Category: Thankful

“Too Busy to Be Thankful”

An episode in our Lord’s life:

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11–19 ESV)

I’m not sure if they were too busy, per se, but they were clearly too something to not return and thank the Lord.  I don’t mind being a foreigner, especially to this planet, if I were one of those who “returned and give praise to God!” How about you? 

Join me in pausing and thanking our Heavenly Father for all the wonderful healings/gifts/blessings He has so graciously showered on us.

Peace,

Pastor Mike

“Praising in the Winters of Life”

Date: 12-12-14

Text: — Luke 1:46-50 — 46 “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.” [NASB95]

The Big Idea: Mary is rejoicing in spite of  the winter that she is about to experience.

My Thoughts: 

Though many of us love to sing in the shower or the car, we would be terribly embarrassed if others could hear us. You can take comfort from Mary praise captured in the above verses. She bursts out in praise weaving a tapestry of Psalms. But instead of singing them, she speaks them from a heart overflowing and overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy.

Lifestyle worshipers, do you see the irony in all this? She is rejoicing in spite of  the winter that she is about to experience. How can she do this?  She understood what Hannah Smith wrote to a dear friend in 1883: “Don’t you feel glad that you gave it all up to the Lord before hearing those assuring words from the Doctor? I hope it will teach you a lesson you will never forget, and that you will never again permit yourself to be anxious and worried over any possible evils. I would feel I had committed a positive sin if I would do it; and I want you to feel the same.” These women understood the goodness of our Lord. No matter what winter they may be facing, He is merciful, kind and good.

How’s your singing going in your winter? Or at least speaking His praise? I’ve had to check my Whine-O-Meter a few times. Have you? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. …  For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.

— Psalm 33:1, 4 (NIV84)

  Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

— Psalm 107:8, 9 (NIV84)

My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of Your praises all day long.

— Psalm 35:28 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit: I praise You for Your Faithful Goodness during my winter. Evaporate my anxieties. Overwhelm my fears. You are Good all the time no matter how long, cold and dark this winter may be. Christmas is coming! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You?”

Date: 12-02-14

Text: — Jeremiah 29:19 —  For they have not listened to My words,” declares the LORD  “words that I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets. And you exiles have not listened either,” declares the LORD.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Before we start pointing fingers or elbowing our mates, let us ask ourselves, we must ask ourselves the same question.

My Thoughts: 

If you’re a parent, I’m sure you can relate to the LORD here. He has told His children time and again to live righteously. He has sent them messengers to reveal how they were really living and how they ought to live. But, as recorded in Jeremiah 29:19 (noted above), “They have not listened.” Can you hear Him saying, “How many times do I have to tell you?”

Lifestyle worshipers, before we start pointing fingers or elbowing our mates, let us ask ourselves, “How many times does the LORD have to tell us  how to live righteously? How many times does He have to point out how we are living and need to change (aka repent)?” An honest heart search will reveal much. I know in my life it has.

This has been especially so during this past Thanksgiving. I put on our church’s kiosk the saying, “A thankful heart has no room for resentment.” I did so for two reasons: (1) It is true; and (2) I needed to hear this. The LORD has been revealing to me how resentful I have been and that the remedy was a thankful heart. Have you, too, discovered that a thank-full heart has no room for resentment?  Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. — Colossians 4:2 (NIV84)

  First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him..

— 1 Timothy 2:1 (NCV)

First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.

— Colossians 3:15 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, continue Your healing work in my Life, removing those resentments, large and small. In Your Mercy, heal over the scars, and in Your wisdom grant me the grace to live with the ones You have chosen to leave behind.  In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike