Give Thanks

What are you thankful for? Have you spent any length of time thinking about it? Or have you taken for granted all who are in your life and all you have? Where do you believe all your blessings came from?

As we begin this week, many are preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. Frozen turkeys are being thawed. Pumpkin pies are being made. Homemade egg noodles are being rolled and cut. A feast is being fussed over to make it just so.

For many of us, Thanksgiving means overeating and enjoying gathering as a family. We stuff ourselves with food, take a nap while watching football, and wakeup to eat again. The holiday is family, food, and football—even if not in that order. But how thankful are we?

We Americans trace this holiday back to the pilgrims and their thankfulness for their first harvest in the new world. We may even decorate our homes or foods with images of pilgrims and turkeys. Yet it is hard for us to comprehend just how thankful those pilgrims were to harvest a bounty of food that long ago fall to sustain them through the coming winter. After all, we can simply run to the nearest grocery store to get food when we want it and likely have days’ worth of food stored in our pantry.

The more we have, the less likely we are to be thankful. We become self-reliant. We begin to believe we do not need anyone else. We forget God has blessed us with everything, including our family, jobs, homes, and even the very air we breathe.

Much like Paul states in today’s passage, I encourage each one of us to give thanks to God for everything. Speak kindly to one another, giving thanks for one another. Sing and make your heart merry, praising God for His blessings. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizing how blessed you are by God. And, of course, do all of this in the name of Jesus.

I pray we all thank God for everything. I pray we give thanks for God’s blessings. I pray each one of us will pause to thank God from our hearts and through Jesus Christ. Give thanks to God. Thank Him for everything. Think about your blessings. Praise God. Be Spirit filled.

Ephesians 5:18b-20 Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kingdom of Priests

How well do you know God? Do you know, fully understand, He has existed for all time and will continue to exist beyond time? Do you know Jesus has created God’s kingdom through His sacrifice?

It is difficult for us to wrap our minds around infinity, eternity, forever. God existed before time began. He exists throughout all time. He will continue to exist when time has ceased. Time was created by God when He created all things.

Jesus came into time to be our perfect Savior. Through His sacrifice we have been saved from ourselves and from eternal damnation. Jesus did not come to merely save us but to make us the kingdom of God. Each person who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior is part of the kingdom of God.

In addition to being part of God’s kingdom, we are priests. There have been many news stories on priests and we all likely hold priests to a higher standard. That being so, we are also held to a higher standard because we are priests of God. Our purpose as priests is to serve Him.

That is where to issue arises, isn’t it? We don’t want to serve anyone but ourselves. Yet serving God is the very purpose for which we were created and saved. Serving God does not mean we must serve in a way that is not natural for us. In fact, God has created each one of us with talents by which we are to use to serve Him. He has gifted each of us with intellect, strength, and abilities for the purpose of carrying out His will in this world. He created each one of us to play our part in his plan.

I pray we all hold ourselves to a higher standard. I pray we see ourselves as priests who serve God. I pray each one of us recognize we are to play a unique part in God’s plan. Know that God exists both outside of time and in time. See yourself as a priest. Hold yourself to a higher standard. Serve God with the talents His has gifted you with.

Revelation 1:4b-6 Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

The King Who Reigns

How do you look at Jesus? Over the past couple of days, we’ve seen that He is the Word of God that became flesh. We have seen Him as the Creator, being there at the beginning. Is there more we need to know?

Jesus is the head of the church. Does that mean He makes the rules? Yes. In fact, He has already made the rules. God gave the Law to the Jews before Jesus came to the earth. Jesus fulfilled the Law. He summed up the Law when He gave us the two greatest commands—love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 12:29-31).

In part, Paul was stating Jesus was the head of the church to counteract the beliefs in Colossae. The traditions of the time were to worship Greek or Roman gods. There were multiple temples to multiple gods. Paul was differentiating Jesus, putting Him above all the others.

We may think this is unimportant to us today. Yet we put many other things above Jesus in our lives. We passively worship Jesus while spending more time learning about other people or building our own temples.

