out, but the current director insisted that he direct one number. (Now there's a fine man who understands how my dad comes alive when he directs a choir - something he loves and did for years.)
5) And finally, he told me he is going to start leading a Bible study in his complex. “Just once a month to start with,” he said.
“Dad,” I said. “You've got to meet more often than that.”
“That's all I could get on the calendar here.”
“They'll want more,” I assured him. “We'll pump it at the Christmas concert. What else do these people have to do?”
“Oh, they have a very full social calendar going.”
“Yeah, but they haven't been to your Bible study yet. You watch, they'll beg for more.”
How about that? And I was worried about giving up.
My dad is 93.
PDL
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
God In The Everyday
Martha Noebel
Is healing for today? Does God really want to use his people to minister healing to others? Can anyone be healed? Do I have to go to church to be prayed for so I can be healed?
These are all real questions asked by hurting people on a regular basis. I have a story I would like to share. You be the judge.
I was in the car with my teenage daughter getting ready to go to the store. I pulled partially out of the driveway and then noticed my neighbor across the street. She was in her driveway taking the groceries out of her car. I stopped the car and went across the street to speak to her for a moment. I did not have any idea what God was getting ready to do through me. I just wanted to ask her a question.
We talked for a moment or two and then as I turned to leave she told me she wanted me to remember her in prayer. (Now to my knowledge, she does not have a personal relationship with God.) However, she was hurting and wanted help. She shared with me that the doctor had diagnosed her with macular degeneration of the eyes. I thought to myself that this was one of those ugly diseases for which there was little or no cure.
My heart was filled with compassion for her. Without even thinking, I asked her if I could pray for her right now. Surprisingly to me, she said yes. I grabbed her hands while we were standing in the driveway and began to pray. I felt the power of God as I prayed and I knew God was doing something great! She stood there with tears in her eyes and thanked me for praying. We hugged and I left feeling really excited. My daughter watched the whole thing and wanted to know what had happened. I told her and asked her to also help me pray for this precious neighbor.
A few days later my daughter came into the house and said she had been talking to our neighbor. The neighbor told my daughter she would have to learn to see through what looked like a black spot in the middle of her eye forever. Her eye had healed some but this was the best it would get. My daughter told her that the doctor's report is not necessarily true. She told her the spot in her eye can be healed and that God could do it. The neighbor didn't seem to believe what she was hearing. She only knew she had an eye disease that was making seeing a challenge.
It wasn't long, only a few short weeks, and my neighbor was calling out to me while standing in her yard. She said to tell the prayer group who had been praying for her that it worked. I was ecstatic! The only prayer group was my daughter and myself. God had used a short prayer in a driveway to change someone's life forever. She was healed!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come (Luke 4:18, 19 New Living Translation).
I told her in the prayer for her that God would get all the glory. This is why I am writing this article. It is all HIS. Praise the Lord! I am so thankful I took the time to pray. I am glad my daughter has learned that the report we listen to is not the doctor's report but the report of the Lord.
If God speaks to you in your "Everyday" living, go for it. He is the "God In The Everyday." He wants to use whoever is willing to step out. The results will amaze you.
cbn
Martha Noebel
Is healing for today? Does God really want to use his people to minister healing to others? Can anyone be healed? Do I have to go to church to be prayed for so I can be healed?
These are all real questions asked by hurting people on a regular basis. I have a story I would like to share. You be the judge.
I was in the car with my teenage daughter getting ready to go to the store. I pulled partially out of the driveway and then noticed my neighbor across the street. She was in her driveway taking the groceries out of her car. I stopped the car and went across the street to speak to her for a moment. I did not have any idea what God was getting ready to do through me. I just wanted to ask her a question.
We talked for a moment or two and then as I turned to leave she told me she wanted me to remember her in prayer. (Now to my knowledge, she does not have a personal relationship with God.) However, she was hurting and wanted help. She shared with me that the doctor had diagnosed her with macular degeneration of the eyes. I thought to myself that this was one of those ugly diseases for which there was little or no cure.
My heart was filled with compassion for her. Without even thinking, I asked her if I could pray for her right now. Surprisingly to me, she said yes. I grabbed her hands while we were standing in the driveway and began to pray. I felt the power of God as I prayed and I knew God was doing something great! She stood there with tears in her eyes and thanked me for praying. We hugged and I left feeling really excited. My daughter watched the whole thing and wanted to know what had happened. I told her and asked her to also help me pray for this precious neighbor.
A few days later my daughter came into the house and said she had been talking to our neighbor. The neighbor told my daughter she would have to learn to see through what looked like a black spot in the middle of her eye forever. Her eye had healed some but this was the best it would get. My daughter told her that the doctor's report is not necessarily true. She told her the spot in her eye can be healed and that God could do it. The neighbor didn't seem to believe what she was hearing. She only knew she had an eye disease that was making seeing a challenge.
It wasn't long, only a few short weeks, and my neighbor was calling out to me while standing in her yard. She said to tell the prayer group who had been praying for her that it worked. I was ecstatic! The only prayer group was my daughter and myself. God had used a short prayer in a driveway to change someone's life forever. She was healed!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come (Luke 4:18, 19 New Living Translation).
I told her in the prayer for her that God would get all the glory. This is why I am writing this article. It is all HIS. Praise the Lord! I am so thankful I took the time to pray. I am glad my daughter has learned that the report we listen to is not the doctor's report but the report of the Lord.
If God speaks to you in your "Everyday" living, go for it. He is the "God In The Everyday." He wants to use whoever is willing to step out. The results will amaze you.
cbn
Monday, September 18, 2006
Apples, Acorns, and Oaks… Oh My!
Missey Butler
Those of us who are geographically fortunate enough to experience the change of seasons have to admit that autumn is certainly a very welcomed and refreshing time of the year. Most of us are just crossing over the finish line of the dog days of summer and are more than ready to fold up our beach chairs and drain the pool as the leaves and pine needles begin their annual descent.
The air conditioning units are shut off and the windows are gladly opened in order to allow the cool, evening breezes to move over us as we snuggle under a soft blanket while the harvest moon watches from a distance. Leaves quietly rustle as the wide-eyed owl softly “hoots” in perfect rhythm off in a wooded distance.
The backdrop of our everyday lives begins to reveal broad paint-brush strokes of oranges, golds, yellows, and browns. The neighborhood produce stand proudly displays its “Apples for Sale” sign, as the Granny’s, Red Delicious, Macintosh, and Rone’s compete to be picked. And, of course, next to them, no apple would be complete without the recipes of how to candy-coat or caramelize those beauties!
With cable-knit sweaters tied around our shoulders we ride our bikes down past the pumpkin, peanut, and cider stands as they advertise for the local State Fair. Colorful quilts and pots of crimson-colored Chrysanthemums are tastefully set out for display beside the tall cornstalks and bundles of hay neatly positioned around rows and rows of homemade jams, honey, and dried Indian corn.
Nature and all of its surroundings gracefully unfold into a season of bountiful harvest. God’s agricultural laws of sowing and reaping show off their finest exhibition of fruits, vegetables, and grains that one could possibly fill in a basket. There is a longstanding formula of wonderful provision that first begins with the planting of a single seed.
This natural law of reciprocity is not just exclusive to plants and trees. There are many types of seeds that can be sown. There are the seeds of a kind word or a friendly smile, a helping hand or a pat on the back, a home-cooked meal or a heartfelt “I’m sorry.” On and on the list can go. All of these “giving of yourself” type seeds, after they are sown in the ground, can begin to produce quite a large harvest, as well. Let’s begin to gather up the fruit of the Spirit, for there are many souls in need of this particular bounty of harvest!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22).
cbn
Missey Butler
Those of us who are geographically fortunate enough to experience the change of seasons have to admit that autumn is certainly a very welcomed and refreshing time of the year. Most of us are just crossing over the finish line of the dog days of summer and are more than ready to fold up our beach chairs and drain the pool as the leaves and pine needles begin their annual descent.
The air conditioning units are shut off and the windows are gladly opened in order to allow the cool, evening breezes to move over us as we snuggle under a soft blanket while the harvest moon watches from a distance. Leaves quietly rustle as the wide-eyed owl softly “hoots” in perfect rhythm off in a wooded distance.
The backdrop of our everyday lives begins to reveal broad paint-brush strokes of oranges, golds, yellows, and browns. The neighborhood produce stand proudly displays its “Apples for Sale” sign, as the Granny’s, Red Delicious, Macintosh, and Rone’s compete to be picked. And, of course, next to them, no apple would be complete without the recipes of how to candy-coat or caramelize those beauties!
With cable-knit sweaters tied around our shoulders we ride our bikes down past the pumpkin, peanut, and cider stands as they advertise for the local State Fair. Colorful quilts and pots of crimson-colored Chrysanthemums are tastefully set out for display beside the tall cornstalks and bundles of hay neatly positioned around rows and rows of homemade jams, honey, and dried Indian corn.
Nature and all of its surroundings gracefully unfold into a season of bountiful harvest. God’s agricultural laws of sowing and reaping show off their finest exhibition of fruits, vegetables, and grains that one could possibly fill in a basket. There is a longstanding formula of wonderful provision that first begins with the planting of a single seed.
This natural law of reciprocity is not just exclusive to plants and trees. There are many types of seeds that can be sown. There are the seeds of a kind word or a friendly smile, a helping hand or a pat on the back, a home-cooked meal or a heartfelt “I’m sorry.” On and on the list can go. All of these “giving of yourself” type seeds, after they are sown in the ground, can begin to produce quite a large harvest, as well. Let’s begin to gather up the fruit of the Spirit, for there are many souls in need of this particular bounty of harvest!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22).
cbn
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Mary - Obedient Servant
Candy Arrington
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38
Gabriel's visit to Mary was unexpected and terrifying. But despite her fear and confusion, Mary didn't run from the situation. Instead, she listened with enough composure to understand the announcement. Then she asked a simple question, "How can this be?"
Mary didn't question God's call on her life. She only asked for clarification. She wanted to understand the mechanics of how something that seemed in opposition to natural law could be accomplished. Once the angel answered that question, she yielded herself totally to God's plan.
I can imagine that if an angel appeared to a teenage girl today with this shocking news - you're going to have a baby, although you are a virgin and unwed - there would be numerous questions or an exclamation of "No way!" I'm sure Mary realized the potential problems inherent in God's mission for her life yet she didn't voice any of those. Instead she calmly trusted that if this was God's plan for her it must be the best plan.
This tells us something of Mary's relationship with God. Her faith was obviously deep enough for her to offer herself as a willing servant. Perhaps it was Mary's servant-heartedness that caused God to select her as the one "highly favored among women." It seems appropriate that God chose this obedient teenage girl to be the mother of a child who would later offer himself in the greatest act of servanthood ever.
The Bible leaves us in suspense about the specific reaction of Mary's parents to her news. Perhaps they were skeptical of the authenticity of her story or even angry and disappointed with her. Clearly, part of the way they handled the situation was to send her to stay with Elizabeth, out of public view and away from gossiping tongues.
Joseph was embarrassed by Mary's pregnancy and planned to distance himself from her by breaking their engagement. When the angel appeared to him, verifying Mary's story, Joseph also acted in obedience to God's plan for their lives. I'm sure that Mary, Joseph, and their families experienced all the conflicting emotions that we do today when faced with a situation that seems out of our control and life-altering. Sometimes God asks us to do things that bring skepticism and criticism from those around us. Often, obedience to God's will involves some degree of discomfort.
