Keep thanking God!

Thank God for God! When everyone and everything else fails, God is always faithful. When all the world seems against you, God is waiting to step in and say:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say:“The Lord is my helper;I will not fear.What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Even an honest man will go through times of doubt, rejection, disapproval, and unbelief. People will let you down. They may not see us as we truly are today, especially if like me, you have a past!

However, keep trusting God. Keep praising God. Keep thanking God! He is faithful when no one else can be!

#GivingTuesday

 So all over social media it is #GivingTuesday. However, as we read from Paul, every day for the Christ follower is a day to give . . . give back and give up and even give away!

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we do not stop giving! Remember to give back to the who have helped along the way. Tokens of thank you are great for sure, but simply a "thank you" goes a long way too! Also, in a day and age when so many are going without, may I suggest giving up some things and then giving away to others in need?

Seek out ways to lend a hand around the house, in the neighborhood and at work. Perhaps we might give up some time to volunteer. We may give up a night out or a special meal to donate to a local shelter or food bank. Consider giving away some money to support local ministries or even a mission team in need of funds.(https://gofund.me/72033ec1)

There is always a need somewhere . . . a person or a place to give back, give up, or give away!

Now that Thanksgiving is over . . .

 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Ok, so Thanksgiving is over. All the food has become stale leftovers. The only thing left may be the turkey bones and some cranberry sauce! All the relatives have gone home. Memories have been made . . . some good and some not so good. So, now that Thanksgiving is over, what do we do?

Well, to Paul, it was simple . . . keep thanking God for everything! It would be what Jesus would have us to do!

Thanksgiving is not just a day or a weekend celebration. For the CHRISTian, every day is a day of giving thanks . . . if nothing else than for our eternal security in Christ!

So as we look back, of course thank God for the days off, the relatives and friends, and oh yes, for the food! But more than that, keep thanking God for today and the eternity to come!

Thank you!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ . . . (Philippians 13-6)

https://youtu.be/LM1qrx0Huds

This is the last day of school before we break for Thanksgiving! To all who are in my life . . . whom I have served and those who allow me to serve . . .

I am thankful for YOU and full of gratitude to God!

https://youtu.be/XY08Ptnu28Q

Happy and blessed Thanksgiving! 

Lest we forget . . .Thanksgiving Lessons '22

Lest we forget why Thanksgiving was created in our Nation:

 It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged 

as with one heart and voice by the whole American people; I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in 

every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea, and those who are sojourning in foreign 

lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and 

Prayer to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to

 them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and 

blessings, the do also, with humble penitence for our national  perverseness and disobedience, commend 

to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable 

civil strife in which we are  unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty

 hand to heal the wounds of  the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine 

purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union. (President Lincoln,10/3/1863)

I know we try to reset the original Thanksgiving in our Nation and make it seem all giddy and fashionable, but as we read from President Lincoln's writing in 1863, we can definitely look back at HIStory and get a better feel for a true-to-life Thanksgiving in 1863 . . . a day of Thanksgiving and prayer!

While we try to believe that all the European settlers were so friendly and hospitable to our Native Americans, facts tell us that was definitely not the case! While the First Nations were much more trusting and helpful, we now better know the HIStory of the settlers. By the way, we also know the meal was mainly venison, berries and squash! 

May I suggest that this week we reflect on pour Nation and its state at the end of the Civil War and now. May we too ask the Lord to forgive our "perverseness and disobedience" and ask His care for "those who have been hurt by our civl strife". May we implore His help and guidance to "heal our wounds and restore the Nation to be in line with His Divine purposes". 

I realize no President of the U.S. would let these kinds of words come from his or her mouth today, in fear of political correctness, but as you and I reflect and see how ridiculously repetitive we as a Nation have become, can we please humble ourselves and seek the Lord for healing . . . at least in our own small circles? We are yet at war . . . against the evil forces of Satan!

Sharing Christ-Part V: How do I share Christ?

 As we go through the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I am preparing myself and Lord willing, my students to be looking forward to not only food, football, and family, but also helping someone find Christ! I have discussed the what, when, and why, but how do I share Christ? 

Regardless of what some may say, there is no set process or procedure. While we do in fact have a handbook . . . God's Word . . . there is no cookie-cutter outline or plan. One cannot predict what circumstance will occur or what people one may encounter. I believe openness and willingness is the key!

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4)

We must be open to how, when and where the Lord leads us. We must also be open to whom He leads us. As Paul writes above, we also must be in prayer constantly about sharing the Gospel. Finally, we must be willing to share, not embarrassed or timid. 

Sharing the Gospel is not a one day event or a short term trip . . . It is a life style! The way I live shares Christ!

Sharing Christ: Part IV . . .When is the right time to share the Gospel

So when is it the right time to share the Gospel with people? Is it ever the wrong time?  

Believers always should be prepared to share Christ. (1 Peter 3:15) However, knowing what to share doesn't always prepare us for knowing when to share! We all want to be sure we have the right scriptures and the right delivery. Timing is everything . . . God's timing!

