Yes, I know. it isn't really proper English usage to throw an ain't into a title, but it did get your attention, right? That's actually an advertising technique. However, this blog is not
about advertising; it's about God.
That's right Jehovah, the covenant God, and He is in pursuit of all His creation that has not accepted the grace-filled promise of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15: 4-7
It can be a perceived tap on the shoulder, a soft whispering voice hardly perceptible or
it can slap one upside the head with vigor, but God is after those who He seeks and He
will not give up that pursuit easily.
We all know people who spend a lot of time denying the existence of God, who strive to
come up with reasons why they do not go to church, why they do not have time or the need to be Christians. They have defense mechanisms in place, favorite arguments to present,
ears and eyes closed to the obvious existence of a Creator. Truth be told, it is often
impossible to get past this stubbornness, but God is not deterred.
We all know that lost sheep. He or she is out there with the mistaken impression that they
are in charge, that they can handle all life has to throw at them. They are prideful, stubborn, egotistical and ignorant of the one thing they need above all others; God.
So join me in prayer for those you know and for those you do not. Join me in praising
our God for His persistence and loving kindness!
He is a wonderful, magnificent LORD!
Showing posts with label thanking God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanking God. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Not so much...anymore
2 Cor 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
One of the most wonderful things that can happen to a person associated with Jesus
is change. These changes aren't necessarily sudden, some may not even recognize, at
first, that they are happening or progressing..but they are. They are changes that are
being done to us, not by us, so as in our salvation, we are not responsible or
capable of making these changes on our own. It's a passive thing, meaning something
being done to us almost in spite of ourselves.
I read, somewhere, that really looking into oneself and assessing is a bit like looking
into a fun-house mirror; we aren't really accurate at self-assessment so others may be
more aware of these new changes than we are.
These changes are ones that are being enacted by the Holy Spirit in a process called
sanctification, bringing us more in line with the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Lord. It's a
goal, a challenge that, in my opinion, is not finished during our lifetimes. No one can
be like Jesus, no one ever was or will be. Yet, we are changing, thanks be to God, in ways
that make us more like the humans we were actually created to be.
Depending on who one is, these changes may not look the same. One change that probably
runs across the board is recognition of sin. No more excuses. No more ignorance when
we do something sinful...we are convicted immediately by the Holy Spirit. Along with the
recognition is the sudden desire to avoid, to repent, to turn away to not repeat. We
also become more aware of the frequency of our sin.
I am far less prone to emotional bursts... anger, jealousy, envy. My old road rage
has fizzled, for the most part. I find myself shocked when a curse word even enters my
mind, let alone exits my mouth. I am more patient, though this is one that I must
continue to pray about.
I worry less; I don't have expectations that I must run things. I understand that I am
not in charge. I find it easier and more natural to pray. I take great joy in worshiping
God in song and word. I find it comforting and inspiring to read God's word. I enjoy the
people at church and want what is best for them.
More than these, I have a deep love for God, the trinity. I want to learn as much as
I may about Him and increase the quality of my relationship with Him.
Yes, lots of changes. Beneficial ones. Ones that I am blessed to understand are
happening to me. I need them!!! I appreciate them! God be praised!
One of the most wonderful things that can happen to a person associated with Jesus
is change. These changes aren't necessarily sudden, some may not even recognize, at
first, that they are happening or progressing..but they are. They are changes that are
being done to us, not by us, so as in our salvation, we are not responsible or
capable of making these changes on our own. It's a passive thing, meaning something
being done to us almost in spite of ourselves.
I read, somewhere, that really looking into oneself and assessing is a bit like looking
into a fun-house mirror; we aren't really accurate at self-assessment so others may be
more aware of these new changes than we are.
These changes are ones that are being enacted by the Holy Spirit in a process called
sanctification, bringing us more in line with the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Lord. It's a
goal, a challenge that, in my opinion, is not finished during our lifetimes. No one can
be like Jesus, no one ever was or will be. Yet, we are changing, thanks be to God, in ways
that make us more like the humans we were actually created to be.
