An Attitude of Gratitude

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

1 Chron 16:8 NKJV

 

Saying Thanks on Thanksgiving

It’s a national holiday that calls us to express our gratitude. Gratitude. An emotion born from contentment and satisfaction. Or is it?

  The Apostle Paul tells us the he learned to be content in any circumstance (Phil 4:10-13)

  So, it’s not the circumstances in life that should influence our contentment but rather our attitude in the face of our circumstances. But how can this be possible in the face of want and need? How can an attitude affect change in physical circumstances?

  The quick answer is Faith! The long answer is a bit more complex but the answer is still faith. I’ll elaborate……

  As believers we believe in God.  God tells us that He is our provider. One of His names is Jehovah Jireh (God will provide – Gen. 22:7KJV). If we have lack or want we are saying that God is a liar and that he doesn’t provide for our needs. Yes I know that sounds harsh but why waste time here sugar-coating things?

  If we experience lack or want in the face of God’s provisions we aren’t likely to consider how we make use of what we do have/receive. Denial and pride can keep us from blaming ourselves for squandering the grace of God.

If, for instance, a man is living on a fixed income which allows for him to have shelter, food and some basic luxuries like tv, telephone and internet. But he lets food go to waste in his frig (because he doesn’t feel like cooking), while he spends money on fast food that was supposed to be for bills, can he say that God doesn’t provide? Or, a woman that spends large amounts of money on scratch off games in hope of winning big but only winds up wasting money that was supposed to be for food and bills. Can she truly say that God is a liar and doesn’t provide?

I heard a great sermon that talked about this very thing years ago. The Pastor was teaching about stewardship and tithing. He asked that we (the body of Christ in general) should examine our checkbooks/bank statements to see where our dedications are. Certainly we should see finances spent on food, housing, transportation, tuition even and as well as other true necessities. But, if we see spending on things such as entertainment, alcohol, luxury items that place us in bondage to credit card debt but we don’t see regular contributions to the church we have no right to speak badly about God’s ability to provide for us.

 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.                                                                                                                      Malichi 3:10-12 KJV

……and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake!!! This is a shocking revelation!!! Taken at face value The Lord is telling us that there is a devourer out there and that He will protect us from him as a result of our faithfulness in giving to Him. So, perhaps the reason we are experiencing lack or want in our lives even if we try to make the best use of the resources received is because the devourer is attacking our finances.

The answer is easy. Have faith in God and tithe. Be responsible for your own finances by giving thanks to God for what you have and giving back a small portion (10%) regularly.

As the song says….

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ to us.

Take a look around at what you have and be grateful for what you have rather than being ungrateful for what you do not have.

An attitude of gratitude is really the very least that we as believers can do in light of all that God has done for us. Perhaps that will only be completely appreciated when we are in His presences in Glory.

Betty and I hope that this past Thanksgiving has been a blessed time filled with family, friends and food. May this coming Christmas Season be blessed also.

Thanks, A&B

Happy Thanksgiving!!

In Your Home Is it Thanksgiving Day, Turkey Day or the just the day before Black Friday?

The start of the hectic holiday season or a day to reflect on just how fortunate we are and give Thanks to He Who gives us our daily bread? I am sure it means something different to all of us according to our particular traditions and upbringing. Some families at Thanksgiving will go around the table expressing what they are grateful for before dinner. Some of us will have the TV set to the Parade, a game or the dog show maybe we use the day to begin playing holiday music. There may be that special dish served at dinner that isn’t seen any other time of year. Perhaps the special china is lovingly unpacked for the occasion. Perhaps the special part of the day is that the whole family is gathered together in one place.

Thanksgiving Day has always been special to me for so many reasons. It represents the start of the Christmas season – which is a magical time of year. The holiday season is a time to express our love and appreciation for those close to us and to also smile at strangers everywhere. Something we might otherwise not do if not for the festive spirit in the air. For me, it is a time to consider where I was and where I am and how I got here. I am thankful for the life I have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGSR1-nGsLI

Give Thanks – Don Moen You Tube

An attitude of gratitude. The expression “give thanks” is noted so many times in scripture and is encouraged by prophets, kings, apostles and is exemplified by Jesus Himself. It was the ungrateful and hard hearts of the elders in the wilderness that cost them their entrance into the Promised Land. Ingratitude paints a dark picture over the memory of days gone by and diminishes any hope for the future. No matter what our past or current circumstances there is a light of hope and reason to be grateful. As long as we are alive we can have hope for tomorrow because He lives and loves us and wants to see us safe, healthy, loved and secure.

This Thanksgiving Day we encourage you all to be of good cheer, be thankful and be hopeful because He loves you.  Be Blessed A&B 

PS – Parts of this post were reprinted from last years but that doesn’t change the sentiment behind the words. If anything, this years Thanksgiving post means more to us because of all of you who have visited with us and encouraged us. This year, as in previous years, we pray that everyone feels the love of God in Christ and can be grateful for the gift of new life. Al

PSS – Hope you like the new theme.

