thanksgiving

God’s Word Abides Forever

. “There is no stability in anything that man does or produces … but God and His word endure forever the same”.

1Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, [that is,] through the living and abiding word of God. 24 For, "ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER." And this is the word which was preached to you.

Assumed –

Obedience to the truth,

Heart sanctified by Christ’s blood,

Resulting in a sincere love for those who are like-minded,

Fervently and actively seeking to encourage one another.

The above is only possible if you have been called by God’s grace. God’s word is living, has the power to change hearts, and will continue forever. This truth is unlike our own physical bodies which will cease to exist.

Consider for a moment the comparison of flesh and grass. Grass grows, flowers, and turns to seed, then it dies and withers away. Man is born physically, grows, even flourishes, but then fades and physically dies. Man, like grass, is weak and transitory – here today and gone tomorrow. Ponder the strength you had ten or twenty years ago; perhaps at one time you were heralded for a great accomplishment or success in life or work. Even these moments of thriving fade with time. Man’s success is short-lived just like the flowering seed of grass. There is no certainty in our flesh, accomplishments, or possessions. However, there is permanency in God’s word which is all-powerful and eternal. Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary says man “is corruptible and decaying”, God is abiding. “There is no stability in anything that man does or produces … but God and His word endure forever the same”.

1 Peter 1:24-25 is a quote from the book of Isaiah where God spoke to the prophet Isaiah, instructing the church to stand on the lasting promises of God rather than men. A voice says, "Call out." Then he answered, "What shall I call out?" All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever, Isaiah 40:6-8.

“ …where the preaching of the Gospel is foretold, and recommended from the consideration, that everything which is merely human, and, among the rest, the noblest races of mankind, with all their glory and grandeur, their honors, riches, beauty, strength, and eloquence, as also the arts which men have invented, and the works they have executed, all decay as the flowers of the field. But the incorruptible seed, the Gospel, called by the Prophet, the word of the Divine nature, which it is the instrument of conveying to believers, will remain in them to all eternity.” Dr. Macknight.

The Word of the Lord is the Gospel. Trusting in the Gospel, understanding and accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord is life everlasting. The apostle Peter quotes Isaiah because it is the same word spoken then as it was beforehand. And this same Gospel is true for us today. Without the Gospel, man is destined for destruction. With the Gospel man is able to have confidence in his redemption.

Tomorrow, our country celebrates Thanksgiving which commemorates a feast held in the early 1600’s. Consider what you are thankful for. Everything you might list is a direct blessing from the hand of God. Our families, friends, employment, shelter, clothing, food, transportation, health, the air we breathe, plants, animals, stars, the sun’s warmth, the moon’s glow, new life, long life, even difficulties and the stretching circumstances which cause us to look up at something greater than ourselves. Of all these blessings, your standing as God’s child in His eternal glory is most important. Is God at the top of your list? Are you willing to accept His almighty power and absolute perfect plan for your life? Let us live each day and each moment in gratitude for the inexpressible value of eternal hope.

Glaringly opposite of the lasting value of God’s word is man’s fleeting existence.

Job 14:1-2 "Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil. "Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.

King David understands this comparison, “My days are like a lengthened shadow; and I wither away like grass. But Thou, O Lord, dost abide forever; and Thy name to all generations”, Psalm 102:11-12.

Ps 103:14-17 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are [but] dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

Dust is a good description of man. What happens to dust when you blow on it? It dissipates into the air. This is man. However, we do have value, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us so that we might live forever with Him. This is our value – God alone. God’s word is the clear representation of Himself. It is His communication to us of who He is, who we are, what He has done, and what we need to do.

Isaiah Chapter 51 was written to comfort the Israelites held captive in Babylon. In verses 12-13, God reminds them of man’s powerless state. “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, and of the son of man who is made like grass; that you have forgotten the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; that you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, as he makes ready to destroy? But where is the fury of the oppressor?”

How does thinking rightly of man and rightly of God affect your attitude and choices?

All flesh, the body, what is external, human nature with all its physical and moral frailties, is like grass. There is a very short time in our valley when the hills surrounding us are green. It is quite beautiful to take a drive within the period when things are blooming. Consider the poppy fields we get to enjoy each year. Yet how long is the season of their blooming? Just as the green hills and fields of wildflowers shrivel and dry up, so will man’s flesh. Perhaps there will be moments of glory, but those moments quickly fade and are tossed aside, having no lasting value.

The Word of the Lord abides forever. It will continue through all time, it will endure through all circumstances, it stands on its own, it is present now and will remain. Its strength will never cease, and its intent will never change or be diminished. It is perfect, it saves, it is sure, it is wisdom, it is joy, it is holy, it is judgment, and it is protection, (Psalm 19:7-11).

The Word feeds the soul.

Psalm 119:103

Matthew 4:4

The Word is light in the darkness.

Psalm 118:105

Proverbs 6:23

The Word warns and it blesses.

Proverbs 29:18

Luke 11:28

The Word purifies

Psalm 119:9

John 15:3

“But the word of the Lord abideth for ever in undiminished force and vigour, nor can ten thousand succeeding ages prevent or abate its efficacy. Now this, which the prophet refers to in the oracle I have just been quoting, is the word which is preached to you in the gospel: show, therefore, your regard to it by such a temper and behaviour, both towards God and man, as it was intended to inculcate and produce”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

John 6:63-68, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.

Good question – where else would we go, where else do we go. Either we live in the world and for ourselves or we live in Christ for Him. The first will afford moments of happiness based on circumstances, yet discouragement and failure will reign as we are tossed to and fro in the volatile waves of man’s wisdom. The latter promises joy based upon our value in Christ, His purpose for us and the certain hope of eternal life. Ephesians 4:14 says, As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

What is your response? Do you know and understand these things to be true, having accepted them in your heart?

John 20:31 but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

James 1:5-6 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Do you possess the certain hope of eternal life?

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Have you placed your complete trust in God’s absolute holiness?

1Kings 8:56 "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.

Psalm 111:7-8 The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness.

Matthew 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.

The Word of the Lord, the Gospel, is permanent.

Psalm 119:89 Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.

This is what was preached then by the apostles; it is what we should proclaim now. If we have been born for eternity, we should now live for eternity. Christ crucified is the only means that will save a soul.

Are you counting on your own life, your works, your charitable deeds, your ‘claim to fame’, the church you attend, or your heritage or association with a religious group, to be the key to your eternal future salvation?

Eternal salvation, rendered only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is rendered by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone.

In response, the gifts and strengths God has given to each of us are not to be used for our recognition or profit. All that we are able to do is to be used by God, for His glory. Our worship is the praise we offer to God, through the life He has given, which seeks to honor His name, in obedience to His word, which will abide forever.

Slay Anxiety

It is then no longer I who is scrambling to solve a problem, it is God who is sovereign over all things, knows all things, and can do all things.

How do you respond when your own personal concerns about friends, family and life circumstances begin to creep into your joy? My response when I notice my heart is beginning to feel heavy and overwhelmed, is to dig into a well-known section of scripture once again. It is incredible how a child of God can repeatedly visit the same verse through the years and be encouraged by new and different insight. It is not that the Word has changed, but our experiences of God’s faithfulness, and hopefully our own spiritual growth, causes us to see more. God has lovingly placed in our hands His inerrant Truths. His warnings and promises in the Bible are His historical guidebook on how He works, who He is, what He has done and what He will do. The Bible is our manual on how we are to live – who we are in Christ and without Christ, what we have because of Christ and what we forfeit when we reject Him. For the umpteenth time I have needed to reset my sights on what is genuinely important and valued, giving less regard to worldly concerns. I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior for His tender care for my soul. Grab a cup of coffee and let us unwrap the priceless package of God’s word together.

Focus Heavenward, Sharyn.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Notice the action in Psalm 55 – cast your burden, meaning to throw out, down or away. Picture casting a fishing line into the water. However, in this case you would cut the line having no desire to retrieve it. We are to get rid of our burdens, placing them in the hands of God who is more than willing and capable to handle them. It is then no longer I who is scrambling to solve a problem, it is God who is sovereign over all things, knows all things, and can do all things. This truth creates a sigh of relief and peace in God’s children.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Again, we see action in Proverbs 16 – commit. We are to remove, literally roll, our burdens to the Lord. When all of our concerns are placed in Christ’s hands, we can take a deep sigh of relief. I will share part of my testimony here for sake of illustration. Years ago, I was unfamiliar with any specific scriptures in the Bible. However, when God determines it is time to open the eyes of one of His own, He orchestrates the circumstances. I was alone late one evening, my children were upstairs sleeping, and I was literally at the end of my rope. I had done everything I could possibly think of to change the direction of where we were headed. Nothing had worked. My life was in shambles, I had three children depending on me, I was scared, alone, felt hopeless, worthless, and ashamed by failure. As hot tears and silent sobs filled the dark night, I was led to take the blanket off the back of the sofa and lay it out on the floor. I then threw in my burdens, all of them, crying and telling God that I could not go on – it was all His. I was too weak to carry the load. I am sure if anyone had seen me talking to what looked like no one and pantomiming the placement of things in the middle of a blanket on the floor, I would have been carried off for evaluation. I rolled up the blanket and held it with both hands as high as possible and asked God to take all that was within and help me. In that moment of giving up of self and rolling my burdens to God, relief poured over me. A quietness I had never known settled in my soul and the peace of God’s care assured me that somehow, we would be okay.

Matthew 6:25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, [as to] what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. [Each] day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:22 And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for [your] life, [as to] what you shall eat; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Do not be anxious for your life, do not be anxious for tomorrow, do not be anxious for what you shall eat, do not be anxious for what you shall wear – Be anxious for nothing!

Be Anxious <merimnao> to be anxious about, take thought; through the idea of distraction.

When we are worried or bothered about something, it is what we think about most. In fact, just listen to others. Most often, they talk about what is bothering them. It does not take long to find out what is troubling to any of us as we are usually ready to share with those who will listen. Consider how you might mull over a situation again and again in your mind. When this happens, we find it difficult to concentrate on other things, even those things that are most important. We can become distracted; our attention can be drawn away from God rather than towards Him when our focus is diverted.

Is your soul distracted or troubled?

When Jesus sent the twelve disciples, He told them they would have difficulty, yet they were not to be anxious about all the details. Matthew 10:19 "But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak.

When Martha was complaining about the things that needed to get done, Jesus addressed her, Luke 10:41-42 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but [only] a few things are necessary, really [only] one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Read an account of what the interaction between Martha and Jesus may have sounded like, written by Philip Doddridge in his New Testament notes, “But let me tell thee, my dear friend, that there is one thing absolutely necessary, and of infinitely greater importance than any of these domestic and secular cares; even the care to have the soul instructed in the saving knowledge of the way that leads to eternal life, and to secure a title to it: and Mary is wisely attending to that; therefore, instead of reproving her, I must rather declare that she has chosen what may eminently be called the good part, which as it shall not be finally taken away from her, I would not now hinder her from pursuing; but rather invite thee to join with her in her attention to it”.

For nothing <medeis> not even one, anything, none at all.

In nothing be anxious, in other words, stop being anxious. Not that we do not care spiritually for one another. We need to exercise what is right, being diligent in our responsibilities. This is not license for a carefree, slothful life.

Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

2Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.

2Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

We are to work hard, making the most of our time, using our resources for the encouragement and service of one another. We are not to be distracted and anxious for worldly cares. Picture a squirrel running to and fro, easily distracted by every noise, breeze, smell, and sound. This is the opposite of what our focus should look like. We often try to figure out that which is not ours to care for. For some reason, we quickly take the burden of fixing those things which are God’s to fix and direct. We constantly need to remember that we are not the ones in control. Then our focus can become what it should be – a life honoring to God, taking care in all things to give glory to His name. Sometimes quick action is required, certainly service to one another is necessary, but frequently prayer is the answer as we wait upon God and trust in His work.

Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved [even in his] sleep.

But – instead of being anxious and distracted

In everything <pas> including all the forms of declension (downward slope, worsening, decline); all, any, every, all manner, whatsoever, whosoever.

Even when circumstances seem dire, like they will never be resolved, or it seems that things are getting worse and we begin to feel fear rise up in us. Even when we are certain we cannot go on – God can.

All the big things, all the little things, great and small – God cares! In necessity, in prosperity, in adversity, in everything, every time, every condition and every occasion. (cf. Matthew Poole’s Commentary)

Do you trust all things to God?

If someone were to ask, ‘Do you trust God’, many of us would quickly reply with an affirmation that indeed we do. But consider what is behind your most troublesome and heart-wrenching cares. We are to trust God with the impossible. I must admit, often it boils down to a lack of complete trust, I can lose hope and the word ‘quit’ enters my mind. I can readily forget where my sight needs to be centered. Oh Lord, give me a heart to immediately remember Your faithfulness in the past and build my trust in Your faithfulness for the future.

Matthew 17:20 And He *said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.

Matthew 19:26 And looking upon [them] Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

By prayer <proseuche> prayer, worship, pray earnestly,

The answer to solicitous care or anxiousness, is fervent prayer. To pray earnestly means to take prayer seriously. This is more than the quick obligated words you may hear at times. It is understanding the value of prayer and the One to whom you are praying. Coming before the throne of God is not to be taken lightly. When I think of who I am, who God is and what He has done for me in spite of my sin, my heart is clothed in humility and gratitude. Then I am prepared to worship and bring my requests before our Almighty God.

When the Amalekites raided Palestine and David was distressed, he found solace in God, 1Samuel 30:6 Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

Luke 18:1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

I have noticed a pattern in my life. Years ago, I spent time studying prayer as I was convicted of the need to develop a deeper, more complete time of praising God verbally, confessing my sins, thanking Him for countless blessings, and of bringing my own requests and the concerns of others before Him. I was intrigued by the stillness of the very early morning and the void of distraction and was challenged to ask God to help me seek Him through prayer when I awoke at these early times. Our God is faithful to answer the requests that cause us to rely on Him more deeply. I now often find myself wide awake in the wee hours of the morning and have come to treasure these sweet quiet times of prayer. I do not even question why I am awake any more, I just spend time in prayer. I am personally thankful for God’s faithfulness in developing a deeper time of prayer in my life.

Fervent prayer, which always pulls my focus back where it belongs, is the key to overcoming frequent worry. Sincere prayer causes us to remember who God is. When we focus on God, we cannot help but be silenced in our worry. Think of some of His attributes: He is light in darkness, He is without sin, He is everlasting, His strength is beyond comparison, He knows all things, He defines wisdom, He is holy and perfectly just. He loves us, He is good, gracious, faithful, merciful, patient, and compassionate.

I believe it is impossible to encompass my thoughts with the worship of God and be worried at the same time!

And supplication <deesis> a petition, prayer, request, supplication (asking God’s help, a humble request for help, plea)

Think of the scenario of a child needing their parent for something. You can hear the desperate sound of their voice as they plea for help. At that moment, only Mom or Dad have the solution to their call. We are to call to God, our heavenly Father, with the understanding that He alone has answers. Our plea to Him is one of dependence and trust in His faithfulness and power to overcome our trouble or see us through it.

When the king of Assyria taunted the people of Jerusalem, Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed, 2Chronicles 32:20 But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven.

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.

It is no surprise that we need God! His intervention in our lives is the only reason we have hope for our future and success in the present. There is a popular saying, ‘Know God – know peace’. How true this is. Right now, during this world-wide pandemic, in which 2020 will be noted for in history, circumstances seem downright confusing. However, there is no confusion on God’s part. He has the answers, He is guiding His people, and His glory will prevail. We are reminded to be on our knees as we seek His help in this desperate time. I pray you see this as a blessing! God is at work in the world.

Things may not turn out the way we think they should, but they will turn out the way God has intended. We may not get what we want but we will get what God has planned. We may not receive what we think we need but we will be blessed with what God knows we need in order to grow in His likeness and glorify Him.

With thanksgiving <eucharistia> gratitude; grateful language to God as an act of worship.

Bottom line – we do not deserve one ounce of any type of blessing God has bestowed on us. What we do deserve is death – instead, we have life eternal. What we do deserve is confusion – instead, we have the promise of His direction. We have peace instead of chaos, hope instead of fear, comfort in the midst of sorrow, joy in all circumstances, and forgiveness rather than condemnation.

Thanksgiving to God for His answers means you are resigned to your need of His care. It is trusting that God’s will is best; it is relinquishing your plan for His. He understands and knows all things. He is in complete control of all things and has allowed all things for your good and for His glory. We are to pray with grateful acknowledgement of mercies given, benefits bestowed, and God’s saving grace in all circumstances. We are to be thankful for the growth that results from affliction, for God’s strength to be sufficient when we are tempted, for His faithfulness when we fail and for our future and certain hope in Him.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving;

Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Let <gnorizo> to make known, give to understand

This is a small word with significant meaning. First, God wants to hear from us! He anticipates our dependence on Him and our desire to love Him. He wants us to voice our struggles and concerns to Him. He sent His only Son to suffer and die because of His great love for us. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. Second, we are to make known our concerns but then we are to give them to God for His understanding. We are unable to figure everything out, but God will allow us the information we need to honor Him. I like to know the beginning from the end, the expected result, the exact direction. But this is not my story, it is God’s. He will reveal to His children what is needed. The result is His to know.

Is your relationship with God hit and miss – there when you need Him but out of sight and mind when you believe you have things covered?
Do you lay your petitions and concerns at the feet of the cross – and leave them there, trusting in God’s direction and plan?

Earnestly seeking to know God day by day, moment by moment, and trusting in His knowledge and plan for all things, produces a heart of peace.

Your requests <aitema> a thing asked, petition

Does God care about my petitions, my thoughts, my cares, and concerns?

God tells us to bring our cares to Him. He desires our earnest need for Him. When we share prayer requests with others, we might struggle with what words to use or how it may sound. We may even hesitate to share certain things. God already knows our deepest thoughts, there is no surprise about our struggles, and He understands what we really need (which does not always match with our own thinking). Conversing with God in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving is the hallmark of our dependence on Him. It is the characteristic of an authentic relationship. Compare the idea of having the whole of your relationship at a facility where ‘church’ meets once or twice a week. God is not contained in a building. He resides in a believer’s heart and soul 24/7. Read the verses below. Notice the description of continually bringing your requests before the Lord.

1Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.

Be made known to God. (with generous, filial, unreserved confidence; not keeping aught back, as too great, or else too small, to bring before God, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary)

“They who by a preposterous shame or distrustful modesty, cover, stifle, or keep in their desires, as if they were either too small or too great, must be racked with care; from which they are entirely delivered, who pour them out with a free and filial confidence.” John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments

Do you present your concerns to God?

We sometimes readily and even eagerly share our prayer requests with others. God desires us to come to Him, to kneel before Him and pour out our concerns no matter how small. When we acknowledge our need for Him, seeking His counsel, His peace and comfort, trusting in His ways, He is glorified.

