Giving thanks to the Lord in everything can be a tricky thing if we don’t understand God’s power, purposes, and heart.  Why should we give thanks for pain, trials or persecution? 

1Thessalonians 5:16-18 presents almost a bird’s eye view of how to move through our whole lives,

always (deep down) rejoicing, praying and giving thanks in all things (or “circumstances,” in some translations).  It’s an attitude that should color our entire existence; not just pop up occasionally when we’re feeling especially spiritual.  This passage says “in everything,” not “for everything.” God isn’t saying we should thank Him that others sin, that someone died, or that we’re suffering.  We give thanks that He is with us through it all.

God is always working everything together for our good (if we’re in Christ), eventually working everything together for His glory. We give thanks because He is with us in our circumstances.  We give thanks because we can see beyond the short term pain to the long term victories. We give thanks because, no matter what’s right in front of us, He’s in control, and His covenant love to His people never ends. (Psalm 107:1)

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

Without God and His promises we have no reason to be thankful in anything or for anything. Because God is with us, working on our behalf, we have reason for thanks.

Let us ask God to help us to look beyond what is temporary in our circumstances so we that we can see the eternal and give Him thanks for how He works all things to our good. Help us to have a grateful heart O Lord. Amen!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.   James 1:2-3

Everyone wants to experience “pure joy,” but not many of us would think of a trial or test of faith as an opportunity to experience it. Let us consider what James could be thinking.

My first thought is that James is looking at the big picture for Christians. James sees the whole of life stretched before him and even into eternity where God will reward those who remained faithful. Everyone on earth will face difficulties but, as faithful children of God and trusting Him through today’s trials will prepare us to remain faithful in future challenges. You see, James didn’t see faith as something that you have or don’t have. Faith must be developed and grown over time. We can say that we “have” faith, but our faith becomes stronger the more we use it. When we see trials and difficulties as opportunities we draw near to God, grow our faith, and will find great joy in the most unlikely places.

More than anything, James is eager for us to see that our relationship with Christ is more valuable than our comfort. If our difficulties help us remain close to Christ, then we can trust that even setbacks will help our faith leap forward.  Great blessings come when we take God at His Word.  Amen!

November is here, and the Holiday season is upon us. Here are a few thoughts to consider:

 Many of us will experience the holidays with family, friends, plenty of food, memories and traditions.  Behind it all should be a spirit of Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  We are such a blessed people in so many ways. God gives so many wonderful gifts (especially His Son the GREATEST GIFT) to experience and enjoy (James 1:17) while on this side of eternity.

 It’s not hard to notice that there are a lot of people around us who do not have the same experiences (spiritually and relationally) that we are blessed to enjoy. Because of this we will have opportunity to share our faith, invite others to church, and help them to experience the love of Jesus.

 Paul encourages us to help bear the burdens of those who need help (Galatians 6:2) and do good to all men (Galatians 6:10). In other words, we should strive to make this a season of GIVING (action) and allowing others to offer THANKS (gratitude) to God (Matthew 5:16)!

 God will present us with plenty of opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of others during this Holiday Season – my prayer is that we will seize the moment and honor the experience of Matthew 25:34-40!!

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” -- Matthew 25:40

The preoccupation with happiness and contentment is an ever-present theme in the modern world today. We are bombarded with messages that tell us where to find peace and pleasure in a world that worships materialism and wealth.

 Lasting contentment is not found in material possessions.  Genuine contentment is a spiritual gift from God to those who trust in Him and follow His commandments. When God dwells at the center of our lives, peace and contentment will belong to us just surely as we belong to God. My last thought is this, our Father and God is our contentment and our peace. We find protection when we seek His healing hand; we discover joy when we welcome God’s healing Spirit. Let us look to our Father God, for the peace and contentment that He has offered us through the gift of His Son.

 “Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1Tim 6:6-9

Thinking back on Matthew’s story (Matthew 9:9-13), I am reminded that everyone needs encouragement, needs someone to believe in them, needs someone to look past their faults, sin, and shortcomings and see what they could become and not what they are at that moment in time.

I’m convinced that the few disciples following Jesus at the time didn’t feel that Matthew was worth redeeming and certainly not worthy of joining their ranks as disciples in following Jesus.  I don’t think it ever entered their minds that this greedy Roman tax collector would one day be recounting and recording the story of Jesus instead of counting all the money being made off of Jewish families (Jesus included).  Matthew would  lay down all of the comforts that Rome afforded him and ultimately give his life defending Jesus Christ.  I don’t believe they thought a Roman tax collector would answer the call and follow these words of Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22).  A calling that would ultimately change his life and ours.   

This Roman tax collector (Matthew) writes a book about the life of Christ that would helped bring countless people into a saving relationship with God Almighty for more than two thousand years and counting!  I’m thankful that Jesus stopped by the tax collector’s office that day.  What a difference Matthew has made in following Jesus!

There is someone right now who needs you to encourage them, believe that they can become more than they are at this moment in time, and look past the embarrassing mistakes and sin they have committed and see them for who they can become in Christ.  You see, it might just be another Matthew that we encouraging to obey Jesus and ultimately change the world.  Everyone needs Jesus!!

Remember, God uses the broken people of this world to help heal the broken people of this world through Jesus Christ!!