In every thing givethanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18KJV

 

 

 

The Mega Millions Jackpot is now……

Does your shopping list include bread, milk, cold cuts, lotto tickets and scratch offs? Many people do. Many Christians do too. After all as a Christian we could do so much good with alllllllll that money. Right? Where’s the harm in that?

From cover to cover The Word of God tells us how much God loves us. In the Old Testament we learn the Names of God as He revealed Himself to the children of Israel. He is the God our Provider, The God our Healer, He is God Almighty, The God Who goes before us and so on.  In the New Testament we see God incarnate – God with us. The Creator of the universe left heaven to walk amongst us and even suffer unbearable things and die for us. We need to grasp just how much we are loved and be humbled at the thought of it.

But don’t forget to check your numbers! You gotta be in it to win! Today might be your lucky day! Someday my ship will come in!

But seriously brothers and sisters look at what the Word says about God’s provisions for your life and the trap of riches. God has no problem with wealth. Look at Solomon – the richest man ever – past, present and future.  That’s just one example of people God has blessed with great wealth because He wants to bless us. God promises to open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on us that we can not contain – if we are good stewards of what He has already given us. If we fall into the trap of thinking that we don’t have enough or that we would be better off winning the sweepstakes what we are doing is telling God He is not enough or worse – He lied!

Thou shall not covet! It’s one of the Big Ten! Covet. Such an Old Testament word. Covet – to desire, be envious of, want or lust for. Now I know that none of us do that but there’s plenty of opportunity to if you did. The TV, Magazines, Billboards, Social Media all flash images of things we don’t have, or newer, bigger, nicer, better versions of what we do have, in our face. So naturally we want the newest, bigger, best, whatever. After all look at what we do have! ugh! It’s  old, it’s dull, boring, outdated.

It’s a trap. A trap to get you to devalue the blessings that God has given you – spouse, job, money, home, stuff, etc.,  and lust after something you don’t have and can’t afford to have. But, if I could just win the Lotto my problems would be solved. No they wouldn’t!

Goggle lotto winners and you’ll find many have lost it all. Spent it, gave some away, got robbed, whatever that case. The sweepstakes did not solve their problems. Only God can do that. He may be doing that already and you just don’t see it.

If you are working – you’re blessed! Many people aren’t.

If you’re working but unable to make ends meet. Look at what you spend your money (God’s Blessing) on.

If you are not working ask yourself why. If you’re health prevents you from working – Pray for strength or assistance.

If you are healthy enough to work but aren’t ask yourself why. Pride is a big hindrance to getting a job. “I’m a college educated ________ and I’m not going to work for anything less than $_____ an hour/day/week. Get a job. Any job and pray that God blesses your humility. I have countless stories of people I know who are in great positions but started at the bottom.

Instead of wishing you could win the jackpot and get all those new, bigger, brighter, better things, thank God for what you have right now. Because either God loves you and has provided for you and will continue to provide for you. Or He is a LIAR!

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.                                                                                                                      Phil 4:19 NKJV

God is NOT a Liar. But He told us about one and we should be careful not to fall into the traps set by that liar. He (the devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy.

Give thanks and be blessed, Al

 

Giving Thanks!

Is it Thanksgiving Day, Turkey Day or the just the day before Black Friday? The start of the hectic holiday season or a day to reflect on just how fortunate we are and give Thanks to He Who gives us our daily bread? I am sure it means something different to all of us according to our particular traditions and upbringing. Some families at Thanksgiving will go around the table expressing what they are grateful for before dinner. Some of us will have the TV set to the Parade or the game or maybe we use the day to begin playing holiday music. There may be that special dish served at dinner that isn’t seen any other time of year. Perhaps the special china is lovingly unpacked for the occasion. Perhaps the special part of the day is that the whole family is gathered together in one place.

Thanksgiving Day has always been special to me for so many reasons. It represents the start of the Christmas season – which is a magical time of year. The holiday season is a time to express our love and appreciation for those close to us and to also smile at strangers everywhere. Something we might otherwise not do if not for the festive spirit in the air. For me, it is a time to consider where I was and where I am and how I got here. I am thankful for the life I have. This doesn’t mean I have a Norman Rockwell picture perfect life. It means the opposite actually. I can turn around to look down the road I have traveled and see potholes, roadblocks and caution tape. I have been saved from a life of troubles by the Love of God and for that I am grateful.

An attitude of gratitude. The expression “give thanks” is noted so many times in scripture and is encouraged by prophets, kings, apostles and is exemplified by Jesus Himself. It was the ungrateful and hard hearts of the elders in the wilderness that cost them their entrance into the Promised Land. Ingratitude paints a dark picture over the memory of days gone by and diminishes any hope for the future. No matter what our past or current circumstances there is a light of hope and reason to be grateful. As long as we are alive we can have hope for tomorrow because He lives and loves us and wants to see us safe, healthy, loved and secure.  This Thanksgiving Day we encourage you all to be of good cheer, be thankful and be hopeful because He loves you. A&B

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11NIV

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18KJV