Picture the time you might spend with a close friend. You readily share even the smallest details of circumstances to explain your thoughts, whether they are funny, sad, encouraging or challenging. God cares about the details. This is not that we go to Him with a light-minded attitude, but with an understanding that He absolutely loves us, cares for us, has created us, and desires us to desire Him.

Does God really care about all my concerns?

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. - every hair on your head is numbered.

1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. – all means everything.

Go back to the beginning of Philippians 4:6 which says, - in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 139:1-3 O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known [me.] Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.

1John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us [in] whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

“Resigning yourselves to the disposal of God, be anxiously solicitous about nothing; but in every difficulty, by prayer for what is good, and deprecation of what is evil, with thanksgiving for mercies received, make known your desires to God, who, if He see it fit, will grant your requests. Or if not, these devout exercises will enable you to bear with patience whatever affliction God allots to you.” Macknight on the Epistles

What is the result of practicing Philippians 4:6?

Thanksgiving results in prayer which replaces anxious thoughts with resounding peace.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Only a child of God can understand this peace. It cannot be explained. But when it is realized, it trumps all anxious thoughts as our soul is guarded by Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

“Both our bodily and spiritual interests will be safe when we place them in the Lord's hands, and, through the peace which will result from our faith, our thoughts will become steady, calm, resolute, and joyful”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

Gratitude

But the genuine heart of thankfulness lies in understanding – agreeing with who God is, realizing what He has done and accepting what He offers.

Gratitude: A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.

Appreciation: Understanding of the nature, meaning, quality or magnitude of something.

Truly understanding who God is, what He has done and what it means, leads to a heart of gratitude. It is not the house we live in, the job we may have, our good health, or even our family, or friends that evoke the true mindset of a thankful heart. Albeit, these are all amazing and undeserved blessings and most of us could come up with a very long list.

But the genuine heart of thankfulness lies in understanding – agreeing with who God is, realizing what He has done and accepting what He offers.

Who is God? He alone is the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18). His name is power and authority, Jehovah – the self-Existent and Eternal Lord. God is Supreme, elevated over the entire world. God’s name is to be honored and revered; He is glorious and awesome (Deuteronomy 29:58). God is Creator (Genesis 1:1) and therefore owner and ruler of all mankind, every living and non-living thing, the known and unknown universe, all of what we see and do not see. God is righteous and He is perfectly just (Ezekiel 9:15).

This is God – Do you understand and agree?

What did God do? God redeemed mankind from the penalty of sin (Proverbs 14:12). He is our salvation (John 10:9). In His name alone we have been ransomed (Acts 4:12). Through His grace we are delivered from sin (Matthew 1:21; Acts 15:11). God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:16; Luke 2:11). Jesus suffered and died for man even while man is so undeserving. Acts 2:36 says, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified”. God acted on our behalf because of His great love for us. Ephesians 1:7-8 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight”.

This is what God did – Do you understand? Are you aware of His immeasurable sacrifice and gift to mankind?

Have you accepted what God offers to you?

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins”. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”. “In order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1; 4-5; 7).

We are sinful but because of God’s love we have been given a way to avoid the penalty of sin we owe which is death, eternal separation from God. The blessings of God are poured upon His children as they bow before Him. Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior opens the door to heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast”.

We are unable to earn the gift God offers to us through His Son. We can only bow before Him and humbly accept His offer of grace.

A genuine heart of thankfulness lies in understanding – agreeing with who God is, realizing what He has done and accepting what He offers. Have you accepted the greatest gift offered to mankind? If so, Thanksgiving will mean so much more than external blessings. Appreciation for the magnitude of who God is and what God has done will fill your heart. This is genuine gratitude and Thanksgiving.

Anticipation

The season we are entering is about Jesus’ birth, but His birth is significant because of His death and resurrection. That’s the complete Christmas story we need to share.