Although Mary found favor with God, her life was not without suffering. Upon seeing the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. Mary was alive during Jesus' ministry, his arrest, trial, and present when he was crucified. She saw the fulfillment of God's plan, but she also endured a mother's anguish as she watched her son die a brutal death.
The true test of our faith and trust comes in our obedience to God. I wonder what would happen if, like Mary, we willingly offered ourselves, without questions or delay, to God's purpose and plan for our lives.
cbn
Candy Arrington
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38
Gabriel's visit to Mary was unexpected and terrifying. But despite her fear and confusion, Mary didn't run from the situation. Instead, she listened with enough composure to understand the announcement. Then she asked a simple question, "How can this be?"
Mary didn't question God's call on her life. She only asked for clarification. She wanted to understand the mechanics of how something that seemed in opposition to natural law could be accomplished. Once the angel answered that question, she yielded herself totally to God's plan.
I can imagine that if an angel appeared to a teenage girl today with this shocking news - you're going to have a baby, although you are a virgin and unwed - there would be numerous questions or an exclamation of "No way!" I'm sure Mary realized the potential problems inherent in God's mission for her life yet she didn't voice any of those. Instead she calmly trusted that if this was God's plan for her it must be the best plan.
This tells us something of Mary's relationship with God. Her faith was obviously deep enough for her to offer herself as a willing servant. Perhaps it was Mary's servant-heartedness that caused God to select her as the one "highly favored among women." It seems appropriate that God chose this obedient teenage girl to be the mother of a child who would later offer himself in the greatest act of servanthood ever.
The Bible leaves us in suspense about the specific reaction of Mary's parents to her news. Perhaps they were skeptical of the authenticity of her story or even angry and disappointed with her. Clearly, part of the way they handled the situation was to send her to stay with Elizabeth, out of public view and away from gossiping tongues.
Joseph was embarrassed by Mary's pregnancy and planned to distance himself from her by breaking their engagement. When the angel appeared to him, verifying Mary's story, Joseph also acted in obedience to God's plan for their lives. I'm sure that Mary, Joseph, and their families experienced all the conflicting emotions that we do today when faced with a situation that seems out of our control and life-altering. Sometimes God asks us to do things that bring skepticism and criticism from those around us. Often, obedience to God's will involves some degree of discomfort.
Although Mary found favor with God, her life was not without suffering. Upon seeing the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. Mary was alive during Jesus' ministry, his arrest, trial, and present when he was crucified. She saw the fulfillment of God's plan, but she also endured a mother's anguish as she watched her son die a brutal death.
The true test of our faith and trust comes in our obedience to God. I wonder what would happen if, like Mary, we willingly offered ourselves, without questions or delay, to God's purpose and plan for our lives.
cbn
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Present
Missey Butler
Every Christmas Eve my mother would tell me and my brothers that we could go to the living room, pick out one present from under the tree and open it up. Sitting by the crackling fireplace, all dressed in our flannel jammies, we would scramble toward the bundles of beautifully wrapped boxes. Anxiously holding, squeezing, and shaking each one, our imaginations carried us to great heights of anticipation.
Although no longer a child, this holiday season I was given the same wonderful opportunity of opening an early Christmas present. This one, however, was given to me by my heavenly Father. I don’t mind telling you that this present has ended up being one of the most liberating gifts I have ever received, one that I will forever hold dear.
For so long I have found myself living my daily life in one of two places. I am either in the regret of yesterday or the anxiety of tomorrow, never truly living in the moment of today. My mind always seemed to be engaged in a “tug of war,” being pulled backward or forward, leaving little room for the peace of a present day reality.
What brought this truth home to me was when I began to grasp more insight into the principles of living in the Kingdom NOW! The awareness that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit coupled with the profound knowledge that the Holy Spirit’s present location was on the inside of ME!