Depending on who one is, these changes may not look the same. One change that probably
runs across the board is recognition of sin. No more excuses. No more ignorance when
we do something sinful...we are convicted immediately by the Holy Spirit. Along with the
recognition is the sudden desire to avoid, to repent, to turn away to not repeat. We
also become more aware of the frequency of our sin.
I am far less prone to emotional bursts... anger, jealousy, envy. My old road rage
has fizzled, for the most part. I find myself shocked when a curse word even enters my
mind, let alone exits my mouth. I am more patient, though this is one that I must
continue to pray about.
I worry less; I don't have expectations that I must run things. I understand that I am
not in charge. I find it easier and more natural to pray. I take great joy in worshiping
God in song and word. I find it comforting and inspiring to read God's word. I enjoy the
people at church and want what is best for them.
More than these, I have a deep love for God, the trinity. I want to learn as much as
I may about Him and increase the quality of my relationship with Him.
Yes, lots of changes. Beneficial ones. Ones that I am blessed to understand are
happening to me. I need them!!! I appreciate them! God be praised!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
It's just another (wondrous) day...
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147 :11
Love the Beatles! I was really upset when it became news that they were going their separate musical ways. This, I believe, was the title of a Paul McCartney tune on his
first solo album which I believe was just called, "McCartney." They came at a time in
my life when I benefited from their energy, newness and musical talents.
I like to wake early enough to see the sunrise. It's the beginning of a new daily cycle,
a chance to begin anew and refreshed from the night's sleep. It's easy, I think, to take
each new day for granted; yet, each and every one of them is a gift and a blessing...
a chance to do that which is pleasing to God, to act in a way that brings Him glory. I
think that a spirit of appreciation is a great incentive to remembering that each
day could be our last and should be cherished. The beginning of the day is an obvious
time to pray and thank God for his blessings.
Perhaps this will be that glorious day when Jesus returns! We need to be ready, each
day, for the possibility that we will see His glorious arrival and be witness to His
accepting Kingship over all the nations and all the people!
Perhaps this will be the day that we can share, with the help of the Spirit, the gospel
message of salvation through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. Maybe just
a warm greeting or helpful deed that could start the ripple that leads a lost soul
to the presence of God.
Perhaps this will be the day that we connect even more firmly with God through
reading His word, following His commands. There is always more to learn about Him,
always more to do that shows our appreciation for this world, our lives and
our hopes for the future spent in His presence.
So join me in getting busy! It's another glorious day! Praise God for such a gift!
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147 :11
Love the Beatles! I was really upset when it became news that they were going their separate musical ways. This, I believe, was the title of a Paul McCartney tune on his
first solo album which I believe was just called, "McCartney." They came at a time in
my life when I benefited from their energy, newness and musical talents.
I like to wake early enough to see the sunrise. It's the beginning of a new daily cycle,
a chance to begin anew and refreshed from the night's sleep. It's easy, I think, to take
each new day for granted; yet, each and every one of them is a gift and a blessing...
a chance to do that which is pleasing to God, to act in a way that brings Him glory. I
think that a spirit of appreciation is a great incentive to remembering that each
day could be our last and should be cherished. The beginning of the day is an obvious
time to pray and thank God for his blessings.
Perhaps this will be that glorious day when Jesus returns! We need to be ready, each
day, for the possibility that we will see His glorious arrival and be witness to His
accepting Kingship over all the nations and all the people!
Perhaps this will be the day that we can share, with the help of the Spirit, the gospel
message of salvation through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. Maybe just
a warm greeting or helpful deed that could start the ripple that leads a lost soul
to the presence of God.
Perhaps this will be the day that we connect even more firmly with God through
reading His word, following His commands. There is always more to learn about Him,
always more to do that shows our appreciation for this world, our lives and
our hopes for the future spent in His presence.
