Posts Tagged ‘ Thankfulness ’
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7, ESV
This is what Jesus means first and foremost, that in accordance to His will, when we ask, He wants to and will provide all of our needs.
Just like a good Father, though, God also enjoys giving us more than we expect or deserve.
So, seek Him and ask Him.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7, ESV
When we trust God for everything, give Him all the glory and credit for everything, we will find that nothing can faze us.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6, ESV
The easiest way to alleviate or even avoid stress and anxiety is to continually turn to God, thanking Him even for what makes us uncomfortable or brings us pain as well as the good.
In today’s video, I think it is pretty clear I had not had my coffee, yet! But if you look in the background, you can see evidence I was about to remedy that.*
The last entry touched on the Las Vegas shooting and how “But for the grace of God, there go I” in terms of how each and every one of us could be capable of committing such an atrocity. Today, I look at the exact opposite end of the spectrum.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor, theologian, and professor who was killed by the Nazis just days before the end of World War II.¹ Both he and James, the brother of Jesus, focused heavily on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
The Sermon on the Mount is basically Jesus’ teachings on how the Christian should live. Specifically for today, in 5:16 (ESV), Jesus says:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
If all we do are good things, but we do not really mention God, how could others give God glory? We may merely be “good people” in the eyes of the world.
Therefore, God gives us the direction we need in this matter:
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
Psalm 50:23a, ESV
When we give thanks to God, this directs people to Him! Thankfulness, a lifestyle of gratitude, is the thing that helps to center our life around Christ and leads others to Him.
A heart of gratitude not only gives the glory to God, but it can also help us to feel great and can help others to feel better.
However, the main point is that God is glorified. Gratitude, likewise, can keep us focused on Him so that we are more likely to seek His glory than to turn to anything else – including lashing out at this world and those in it.
Therefore, give thanks to God. As Paul said, give thanks in everything in your life² – yes, everything, even the bad things.
And thank you for joining me today!
daniel
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The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11, ESVRejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
These are basically the inspiration for today’s poem. Therefore, as Casting Crowns says, will you praise Him in the storm? Will you praise Him when life is good? Will you praise Him when life is “okay”?
in everything (praise Him)
sometimes life is difficult
sometimes our plans all fail
yet i will say in everything
to praise Him Who prevailed
sometimes things do not work out
sometimes things are amazing
but i have learned the joy
of praising Him in everything
sometimes we do not want to praise Him
sometimes praise is all we think
in everything i now know
i need to give praise to my King
Seek wisdom and get a taste through the words shared at Proverbial Thought!
For the past week and a half I have been talking about why I do not like New Year’s Resolutions.
Here are some reasons why:
1. Resolutions are more like wishes personal wishes for the future. If you really want to stick to your desired goal, it is better to write out specifically what you ultimately want to achieve, sub-goals for marking progress and getting encouragement to continue, and have a support team.
2. We tend to approach resolutions more as guidelines for looking responsible than actually being responsible with our lives.
3. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Why is number three Proverbs 16:3?
Because, along with my first two reasons, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) We are always trying to do things we think are best for us, but we do not always seek God’s will for our decisions. Perhaps we fail at so many resolutions because we were trying to do something that either God has not ordained or in a way He has not ordained.
[“ordained” simply means sanctioned, permitted, or established]
Therefore, whether the resolution is to lose weight, change diet, quit smoking/drinking/some addiction, or anything of importance, it is best to seek God first. In fact, one of my favorite passages to quote about just about anything will help with this, as well:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
And I couple it with this:
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Whatever plans you have for this year, remember to always put Christ first. Seek out the will of the Father, act on His will, and always give thanks no matter the circumstances or results!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!
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So far this month we have looked at some of my favorite Christmas carols. However, this being the week of Thanksgiving here, I will take a moment to look at a couple of songs often confused as Christmas carols but in fact are Thanksgiving songs.
Both songs today were written about the same time, the mid-1850’s, and both in the area of Medford, Massachusetts!
First is “Over the River and Through the Woods”, originally written in 1844 as a poem by Lydia Maria Child as “A Boy’s Thanksgiving Day”. Here are the original words:
Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather’s house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow
Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- oh, how the wind does blow!
- It stings the toes and bites the nose
- as over the ground we go.
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- and straight through the barnyard gate,
- We seem to go extremely slow,
- it is so hard to wait!
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- When Grandmother sees us come,
- She will say, “O, dear, the children are here,
- bring a pie for everyone.”
Over the river, and through the wood—
now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
Here is a modern singing for your enjoyment:
Here are some updated lyrics, as well:
Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother’s house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.Over the river and through the woods,
Oh, how the wind does blow.
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.Over the river and through the woods
To have a full day of play.
Oh, hear the bells ringing ting-a-ling-ling,
For it is Christmas Day.Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray;
Spring o’er the ground just like a hound,
For this is Christmas Day.Over the river and through the woods
And straight through the barnyard gate.