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As we enter this season of celebration, there is a heightened sense of getting ready for family and friends who will be visiting. Many of us will be preparing traditional and favorite foods, planning for gatherings and maybe even freshening up a guest room for those who will be staying in our homes. Lots of additional planning for guests means thinking ahead. All of this anticipation is part of what makes this time of year exciting, something many of us look forward to!

It is fun that in our culture, a time of Thanksgiving is what kicks off the holiday season. What a fantastic place to start! Giving thanks for what we have and what we’ve been given. Thanks for what God has done in sending His Son to earth in the form of a baby so that we might receive life everlasting! I love this season of focus on the most incredible gift of all!

As I consider the time and energy that goes into planning and preparation, I can’t help but consider the importance of these same concepts in my spiritual life. Planning with anticipation to ‘hear’ God’s truths in His written word. Planning a schedule that puts Him first and foremost in all things in spite of the busyness. Planning to encourage those around me to ‘see’ what all the excitement is truly about. Planning to reach out with the story of Jesus’ birth and the gift that we celebrate in His death and resurrection. Preparation for all this planning is essential! How do you make sure your heart is prepared to be sensitive to opportunities to shine during this time? Although certain things do need to be accomplished physically, isn’t it so much more important that our hearts are prepared spiritually?

Planning: an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action; the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening. WordWeb

Planning and preparation are similarly defined in the English dictionary. They are closely related. What does God’s word say about the importance of preparing for something?

In the book of Exodus, specific plans were set forth for the tabernacle (Ex 26:30). Solomon was given plans for the building of the temple (1Chronicles 28:11-12). Sometimes, God causes our plans to fail because they are not in agreement with His plan (Ne 4:15; Isa 8:10; Isa 30:1).

Before time began, God planned the path for His only Son.

Ac 2:22-23 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this [Man], delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death.

Wow, this is a strong, heart-wrenching section of scripture for those who believe and trust in God. The season we are entering is about Jesus’ birth, but His birth is significant because of His death and resurrection. That’s the complete Christmas story we need to share.

In Psalm 78, David gives a warning on the importance of following God’s plan and the preparation of a heart that is faithful.

Ps 78:1-8 Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their children, 6 that the generation to come might know, [even] the children [yet] to be born, [That] they may arise and tell [them] to their children, 7 that they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments, 8 and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Time, energy, planning and preparation. What do these concepts look like in your heart? Is your faithfulness to God in all things held high above all else? Even when you’re busy planning and preparing?

I love decorating my home, the home God has given us, in preparation for this season. It’s actually necessary, because it’s the one time of year absolutely everything comes down off the shelves and gets cleaned and polished! Even the window sills! We usually put up more than one tree and have a wonderful collection of nativity scenes that we carefully unwrap and display. The snowmen come out from their packaging and find temporary homes amongst the holly. We have several Santa’s from all over the world,

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some antique from my husband’s Grandmamma. I pray none of this is offensive to anyone. But, for me, a figurine of Santa kneeling before the Christ child is a warming picture that all will bow before Him when He returns. The focused celebration is the gift of Jesus, the truth of His death, resurrection and the anticipation of His eventual return! This is certainly what we should be excited about. Amidst the gingerbread men and the ornaments, the worship and honor is to God alone.

One of the best things about this time of year are the open doors for encouragement to those around us to set their eyes upon Jesus. To be mindful and focused on God takes time in preparation of my own heart. It takes energy and a willingness to put all other things aside, all the items on my to-do list, to do what is truly necessary – to keep my heart set on Jesus. If I don’t plan to spend time in the word, learning and being reminded of who God is and what He desires of me, it simply won’t happen. If I don’t ask God to prepare my heart to see His will, I won’t!

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I pray our hearts are shining brighter than the lights on the Christmas trees as we anticipate the most glorious gift of all. Thank you Lord, for the incredible blessing of Jesus!

1Ti 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Tag: thanksgiving

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