So join me in getting busy! It's another glorious day! Praise God for such a gift!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
I give you, Maestro Jehovah
Always thought conductors were just silly people waving wands in the air with their
musicians pretty much ignoring them; sort of crowd pleasers, if you will. Well, thanks
to my wonderful son-in-law, and looking at the whole thing outside of the cartoon of Bugs
Bunny conducting, I have a new-found appreciation for what these wand-wavers do!
Turns out that the orchestra musicians actually are very much tuned in to the movements
of both the baton and the maestro's body language, and music is placed so that they
can see both music and conductor simultaneously. Pretty cool. Helps, I understand, to
have a big-name orchestra leader because it adds to the fame of the orchestra and, hopefully,
to the quality of the music.
So, now I would like to present, humbly, the ultimate maestro, Jehovah, my God, who
is the grand conductor of them all! He, in His glorious sovereignty, is in charge of all the
unique and complicated movements that allow this universe that He created to function!
Truly amazing!
Well, I would just like to use my bloggish creativity to wonder what it would be like for
God to create a musical score to the Bible; that's right, music to mirror and teach the story
of Jesus Christ, which, as you know, is what the books of the Bible accomplish.
Can you imagine the first magnificent chord? The orchestra completes their tune-ups,
followed by silence, and then the Conductor raises His wand and WOW! I'm not one to
give much credence to "The Big Bang," but it works to imagine a magnificent beginning
to this Whole Symphony.
How about the crossing of the Red Sea? The musical accompaniment to the walls of water
suddenly rising up and then crashing down upon the hapless Egyptians.
The calming of the waters of the Sea of Galilee; Jesus changing the raging elements into
sheer calm, picture that musically.
How about the back-and-forth of the rulers of Israel; one good king followed by one really
evil one. Back and forth, back and forth.
Then there is the birth of the Son of God with some beautiful melodies. The many
miraculous moments of His three-year walk, the tragedy of His Crucifixion. the glory
of His Resurrection and His Ascension! Wow!
I could go on; but, here is the part we all are waiting for...the Finale. The return on
clouds of Glory of the triumphant King, Jesus Christ. I hear a crescendo, growing
in strength and then, the final, unimaginably beautiful final grouping of sound. The
maestro now turns, amid Bravos and Joyous Hallelujah to receive the appreciation of
all His saints. Well done, Jehovah! Very Well Done!
Praise God Almighty!
Happy Thanksgiving!
musicians pretty much ignoring them; sort of crowd pleasers, if you will. Well, thanks
to my wonderful son-in-law, and looking at the whole thing outside of the cartoon of Bugs
Bunny conducting, I have a new-found appreciation for what these wand-wavers do!
Turns out that the orchestra musicians actually are very much tuned in to the movements
of both the baton and the maestro's body language, and music is placed so that they
can see both music and conductor simultaneously. Pretty cool. Helps, I understand, to
have a big-name orchestra leader because it adds to the fame of the orchestra and, hopefully,
to the quality of the music.
So, now I would like to present, humbly, the ultimate maestro, Jehovah, my God, who
is the grand conductor of them all! He, in His glorious sovereignty, is in charge of all the
unique and complicated movements that allow this universe that He created to function!
Truly amazing!
Well, I would just like to use my bloggish creativity to wonder what it would be like for
God to create a musical score to the Bible; that's right, music to mirror and teach the story
of Jesus Christ, which, as you know, is what the books of the Bible accomplish.
Can you imagine the first magnificent chord? The orchestra completes their tune-ups,
followed by silence, and then the Conductor raises His wand and WOW! I'm not one to
give much credence to "The Big Bang," but it works to imagine a magnificent beginning
to this Whole Symphony.
How about the crossing of the Red Sea? The musical accompaniment to the walls of water
suddenly rising up and then crashing down upon the hapless Egyptians.
The calming of the waters of the Sea of Galilee; Jesus changing the raging elements into
sheer calm, picture that musically.
How about the back-and-forth of the rulers of Israel; one good king followed by one really
evil one. Back and forth, back and forth.