Paul goes on to bring up the subject of Christ’s resurrection. He died for us but was raised from the dead on the third day. He walked to the earth after His resurrection for several days. He did so, not only to save us from our sins, but to be the King of kings, Lord of lords. He now reigns over all.

Jesus is the head over His church, the body of Christ, and King over all. He not only reigns today but will continue to reign forever. The choice before us and everyone else in this world is to follow Him and be on the winning side or don’t follow Him and lose forever.

I pray we all choose to follow Jesus. I pray we believe Jesus is the King who reigns. I pray each one of us see Jesus as the head of the church, the body of Christ. Choose to follow Jesus. Believe He is King. Believe He is Lord. Know that Jesus is head of the church.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Creator Jesus

Continuing our look at who Jesus is from yesterday, today’s passage fills in more of the picture. It also gives us a picture of God. That isn’t much of a surprise after yesterday’s message. After all, we found that John stated Jesus was God.

Today, Paul tells the church at Colossae Jesus is the image of God. Notice that all things are created through Jesus and for Him. This reinforces what we saw yesterday from John—as the Word created and became flesh.

Paul lists several things created through Him. Have you ever thought that things in heaven were created by Jesus? They were! In John 14:1-3, Jesus states that He is going to prepare a place for us. When He says He is going to prepare a place for us, He is creating. We may think of things on earth being created and Paul reinforces this thought. As we pause to look at our surroundings, we see what He has created.

But what about the visible and invisible? The visible may be easy for us to understand. The invisible may be a little puzzling. Our first thought may be of heaven since we cannot see it now. Perhaps we should also think about what is invisible on earth. What is invisible on earth? Our thoughts. We are gifted with the ability to think and be creative. Each person has been created with different abilities. A short list of gifts given to people include being musicians, scientists, strategists, artists, mathematicians, logical thinkers, and even the ability to speak.

Notice even those who are put in power or given authority to rule are created by Him. They do not come to power on their own. He is at work in all of them, even if we sometimes do not understand how. Remember, God worked through Pharoah to demonstrate His power as He was preparing to free the Israelites.

All of this is written to give us comfort. It is written to help us see that God is in control. It is written so we may trust Him, even when we don’t understand nor can foresee how it will all work out.

I pray we all see Jesus for who He is. I pray we understand He created all we see and cannot see. I pray each one of us will trust He is in control, especially when we don’t understand. Know Jesus is God. Know Jesus created all things. Trust Him in all situations. Know that you were created for Him.

Colossians 1:15-16 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

The Word

Do you have questions about Jesus? Have you wondered, or wonder now, who He is? Have you heard He is the Son of God? Have you heard He is God and wonder if it is true? Does it seem confusing to you?

When people across our nation and the world are asked if they know who God is, most will not immediately think of Jesus. They often think of the Father as God. They are not wrong. But they are not fully correct either.

Most people have heard Jesus referred to as the Son of God. That is true, but not the whole picture. Jesus is also referred to as Son of Man, King of kings, Lord of lords, Messiah, Prince of peace, High Priest, Lamb of God, Lion of Judah, Savior of the world, and The Word.

Why is it important to remember and think of Jesus as The Word? Being The Word puts Him with God before time began. It means He was there at creation. Not only that, but through Him everything was created. In other words, when we read in Genesis 1 that God spoke…and it was so, it was The Word who created.

Most of us don’t think of Jesus as the Creator. When we think of God as the Creator, we think of the Father. Yet, when we read today’s passage from John, we see Jesus created alongside the Father. When we take a closer look at the creation story, we see the Spirit there as well.

What does this mean? It means the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all God. They are one, yet three. We don’t fully understand that concept, but we can believe this—all three are God and God is fully presented through the three.

I pray we all believe Jesus is God. I pray we believe God is composed of three yet is One. I pray each one of us will see Jesus for who He is and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. Know the names Jesus is referred as. See Jesus as God. Know God is fully presented as three. Know God is One.

John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made…. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Earth Rejoices

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if all people worshiped God? What would it mean if the earth rejoiced in God’s glory? What if all creation were to rejoice in God? Wouldn’t it be an amazing world to live in?

Many of us have sung hymns or songs that state the earth rejoices in the Lord. I am willing to bet most of us have never thought about what it means for the earth to rejoice. I doubt we have given serious thought to the rocks crying out to glorify God.

So, let’s think on it a bit. We have all heard of and likely seen pictures of the huge redwood trees. Have you considered their growing to enormous heights and living for hundreds of years is glorifying God? Likely not. I can’t say as though I have before now either.

We have seen magnificent waterfalls. They pour out over a cliff, whether large or small, and drop precipitously into a pool or perhaps crash onto a pile of rocks. The mist from them creates colorful rainbows of various shapes and sizes in the sunlight. A magnificent display of earth’s rejoicing in God.

Many of us have been to see mountains and perhaps have traveled up them. The mountains provide a breathtaking view, either from looking up at them or by looking down from the top. They can be both dangerous and beautiful. In some ways, they exhibit God’s beauty, and His justice for those who are careless.

What about the oceans? They are vast, deep, beautiful, and dangerous. They house a multitude of sea creatures made of up nearly every shape, size, and color. There are the bright orange and white clownfish, the multi-colored angelfish, the scary looking and dangerous lionfish, the bluish-purple regal tang with a touch of yellow, and the mandarinfish with designs made up of blue, orange, yellow, green, and red/pink. Another awesome display of everything on earth rejoicing in the Lord, showing His splendor.

Perhaps our rejoicing should seek to be such a beautiful display of His magnificent creation. After all, we are created after His own image. That makes us, humans, the most wonderful creation of all. It also makes us the most dangerous. God gave us His power and the ability to choose how we use it. Let’s use it to show His awesomeness to those around us.

I pray we all rejoice with the earth. I pray we celebrate God in wondrous colors. I pray each one of us will proclaim God in all His glory through our own unique gifts. See the earth rejoice. Experience the wondrous works of God. See the beauty He created. Proclaim God’s works in your life.

Psalm 97:1, 6

The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;

let the distant shores rejoice.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

and all peoples see his glory.

Forever Reign

Do you want to live forever? Would you like to reign with Christ? Are you willing to follow Him faithfully? Will you give up yourself for Him? Do you know He gave Himself up for you?

We often revere those people who are willing to give themselves up for their friends. We recently honored veterans for their willingness to sacrifice for us. We have honored medical personnel for their sacrifices during the pandemic.

Giving up oneself for others can be both easy and difficult. It can be easy when it is a one-time sacrifice. More so when it is a snap decision that may be more of a reaction than a conscious decision. We think of someone jumping on a grenade to save their buddies.

Sacrificing yourself is more difficult when it extends over a longer period of time. Veterans who serve many years, often deploying away from their families, sacrifice long-term. Our medical personnel have been sacrificing for nearly two years. For those that stay in these professions, sacrificing becomes a way of life.

To follow Jesus fully, we also must adapt a life of sacrificing. We must give up our preferences. We must give up the way of the world. It sounds unfair. Yet, the reward we receive far exceeds the short-term happiness we obtain by doing what we want.

Following Jesus, sacrificing our desires for His, rewards us with eternal life. We will also reign with Him over the earth. He has promised us that we will reign with Him forever. He will reign regardless of our actions and behavior. His reign has been promised. He has done what was required of Him to be put on the throne.

I pray we all commit to sacrificing ourselves for Christ. I pray we pursue reigning with Him. I pray each one of us choose the challenging road today to gain the glorious reward that awaits us. Choose to follow Jesus. Be willing to sacrifice for Him. Know that you will reign with Him. Trust in His promises.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,

we will also live with him;

if we endure,

we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,

he will also disown us;

if we are faithless,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot disown himself.

Honor and Glory

Do you honor God? Do you honor Jesus Christ? Do you give Him the glory? Do you know how to honor Him and give Him the glory? Do you recognize Him for who He is? Do you know Him for who He is?

We honor many people in this world. Some don’t really deserve it. We honor some for the wrong reasons. We give them glory, lifting them above everyone else. We do so many times to our own detriment.

It is one thing to recognize someone for exceptional athletic talents or musical abilities or managerial abilities. It is something quite different to put them on a pedestal of honor and glory without knowing who they are fully. Sure, recognize their talents, but don’t look up to them as though they are better than another person. In fact, their attitude, behavior, personal beliefs, and how they treat others should be used to determine if they deserve honor and glory rather than their talents.

As Paul writes to Timothy, he confesses of being unworthy of the saving grace he received through Jesus. Because of the mercy he was shown, he gives honor and glory to God. He recognizes who Jesus is. He is the eternal King. He is immortal. He cannot be visibly seen in this world. He is God.

Paul knows Jesus for who He truly is. He knows that Jesus is so far above, so much greater than Paul himself that he can only bow in His presence. Paul recognizes it is only because of what Jesus has done for him that he can go about doing what he is doing for Jesus. We are to approach life in the same way. We are to see Jesus for who He truly is and give Him the honor and glory above ourselves and above anyone else.

I pray we all recognize Jesus for who He truly is. I pray we see Him as the eternal King. I pray each one of us gives Jesus the honor and glory He deserves. See Jesus for who He is. See Him as the eternal King. See Him as immortal. See Him as God. Give Jesus honor and glory. Praise Jesus above anyone else.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

A Time For Everything

How do you view the timing of events? Do you view them as happening at a specific time for a specific reason? Or do you view them as random occurrences? How do you treat the events as they happen in your life?

There are two typical points of view about events. One viewpoint is things happen randomly and it is mere luck as to whether you are there when they happen or not. The other is things are planned and you were predestined to be there when they happened.

Likely, we all take one or the other of these viewpoints as we go through life. We may take one or the other depending on the event and the particular stage in life we are at. We may look at the coincidence of a deer running in front of our vehicle as random. We may even think that whether we hit the deer or avoid it as luck.

On the other hand, we may look at a job opening coming at just the right time and our obtaining it as being predestined or the work of God. We often attribute large events such as these to God, His omnipotence, and Him being in control.

As we look at the first eight verses of Ecclesiastes 3, we see there is a time for everything. The writer mentions timings of behavior. Some of them are emotional while others are attitude. He contrasts them one verses the other. We also see there are physical behavior contrasts. As we might view them, some are positive while some are negative. Regardless, the key is there is a time for all of these to happen.

As we look at the timing, it may help us get through the tough times, knowing a better time is coming. It can also help keep us grounded, knowing during really good times to prepare for the bad times we know will come. In all cases, we know none of them will last forever.

I pray we all remind ourselves God is in control. I pray we remember times change and there is a time for everything. I pray each one of us stay well-grounded and trust God in all circumstances. Times change. There is a time for everything. Know that God is in control. Trust God in all situations.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Attitude of Gratitude

Is being at peace a struggle for you? What fills your thoughts most of the time? Do you sing praises to God, even if only in your mind? What fills your heart? Is it gratitude? For what reason do you do all that you do?

We are often thinking about many things at once. Our brains are amazing organs, able to perform multiple tasks at the same time. In our fast-paced world, we have trained our brains to think about more than one thing simultaneously—sometimes unconsciously.

Having peace in our lives may be a goal, yet we continue to fill our lives with more. Seeking peace, though, is not all about removing or limiting what is going on in our lives, it also includes being thankful. Being thankful to gain peace requires a change of heart and mind.

We often think of praying as a means to give thanks to God. But another way to give thanks is to sing praises to Him. There are many hymns and songs we can sing. They reside in hymnals in churches. We hear them on the radio. But we may also have our own songs in our hearts. We can sing them, as well.

Singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God is wonderful medicine. As we feed our minds those songs, our hearts and minds begin to change. We develop an attitude of gratitude. Having that attitude will help bring peace into our lives.

I pray we all gain peace in our lives. I pray we pursue peace by praising and thanking God. I pray each one of us sings to God and gains an attitude of gratitude. Seek peace in your life. Sing praises to God. Give God thanks. Develop an attitude of gratitude.

Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.