It seems that we go so dreadfully slow;
It is so hard to wait.Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandma’s cap I spy.
Hurrah for fun; the pudding’s done;
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.
Jingle Bells was written around 1850 by James Lord Pierpont as “One Horse Open Sleigh”. It has become one of the most famous Christmas songs in the world!
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring’
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight![chorus]
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleighA day or two ago
I thought I’d take a ride
And soon, Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank
And then we got upsot.
[chorus]
A day or two ago
The story I must tel
I went out on the snow
And on my back I fell
A gent was riding b
In a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie
But quickly drove away.
[chorus]
Now the ground is white
Go it while you’re young,
Take the girls tonight
and sing this sleighing song
Just get a bobtailed bay
Two forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! you’ll take the lead.
[chorus]
Why I Enjoy These Songs:
These songs are a reminder to be light-hearted during this season.
At this time of the year we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. And we should admit it, when we are at peace we enjoy life more.
What I like about the lyrics of Jingle Bells is evidenced in the third and fourth verses: the sleigh tips over, and someone laughs at them struggling in the snow before riding off!
Why is that so great?
The final verse brings us full-circle and reminds us to HAVE FUN!
My take on that is that things happen in this life that are out of our control. Our reaction can either be to wallow in our misery or to take things as they come and realize God is in control.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4, NIV
With “Over the River” we are reminded of the importance of loved ones, that we should do what it takes to be with them and bypass distractions to ensure our time with them.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrew 10:24-25, NIV
And of course, may we always remember this:
Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:18b-20, NIV
Sing joyfully! Give thanks to God always!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Heed the call of Wisdom through Proverbial Thought!
Every single person on Earth has been issued the same calling in this life by God. Most people will not heed this call.
This calling is simultaneously simple and the most difficult to accept on many levels.
This calling is only found through faith in the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth.
This calling is to believe and follow Jesus Christ, the living Son of God.
This week is Thanksgiving. May those of us who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb be thankful for this calling and freedom!
Your death on the cross is an invitation
Your resurrection is a call
You invite us into love and forgiveness
You call us into life and repentance
i accept that this is all true
i accept that You have done and do these
my response is to come to You
my response is to turn from my old life
This is your regular reminder to find some wisdom over at Proverbial Thought!
Pursuing Happiness
I am sure will be happy to hear (er … read) that this post will not be too long today!
That being said, the video below is about seven minutes long.
WARNING: There are a few non-child-friendly words in the video. I discovered the video through a politically left-leaning (read: liberal) website (because every now and then, both sides come up with some good stuff!)
Watch the video, and then we shall continue.
Do you know why I found this video so interesting?
Firstly, it is always inspiring seeing people do things that make them happy!
Secondly, this study revealed something … THAT THE BIBLE HAS BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG!
Here are a few examples (NIV):
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Psalm 95:2Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100:4Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19-20Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7
Obviously, being thankful is important. Again, I only listed a few occasions of the Bible talking about being thankful.
If our fallen world keeps finding biblical truths (outside of the Bible), how much more should we be in our Bibles and applying those truths in our lives?
Here is a fun activity for you: open up the Bible app on your mobile device or go to www.biblegateway.com, and do a search for “thanks”, “thankful”, “thankfulness”, or “thanksgiving”, and just read some (or all) of the passages you find.
Then read more!
Show your thankfulness to God for His wisdom by getting some wisdom at Proverbial Thought.
My wife has been working on me since she has known me to be more thankful.
This simply means that after someone has offered to do something for me, has done something for me, has offered advice to me, has been friendly to me … really just about anything nice to or for me, I should say “Thank you!”
It is a struggle for me, because I am the kind of person who is satisfied to see a smile or a child run off with their new toy or hear a contented sigh to know that someone is thankful for my service, words, or thoughts.
I have to admit, however, that perhaps we see so many problems in our society because of a lack of thankfulness – between each other and to God.
That is the real rub of things.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15, NIVInstead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:18b-20, NIV
I particularly like the Mikeschair words it:
I could write a love song
Tell you what I think you want to hear
But it wouldn’t be good enough, no
Yeah, I could try so hard
To give it everything I’ve got
But I’m not ever gonna measure up
(Chorus)
All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved
Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn
You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof
All I can do is say thank you
All I can do is say thank you
It would have been easy
But I’m glad you never walked away
Cause your love runs deep for me
And I see this beautiful world and it brings tears to my eyes
And I think it’s beautiful to be free
(Chorus)
All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved
Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn
You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof
All I can do is say thank you
All I can do is say thank you
For love, for hope, for all the ways
Yeah, for everything you do
What else can I say but thank you
Thank you
I could write a love song
Tell you what I think you wanna hear
But it wouldn’t be good enough
(Chorus)
All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved
Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn
You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof
All I can do is say thank you
All I can do is say thank you
All I can do, all I can do, all I can do is say thank you
(repeat)
a simple man of God 