Then there is the birth of the Son of God with some beautiful melodies. The many
miraculous moments of His three-year walk, the tragedy of His Crucifixion. the glory
of His Resurrection and His Ascension! Wow!
I could go on; but, here is the part we all are waiting for...the Finale. The return on
clouds of Glory of the triumphant King, Jesus Christ. I hear a crescendo, growing
in strength and then, the final, unimaginably beautiful final grouping of sound. The
maestro now turns, amid Bravos and Joyous Hallelujah to receive the appreciation of
all His saints. Well done, Jehovah! Very Well Done!
Praise God Almighty!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Home Sweetest Home
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you John 14:2
"Home" has a connotation of comfort and welcome. It's usually a place we think of
in a very positive sense; it'a a place where we feel we have roots. I can remember,
vividly, sitting on the back screened-in porch at my parents' home, crying, because
they were about to move out. I didn't even live there, any more; yet, there were
so many memories associated with the place that a great sense of loss came over me.
It's also disconcerting to re-visit an old neighborhood only to find that your old "home"
is either in disrepair or possibly even torn down.
A House Is Made Of Walls And Beams..A Home Is Built With Love And Dreams
So it is important not to confuse house and home, even though they may be one
and the same. "Home" may very well be whatever location one finds himself in,
as long as it is occupied by those he loves.
The one problem with our earthly homes is that they are temporary, not
permanent. The people who make up our earthly homes are temporary, as well.
That old home where parents and family resided will eventually become the
place where a different set of people reside. Our loved ones and family members,
our friends and close associates all will pass away. We are temporary; mortality
will end us all.
So the Bible verse above is super important and super comforting to those who
are solidly in Jesus. The home He speaks of is not temporary. It is eternal. Even
though we know more about what will not be in heaven than what will, we have
been assured by one who is Truth that we are bound for a place where God is
present, and we are bound for a home where there will be no transition. Until we
get there, we do not know what the floor-plan is like, don't know what the
accommodations and furnishings will be like. We do know that this final, glorious
home will be in the presence of the Holy God that we praise and honor. I have
the feeling that this home and its inhabitants will be more glorious than we can
even imagine. Aren't you a bit anxious? I certainly am! Praise God!
"Home" has a connotation of comfort and welcome. It's usually a place we think of
in a very positive sense; it'a a place where we feel we have roots. I can remember,
vividly, sitting on the back screened-in porch at my parents' home, crying, because
they were about to move out. I didn't even live there, any more; yet, there were
so many memories associated with the place that a great sense of loss came over me.
It's also disconcerting to re-visit an old neighborhood only to find that your old "home"
is either in disrepair or possibly even torn down.
A House Is Made Of Walls And Beams..A Home Is Built With Love And Dreams
So it is important not to confuse house and home, even though they may be one
and the same. "Home" may very well be whatever location one finds himself in,
as long as it is occupied by those he loves.
The one problem with our earthly homes is that they are temporary, not
permanent. The people who make up our earthly homes are temporary, as well.
That old home where parents and family resided will eventually become the
place where a different set of people reside. Our loved ones and family members,
our friends and close associates all will pass away. We are temporary; mortality
will end us all.
So the Bible verse above is super important and super comforting to those who
are solidly in Jesus. The home He speaks of is not temporary. It is eternal. Even
though we know more about what will not be in heaven than what will, we have
been assured by one who is Truth that we are bound for a place where God is
present, and we are bound for a home where there will be no transition. Until we
get there, we do not know what the floor-plan is like, don't know what the
accommodations and furnishings will be like. We do know that this final, glorious
home will be in the presence of the Holy God that we praise and honor. I have
the feeling that this home and its inhabitants will be more glorious than we can
even imagine. Aren't you a bit anxious? I certainly am! Praise God!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Seeking a "degree" of Thank-ology
Love to mess with the titles. No..I won't be going back to my beloved Ohio State
University to earn a new degree. Been there and done that. No need to return to worrying about mid-terms, finals, papers, being on time, etc. No dissertation or oral exams
to contemplate.
By degree, I mean amount, in this instance. I am looking to increase, exponentially, my
conscious appreciation for the blessings given to me by my God. They are so many,
it's difficult to imagine the number. They are magnanimous, unearned, gracious
loving examples of the generosity and love that I receive, daily, from the God of the
universe.
The problem, and I am sure I share this with many who may be readers, is taking
the time to remember to be thankful. I am in the real retirement mode, at this point.
I have stopped working part-time and am not actively seeking employ. My career
has long been a thing of the past so I am left with exercise, taking care of my cat, trying
to avoid over stretching my relationship with the daughter I love: translation... I have a
lot of time. So no real excuses; I have the time to concentrate on thanking Him for
everything. It's a conscious decision, one that I am making more frequently, but, still,
I have to remind myself to speak these thanks to Him.
One thing I have done is to take the thanks down to the basic level. I am thankful
for each and every heartbeat, each and every breath I am blessed to be able to take.
I am thankful for each day spent out of hospital, each day filled with the realization
that life is tenuous, fleeting and temporary.
I use my walking time to remind me to thank Him for this beautiful created world I
live in. Sure, it is broken, but it still is a representation of the greatest creative force
in the universe.
Believe it or not, I thank Him for my brokenness. It helps me to keep humble when I
realize that I am sinful and very much in need of a savior. It keeps me grounded in
the knowledge that I need to use the awareness of my rebellion to seek to repent
in earnest and turn, with the Spirit's help, away from temptations and sinfulness.
Then there is the Gospel; what a blessed reason to give thanks. Thanks to the
Lamb of God who became corporal and walked toward death, the only thing that
would establish a way for me to be forgiven and seen as acceptable to God.
Finally, I am thankful for a future of hope. A future complete with the upcoming
residence in the presence of God, Jesus and all others who will live in an eternity
of blessing. THANK YOU, GOD! (Did I remember to say, "THANK YOU?")
University to earn a new degree. Been there and done that. No need to return to worrying about mid-terms, finals, papers, being on time, etc. No dissertation or oral exams
to contemplate.
By degree, I mean amount, in this instance. I am looking to increase, exponentially, my
conscious appreciation for the blessings given to me by my God. They are so many,
it's difficult to imagine the number. They are magnanimous, unearned, gracious
loving examples of the generosity and love that I receive, daily, from the God of the
universe.
The problem, and I am sure I share this with many who may be readers, is taking
the time to remember to be thankful. I am in the real retirement mode, at this point.
I have stopped working part-time and am not actively seeking employ. My career
has long been a thing of the past so I am left with exercise, taking care of my cat, trying
to avoid over stretching my relationship with the daughter I love: translation... I have a
lot of time. So no real excuses; I have the time to concentrate on thanking Him for
everything. It's a conscious decision, one that I am making more frequently, but, still,
I have to remind myself to speak these thanks to Him.
One thing I have done is to take the thanks down to the basic level. I am thankful
for each and every heartbeat, each and every breath I am blessed to be able to take.
I am thankful for each day spent out of hospital, each day filled with the realization
that life is tenuous, fleeting and temporary.
I use my walking time to remind me to thank Him for this beautiful created world I
live in. Sure, it is broken, but it still is a representation of the greatest creative force
in the universe.
Believe it or not, I thank Him for my brokenness. It helps me to keep humble when I
realize that I am sinful and very much in need of a savior. It keeps me grounded in
the knowledge that I need to use the awareness of my rebellion to seek to repent
in earnest and turn, with the Spirit's help, away from temptations and sinfulness.
Then there is the Gospel; what a blessed reason to give thanks. Thanks to the
Lamb of God who became corporal and walked toward death, the only thing that
would establish a way for me to be forgiven and seen as acceptable to God.
Finally, I am thankful for a future of hope. A future complete with the upcoming
residence in the presence of God, Jesus and all others who will live in an eternity
of blessing. THANK YOU, GOD! (Did I remember to say, "THANK YOU?")