…The Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)
And, not only that, but it was available to me TODAY, not in some far off distant future! The Word clearly tells us, “…For the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)
Can you imagine what blissful wonder and sheer delight began to pour into my soul as I discovered that Christ is truly my all in all … right now, at this very moment! It's all Him, the whole kit & kaboodle. The Word tells us “…for Christ is all and in all.” (Col. 3:11) All my past, all my present, and all my future!
For the first time I began to see the beauty and liberty of living in the present. As this truth continued to unfold to me, an interesting thing started to happen. I began to notice the little things of “now living”! For instance, the uninhibited giggle of a passing child, the rustling of a gentle wind as it moves across the tree tops, the cold nose of my dog as he nudges my hand hoping to get my attention.
No longer was I rushing past what seemed to be the ordinary or mundane of daily living at such a fast and furious pace because there were bigger fish to fry tomorrow, nor was I dealing with left over guilt that was demanding to be heard from my yesterday’s before.
As this Christmas season draws closer, I am thankful to God for allowing me to open “early” the wonderful gift of experiencing the “PRESENT” in all of its splendor and glory, one savoring moment at a time. I no longer take anything for granted, for tomorrow is promised to no one. All I have is the gift of this “present” day and when looking through Kingdom eyes, it’s a pretty magnificent scene. The Kingdom of Heaven is not something that we take, but rather something that takes us. It’s an active, living, continual knowing of the person of God, in His presence, one glorious moment at a time.
After all, He is our Present…He is the Great I AM!
cbn
Missey Butler
Every Christmas Eve my mother would tell me and my brothers that we could go to the living room, pick out one present from under the tree and open it up. Sitting by the crackling fireplace, all dressed in our flannel jammies, we would scramble toward the bundles of beautifully wrapped boxes. Anxiously holding, squeezing, and shaking each one, our imaginations carried us to great heights of anticipation.
Although no longer a child, this holiday season I was given the same wonderful opportunity of opening an early Christmas present. This one, however, was given to me by my heavenly Father. I don’t mind telling you that this present has ended up being one of the most liberating gifts I have ever received, one that I will forever hold dear.
For so long I have found myself living my daily life in one of two places. I am either in the regret of yesterday or the anxiety of tomorrow, never truly living in the moment of today. My mind always seemed to be engaged in a “tug of war,” being pulled backward or forward, leaving little room for the peace of a present day reality.
What brought this truth home to me was when I began to grasp more insight into the principles of living in the Kingdom NOW! The awareness that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit coupled with the profound knowledge that the Holy Spirit’s present location was on the inside of ME!
…The Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)
And, not only that, but it was available to me TODAY, not in some far off distant future! The Word clearly tells us, “…For the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)
Can you imagine what blissful wonder and sheer delight began to pour into my soul as I discovered that Christ is truly my all in all … right now, at this very moment! It's all Him, the whole kit & kaboodle. The Word tells us “…for Christ is all and in all.” (Col. 3:11) All my past, all my present, and all my future!
For the first time I began to see the beauty and liberty of living in the present. As this truth continued to unfold to me, an interesting thing started to happen. I began to notice the little things of “now living”! For instance, the uninhibited giggle of a passing child, the rustling of a gentle wind as it moves across the tree tops, the cold nose of my dog as he nudges my hand hoping to get my attention.
No longer was I rushing past what seemed to be the ordinary or mundane of daily living at such a fast and furious pace because there were bigger fish to fry tomorrow, nor was I dealing with left over guilt that was demanding to be heard from my yesterday’s before.
As this Christmas season draws closer, I am thankful to God for allowing me to open “early” the wonderful gift of experiencing the “PRESENT” in all of its splendor and glory, one savoring moment at a time. I no longer take anything for granted, for tomorrow is promised to no one. All I have is the gift of this “present” day and when looking through Kingdom eyes, it’s a pretty magnificent scene. The Kingdom of Heaven is not something that we take, but rather something that takes us. It’s an active, living, continual knowing of the person of God, in His presence, one glorious moment at a time.
After all, He is our Present…He is the Great I AM!
cbn
Saturday, September 02, 2006
grad-school gratitude
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21
Maybe your mom was like mine. No sooner had someone given me a cookie than I would feel her elbow in my side and heard her whisper, “Say thank you.” It's a good habit to get into. My wife and I now poke our kids with the “Say thank you” instruction.
As right as it is to say “thank you,” what God desires is a grateful attitude much deeper than surface, verbal gratitude. Genuine gratitude goes past obligation and shows that we truly appreciate what we have received from him. To understand this step of maturity, let's go back to school. Consider the following curriculum and ask yourself what grade you're in:
Elementary-school thanksgiving instructs us to “offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Hebrews 13:15). In effect, we say to God, “You helped me, and I thank you for it. My obligation has been met.” It's good that we're doing what's required at this level, but we shouldn't expect a lot of joy to flow from our perfunctory thankfulness.
High-school thanksgiving is better. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In every situation, you and I can always make the decision to be thankful for something. Yes, always. This gratitude does produce joy—as long as you're not going through anything too difficult.
Graduate-school thanksgiving leads to real joy. “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father” (Ephesians 5:20). This goes beyond the high-school course that seeks to find a good aspect in a challenging circumstance. This is thankfulness that trusts God and is even grateful for the things you would not choose. It's gratitude that promises victory in every circumstance.
Whatever our situation, by faith you and I need to get to the place where we allow the Lord to draw out genuine thankfulness from our hearts. This means true gratitude for everything he allows into our lives. That kind of thanksgiving delivers a depth of joy that cannot be experienced any other way. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, how will I thank you this moment? How have you challenged me to attain true gratitude?
responding: What are the good things that are coming from a difficult circumstance in my life right now? In what ways am I thankful for this situation, which I really wouldn't choose?
Thank you, God, for the good things you've given me. Thank you for your grace that allows me to see your hand in hard times. Thank you, God, for this difficult thing that you are using in my life. You've allowed it because you love me, and I trust you.
following: Genuine gratitude produces great joy.
our journey
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21
Maybe your mom was like mine. No sooner had someone given me a cookie than I would feel her elbow in my side and heard her whisper, “Say thank you.” It's a good habit to get into. My wife and I now poke our kids with the “Say thank you” instruction.
As right as it is to say “thank you,” what God desires is a grateful attitude much deeper than surface, verbal gratitude. Genuine gratitude goes past obligation and shows that we truly appreciate what we have received from him. To understand this step of maturity, let's go back to school. Consider the following curriculum and ask yourself what grade you're in:
Elementary-school thanksgiving instructs us to “offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Hebrews 13:15). In effect, we say to God, “You helped me, and I thank you for it. My obligation has been met.” It's good that we're doing what's required at this level, but we shouldn't expect a lot of joy to flow from our perfunctory thankfulness.
High-school thanksgiving is better. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In every situation, you and I can always make the decision to be thankful for something. Yes, always. This gratitude does produce joy—as long as you're not going through anything too difficult.
Graduate-school thanksgiving leads to real joy. “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father” (Ephesians 5:20). This goes beyond the high-school course that seeks to find a good aspect in a challenging circumstance. This is thankfulness that trusts God and is even grateful for the things you would not choose. It's gratitude that promises victory in every circumstance.
Whatever our situation, by faith you and I need to get to the place where we allow the Lord to draw out genuine thankfulness from our hearts. This means true gratitude for everything he allows into our lives. That kind of thanksgiving delivers a depth of joy that cannot be experienced any other way. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, how will I thank you this moment? How have you challenged me to attain true gratitude?
responding: What are the good things that are coming from a difficult circumstance in my life right now? In what ways am I thankful for this situation, which I really wouldn't choose?
Thank you, God, for the good things you've given me. Thank you for your grace that allows me to see your hand in hard times. Thank you, God, for this difficult thing that you are using in my life. You've allowed it because you love me, and I trust you.
following: Genuine gratitude produces great joy.
our journey