We live in a multi-generational and multi-cultural society. Being aware of the right opportunity to share is critical! The most important thing, I think, about sharing Christ is learning how to listen. . . . yes listen! While we may may plan mission trips and other outings to share Christ, it all begins with listening . . . listening to others to hear their needs, their hurts, and their experiences. 

In a world where people don't trust many things or people in general, we have to build trust. Rarely in today's culture does someone accept Jesus on the spot. It is the result of many conversations with many different people and many different circumstances. In reality, God just puts us in the right place at His time!

So we really do not plan it. We practice it! Always be looking to join God at work. Be prepared with scriptures sure. Also be prepared to listen and share your story as well. Many times it is simply sharing your heart! So be ready . . . today may be the right time!!!

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . . (1 Peter 3:15)

Sharing Christ- Part III . . . . "WHY should I share Christ"?

"WHY should I share Christ"? The better question is "Why would I not share Christ"?

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)

Imagine a birthday or CHRISTmas morning when you see a beautifully wrapped gift with your name on it. You can pretty much figure out what it is just by looking. It must be those brand new Jordans or the new Playstation. No, it's the Oculus Quest! But rather than opening up the package and using the gift, you leave it in the box unwrapped and unused for months . . . perhaps years. You may never open up the gift!

So, why should we share Christ? He is the greatest given ever given! Once we have received Him, we are commanded to go and make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Why would we not share Christ, when He invites everyone to know Him and receive His free gift of eternal life?  Why also, would we disobey our Savior and Lord . . . if we call Him Lord?

Why indeed?

Sharing Christ (Part II) Now that I am saved . . .

 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures . . . (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Now that I am saved . . . what?

So many say they are saved. Yet so little show it in everyday life. Oh yeah, we show up in church on SONday . . . .maybe. After all, we can watch church on line now. Do I really have to be in church? (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010%3A25&version=NKJV)

That tithing thing is old. Who gets my money anyway? Does God really need my money? (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Haggai%202%3A8-10&version=NKJV)

The Bible is not so relevant today. Reading it bores me and doesn't apply to me. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024%3A35-37&version=NKJV)

Once saved, we now have work to do! Yes, the Holy Spirit secures us, but we have to grow! We need to seek Him out, learn from Him and others. We need to give to support the work of the Church. We need to read His Words and become more like Jesus for the world to see!

Now that we are saved . . . what?

Sharing Christ (Part I) . . . Now what?

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am compelled to write and focus upon what we do once we are saved. I must first ask this: Why do people desire to be saved in the first place?

For some, the obvious answer is, "I do not want to go to hell!"  That's an obvious answer! One discovers the separation between God and sin, realizes that sin indeed separates one from God, and they desire to be rescued from that destiny. 

Now what?

Once saved, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He died upon the cross and rose from the grave to conquer sin and death. He gave the Holy Spirit as a guide and counselor, teacher and comforter for His followers (Acts 2). His Spirit seals us as His own for eternity.

All true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who have been effectually called have been “sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 1:13-14), are being guarded through faith by God’s power (1 Pet. 1:3-5), will be glorified (Rom. 8:29-30), and can never perish or be snatched from the Father’s hand (Jn. 10:28-29).

So do not hide your relationship with Christ. Live it! Don't simply sit on it and wait to die to enjoy it. No . . . live it out loud for others to see and experience with you!

Parental Guidance suggested . . . demanded!

Parental guidance suggested . . . demanded!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

For me, my daily prayer is that my children and grandchildren are walking with the Lord. I have tried my best to instill in them the Words of God and done all I possible am able to do to set the right example. I admit, I have failed miserably at times, but the effort and the prayers are there!

God has instructed us as parents to teach our children His ways . . . all ways and always! He especially instructs fathers to be accountable. In a world where fathers have abandoned this role, thank God for moms and grandmoms. However, we guys are still held accountable! 

I am constantly challenged . . . read this carefully parents . . . especially fathers!

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

Who are we trying to please anyway?

Are you finding yourself lagging behind? Are you honestly not doing your best? As a Christ follower, it is never acceptable to do anything half way or half heartedly. It is NEVER acceptable to accept failure! After all, Who are we trying to please anyway?

It is easy to find ourselves caught up in a world where half effort is acceptable. Getting by is ok. After all, we can always catch up later . . . right? Really? What if we run out of time?

“The harvest is past,the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” (Jeremiah 8:20)

Oh I know . . . Thant won't happen to me. I always have things under control. So I am a little late for things. I am always a few minutes late . . . a day to two late . . . I'll make it up by the end of the month, by next month . . . before it is too late. Then, it becomes too late!

Assignments past due . . . deadlines missed . . .  bills overdue . . . job not completed . . . failing grade . . . services cut off . . . dismissed from a job . . . illness strikes . . .  too late!!!!

Has God ever come up short, late, or failed us? Absolutely not! So why do we dismiss our actions as acceptable before such a holy God? Who are we trying to please anyway? Is it getting too late?

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

Election Day has come and gone.