Friday, November 15, 2013
We have to be reminded to remember!
It is my belief that deep within us is the knowledge of God's existence. I have called it
the God spot; yet the concept is certainly not mine. Add to this inner knowledge the fact that
we deeply wish to have a relationship with God. Agnostics and Atheists alike, in my
opinion, are just fooling themselves, or trying to fool us. The search for meaning in
our lives and answers about why we even exist, all point back to that realization that we
are creations of God.
So how does all that apply to the Christmas mess? Have you noticed that Christmas is
upon us? It's in the stores, on the tele, on Al Gore's internet, in the mail... Halloween ended
and, "boom," Christmas materialized. Tiz the season, but what's the reason? I spent
several day-after Thanksgiving mornings going into work at 4am so that the shoppers who
lined up for gifts after midnight would have breakfast options. Those were folks standing
in line for Kiss Me Elmo's or Cabbage Patch Kids or Beanie Babies, etc.
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come..
It is a season for joy, yet statistics suggest that it is also a season when depression and
angst show up, big time. There are financial pressures, there are the pressures of preparing
for family, etc. But I believe that there is something missing in all this Christmas hustle and
bustle: Jesus Christ.
We need to be reminded to remember that this is not Tiny Tim's Christmas. not the Grinch's
Christmas, not Santa Claus's Christmas.. it's Christ's Christmas.
Had you visited me any time in the first 60 years of my life during the holiday season, you
would have seen the traditional secular items. There would have been some decorations,
presents under the tree (with the star, on top, of course), Christmas carols in the air...maybe
even a cute manger scene. What there would not have been is the underlying recognition that the greatest gift ever given to anyone, at any time, for any reason
was the real reason for celebration... the glorious birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was in need of a reminder to remember.
So do we wring our hands, gnash our teeth and shake our heads over this secularization
and materialization of Christmas? No, I'd rather we take that energy and reach out
to remind those around us to remember the real reason for Christmas joy. One person
at a time; one heart at a time.
Let Earth receive her King! Her King, indeed. Something we should remember and
rejoice over Every Single Day! Praise God!
the God spot; yet the concept is certainly not mine. Add to this inner knowledge the fact that
we deeply wish to have a relationship with God. Agnostics and Atheists alike, in my
opinion, are just fooling themselves, or trying to fool us. The search for meaning in
our lives and answers about why we even exist, all point back to that realization that we
are creations of God.
So how does all that apply to the Christmas mess? Have you noticed that Christmas is
upon us? It's in the stores, on the tele, on Al Gore's internet, in the mail... Halloween ended
and, "boom," Christmas materialized. Tiz the season, but what's the reason? I spent
several day-after Thanksgiving mornings going into work at 4am so that the shoppers who
lined up for gifts after midnight would have breakfast options. Those were folks standing
in line for Kiss Me Elmo's or Cabbage Patch Kids or Beanie Babies, etc.
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come..
It is a season for joy, yet statistics suggest that it is also a season when depression and
angst show up, big time. There are financial pressures, there are the pressures of preparing
for family, etc. But I believe that there is something missing in all this Christmas hustle and
bustle: Jesus Christ.
We need to be reminded to remember that this is not Tiny Tim's Christmas. not the Grinch's
Christmas, not Santa Claus's Christmas.. it's Christ's Christmas.
Had you visited me any time in the first 60 years of my life during the holiday season, you
would have seen the traditional secular items. There would have been some decorations,
presents under the tree (with the star, on top, of course), Christmas carols in the air...maybe
even a cute manger scene. What there would not have been is the underlying recognition that the greatest gift ever given to anyone, at any time, for any reason
was the real reason for celebration... the glorious birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was in need of a reminder to remember.
So do we wring our hands, gnash our teeth and shake our heads over this secularization
and materialization of Christmas? No, I'd rather we take that energy and reach out
to remind those around us to remember the real reason for Christmas joy. One person
at a time; one heart at a time.