I recently read these comments on line:

Why should I "submit" to a government that I believe is moving in the wrong direction? I love my country and want to cooperate with the political system, but I'm struggling to understand what the Bible says on this subject. How in the world can the apostle Paul tell Christians to submit to the authorities (Romans 13:1-7) when we know for a fact that many human governments are corrupt and unjust? What should a believer do when he feels that his own government is "ungodly"?

Man . . . are your thinking along the same lines? I know I am! So what do we do? Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1)

Well, we all know God is sovereign. He rules and overrules from heaven. So our answer is clear. As long as we can exist without denying Christ or compromising our faith, we must do our best to cooperate with government. We do not have to endorse all of their policies or approve of every action they take. In our democratic society, it is the duty of responsible (CHRISTian) citizens to examine public servants with a discerning, critical, and biblical eye. However, we are responsible to uphold biblical righteousness in a hostile culture while also expressing respect for its leadership.

Election Day has come and gone. I hope and pray we all performed our civic duty to vote, but our Kingdom duty to vote biblically. We cannot afford to align with parties, but with God!

Stay prayerful friends . . .Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Harvest time

 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”(Matthew 9:37-38)

This time of year we see pumpkins on porches, mums blooming in colors of rust and gold, and talks of harvest festivals, hay rides and Thanksgiving meal plans. What a time of year! Things are changing . . . the weather is becoming cooler, we add a sweater to our outfits, and families have their minds on HOLYday travel and visits.

So what are we as Christ followers doing? As farmers are preparing to harvest their crops, are we making any spiritual preparations? Families are gathering meal plans and prepping for travel, but are we readying for anything special? 

There is indeed a harvest to gather! We need to get out our spiritual tools as the farmers gather their plows, tractors and barns. Folks' hearts are ripe for Jesus today! With all the troubles in our world and doubts about the future, people need to hear the comforting words of the Savior. 

While in your world needs to hear and see Jesus today? Let's sharpen our tools and begin to gather in the harvest!

when God and world collide

 What do you do when God and world collide? We live in a sick world. Right is now wrong and wrong is often right. Many times, as a believer, we find ourselves clashing in values. So what are we to do? We must take a stand for God in and anti-God culture!

In the book When Worlds Collide (Mike and Daniel Blackaby), believers are listed as Cave-Ins, Cave dwellers, or Colliders. We must be Colliders! We certainly cannot cave-in to the world's ways. We cannot hide from them either. We must take a stand to have any impact upon others.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.(Colossians 2:6-8)

"Go with the program"?

Going with the program . . . . ever get forced to "go with the program"? You really do not agree with the rules and regulations, but you have to in order to keep a job, get a grade, or just be accepted? I feel 'ya!

As a believer, there are many things I have to put up with just because the world and the rules say I must. In order to function properly and have the ability to survive in this world, Whether it is shopping at a store, watching TV, or local laws and customs, I have to oblige the authorities. However, I do not have to agree! Many times I do things in protest!

As a believer, we will be faced with rules and regulations. Many we can deal with. However, when rules and regulations come against God's Word, we are to disagree and refuse . . . no matter the consequences. Our decisions may mean the loss of a scholarship, loss of a job, or even the loss of life. Never compromise God's Word and your beliefs!

So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)

when God says otherwise

What do we do when God says "No" to our plans? Do we whine and throw a fit or accept things as His will? I have to admit, most times I fight it! When I thin k I am doing the right thing and things do not go right, I keep fighting to do what I think is right when all along God is saying, "Yeah it might be right by your standards, but I say otherwise!"

So what do you do when God says otherwise? 

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

At times, we may make plans and do things which are indeed good and have good intentions, but God may still have a better plan that is best for us and those around us. We all have to learn to give in to God more and more as we mature!

What are your plans for today?

Out of my control . . .

How can we deal with things that are out of our control?

Many times things happen in this world that are simply out of our control. Let's face it, it is a strange world these days! Politics . . . Covid . . . stock markets . . . terror attacks . . . natural disasters . . . anything else?

However, we can take solace in the words below from the prophet Jeremiah:

"The man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water; it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn't fear when heat comes and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

The one who totally trusts in God and His plans is stable, even in an unstable world. He does not fear tomorrow. He is not worried about today. He will stay focused upon God and doing His will rather than worrying about the current circumstances surrounding him. When the world is out of control, the one who places his faith in Christ will be in control . . . the Holy Spirit's control that is!

Where is your faith and trust today?

How can I become a better CHRISTian?

How can I become a better CHRISTian?

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned . . . (John 15:4-6)

It seems simple doesn't it? Just stay close to Jesus and His Word. However, the things of this world do not make it easy. We are tempted daily with greed, lusts, jealousies, desires, and more. So how do we abide in Him? 

How can I become a better CHRISTian each day?

It must be a habit! Good habits are hard to start and easy to break. Bad habits just happen over time and we seem to never break free! So we have to deliberately take the time to be with God and His Word each day. We must deliberately associate with mature believers who will challenge us. We must deliberately attend a bible teaching church as well. These are basic steps to becoming a better CHRISTian.

To abide with God, we must be deliberate!