Let Earth receive her King! Her King, indeed. Something we should remember and
rejoice over Every Single Day! Praise God!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving Day..same for tomorrow...same for...
Yes, I know. It's October 31st, Halloween. Not really much but a Hallmark holiday, now
that I am older. Now I still enjoy a Hershey Bar now and then. But, it's really Thanksgiving
Day. It also will be Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, etc.
How can that be? There is an "official" Thanksgiving Day on tap for Thursday, Nov. 28th.
That's the day when everyone eats turkey, takes a nap and then piles in the mini-van
to head out for a shopping frenzy.
Well that may be well and good, but how about we celebrate Thanksgiving Day today!
We can be thankful for being alive today, thanks to the grace of God. There are a whole
bunch of things that have to be working correctly for us to haul ourselves out of bed, and
I don't mean the coffee grinder. This body we inhabit has to be functioning in an amazing
number of ways for us to make it a good day. The heart, amazingly complex and
intricate. The brain, even on those foggy mornings, that mass of gray stuff is allowing
us to think, feel, communicate and even write blogs! Truly magnificent.
We can be thankful for being justified, thanks to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those
of us who call ourselves Christians, that means that by faith alone, by belief in Jesus,
we are made acceptable to a God who, by our own actions and ways, would not even
think about forgiving us. It is by His grace that we have been adopted into the family
of God. Our sins have been paid for by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Paid in full. Absolutely not happening based upon our efforts or self-righteousness.
How could we be anything but thankful today, and every day, for this unbelievable
gift.
We can be thankful that we do not have to face the difficulties and challenges of living
in this broken world, alone. We all will face sadness, illness, the list goes on. There
are difficult times ahead. We struggle with sin and the temptations of the Evil One.
Yet, God has provided sustaining grace, filling us with hope, strength and wisdom.
Encouraging us by assuring us that He is with us and has equipped us to face even the
most daunting of challenges.
Thanksgiving Day..today, tomorrow and every day of your life. Praising and loving God
with all your heart. It's a day to be thankful. It's a day to remember what God has done
for us! Praise Him!!!
that I am older. Now I still enjoy a Hershey Bar now and then. But, it's really Thanksgiving
Day. It also will be Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, etc.
How can that be? There is an "official" Thanksgiving Day on tap for Thursday, Nov. 28th.
That's the day when everyone eats turkey, takes a nap and then piles in the mini-van
to head out for a shopping frenzy.
Well that may be well and good, but how about we celebrate Thanksgiving Day today!
We can be thankful for being alive today, thanks to the grace of God. There are a whole
bunch of things that have to be working correctly for us to haul ourselves out of bed, and
I don't mean the coffee grinder. This body we inhabit has to be functioning in an amazing
number of ways for us to make it a good day. The heart, amazingly complex and
intricate. The brain, even on those foggy mornings, that mass of gray stuff is allowing
us to think, feel, communicate and even write blogs! Truly magnificent.
We can be thankful for being justified, thanks to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those
of us who call ourselves Christians, that means that by faith alone, by belief in Jesus,
we are made acceptable to a God who, by our own actions and ways, would not even
think about forgiving us. It is by His grace that we have been adopted into the family
of God. Our sins have been paid for by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Paid in full. Absolutely not happening based upon our efforts or self-righteousness.
How could we be anything but thankful today, and every day, for this unbelievable
gift.
We can be thankful that we do not have to face the difficulties and challenges of living
in this broken world, alone. We all will face sadness, illness, the list goes on. There
are difficult times ahead. We struggle with sin and the temptations of the Evil One.
Yet, God has provided sustaining grace, filling us with hope, strength and wisdom.
Encouraging us by assuring us that He is with us and has equipped us to face even the
most daunting of challenges.
Thanksgiving Day..today, tomorrow and every day of your life. Praising and loving God
with all your heart. It's a day to be thankful. It's a day to remember what God has done
for us! Praise Him!!!
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