86,400 Seconds

   What if you got a call from the president of your bank, and he told you that someone who loved you very much would be depositing 86,400 pennies into your bank account each every day. The only condition is that you would need to spend all of the money. But, unlike your cell phone carrier, you won’t be able to “Roll Over” your pennies to the next day. The pennies you don’t use will simply disappear.

    Now, if you were to take out your calculator and do the math, you’d find out that it amounts to a lot of money each year.  In case you don’t have a calculator or don’t know how to turn one on, 86,400 pennies per day for 365 days, equals $315,360 per year.

   Now think about this, someone who loves you very much (GOD) deposits 86,400 seconds into your bank of time each and every day. And like those pennies, they cannot be carried over from one day to the next. There is no such thing as a 25, 28, or 36 hour day. You are given 24 hours each day to use as you choose. For you math statisticians, that’s 31,536,000 seconds per year (525,600 minutes, 8,760 hours, 365 days, 12 months, 1 year.)  Are you being a good steward of your time?

The Bible tells us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). That means to make a conscious, constant and consistent wise use of each and every opportunity (second) God deposits into your bank of time.

 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

~ Matt

Take Action!

Matthew 10:19b-20 Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Success is defined in many ways. But regardless of how we define it, we want some type of memento, trophy, or something to show for that success. In business, it’s framing that first dollar of profit. When fishing, it’s the picture of that trophy catch displayed on the wall. For us hunters, It’s that trophy buck hanging on the wall.  Spiritually, it’s the memory of that first person we are able to lead to Christ.

We can dream about success all day long, but we’ve got to take action in order to achieve it. The entrepreneur can have the most genius business plan in the world. But if no action is taken to work that plan, it’ll never be a success.  The fisherman can have the best boat, the most up-to-date tracking devices, and the most tricked out lures and baits. But if he never casts his line, he’ll never make that trophy catch.  The deer hunter can buy the most expensive rifle and top notch scope, he can reload his own ammo, and shoot everyday at the range bragging about his quarter sized grouping.  But if he never goes into the hills, and never shoots, waiting for the perfect shot, his work, time and energy is for nothing.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. We have the greatest Spokesperson in the world on our side, ready to speak through us to people who need to know Jesus Christ. But if we never open our mouths to tell our story, we won’t be able to experience the ultimate joy of seeing them come to Jesus.

When the opportunity presents itself to share your story with someone, you don’t have to worry about saying the perfect words. You also don’t have to quote a Scripture word for word chapter by chapter.  You don’t need to deliver a mini-sermon on the spot. You only need to trust that when you boldly take action to speak, God will be true to His promise and give you the right words to say. 

It's Time To TAKE ACTION!

~ Matt

Come To Me!

   I read a story the other day about a dog named Tattoo.  Tattoo was an eight-month-old basset hound who went for an unexpected run one day. His owner accidentally shut his leash in the car door and took off for a drive, Tattoo had no choice but to try and keep up. Fortunately, a motorcycle officer saw the car and the “exercising” dog.  But before Tattoo's owner finally stopped and the dog was rescued, the vehicle had reached speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Now, even though Tattoo was dragged some of the way, he was not injured. Imagine poor Tattoo with his little basset hound legs, trying to keep up.

   Now, have you ever felt that way—as though you were being dragged through life? Like Tattoo, you are trying to keep up with the speed of life and even getting drug around at times.  You may even feel more like the dog from the movie vacation that didn’t get noticed until it was to late.  Sadly, there is so much pressure on us to do so many things, with so little time, and with little to no rest in between.

   If that is you, Jesus address your situation in Matthew.  This is what Jesus says to anyone who is stressed out, anyone who is under pressure, anyone trying to keep up with the car, anyone who is carrying a burden of any kind:

Matthew 11:28–30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

   These are words for a weary, tired, and over pressured person. This is not just talking about someone at the point of utter exhaustion, but also the one loaded down with weight and pressure.


Now, is that a description of you today? Maybe you are struggling with the burden of physical pain, or the burden of problems in your family, or the burden of grief, finances, worry, employment, etc. 
Jesus says to you today, "Come to Me."

~ Matt

Heart Exam!

HEY…I’m Back!

   After a slight set back the beginning of this year I’m back to my “almost” daily blogvotions! I hope... I know, you are blessed in the Lord!

   

The Pharisees were men who were VERY dedicated to the study of Scripture. They took a vow before 3 witnesses promising to spend every moment of their lives obeying the 10 Commandments. Not to say that they succeeded, because in most cases they didn’t.  But that is at least what they tried to do.  We see in scripture that these are the very ones Jesus fought with the most.  It was mostly due to the hardness of their hearts.  What is funny though is the fact that they spent a majority of their time studying the Scriptures. These men, with such a deep spiritual endeavor, had hearts that were so hard that they gave credit to the devil for what was being done by God.  Look at this passage in Matthew:

   Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.”

   Now, you may be thinking, so what are you saying here?  Are you saying to not read the bible, don’t go to church?  NO, but what I am saying is this; Just because you’re reading the bible faithfully doesn’t automatically mean you are living according to what is says.  You must have a receptive heart or else you do it in vain.  You need to go to church with a receptive heart or you could be in danger of producing a hardened one.  You see the church is a place where we honor God. It’s a place where the Word of God goes out. And we have a choice as to how we will react to these things.

   
   See, if we are in church because we want to worship and learn more about Christ, then that is great. But if we go to church out of mere obligation, thinking we can sin a little more because we have done our duty, that can be dangerous.

There is a saying that goes something like this; “The same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay”. And sadly, sometimes the most hardened people can be found inside the church.  This is because they think, I know it all, I have heard it all. I am so spiritual. The problem is they are getting a hard heart. They are arrogant and resistant to the work the Holy Spirit wants to do in their lives.

   So let me encourage you today to do a heart exam.  Are you doing what your doing for the right reasons?  Do you have a critical spirit? Do you think you know it all?  Don’t substitute ANYTHING over an honest & genuine relationship with Jesus.  

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

~ Matt

Immanuel...God With, In & For Us!

Matthew 1:21-23 "And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ’Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ’God with us." 
 

Will Christ be the center of your Christmas?
Are you living for the things that Christ died for?

   As Christians, we need to remember that our joy is because of Jesus, our songs are because of our Savior, our love because of our Lord, and our blessings a result of His birth.

   Because of that first Christmas, Immanuel (God With Us) has come and we as a result gain three great assurances that provide comfort and strength throughout our life. 

   I’m going to share with you those three great assurances, and simply give you scriptures to read and ponder this Christmas.


1. GOD WITH US!
Matthew 1:23 "…and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us."

Matthew 28:20"…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Deuteronomy 31:8 "And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed."

Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me…”


2. GOD IN US!
Colossians 1:27 "… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.".

Galatians 4:6  “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father!”

Romans 8:9b-11  “…But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through the Spirit who dwells in you.”


3. GOD FOR US!
Romans 8:31-32 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things."

Romans 8:28 ”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 54:17 ¹⁷ No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.

   Stand encouraged today knowing that Immanuel, the Almighty God, He is with you!  He is WITH you, IN you, and FOR you! 

I wish you a very BLESSED and MERRY Christmas! 

~ Matt

Friday Funnies:12/17/10

What's Your Religion?

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said "Stop! Don't do it!" 
       
      "Why shouldn't I?" he said. 
       I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" 
       
      "Like what?" 
       "Well ... are you religious or atheist?" 
       
      "Religious." 
       "Me too! Are you Christian or Jewish?" 
       
      "Christian." 
       "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?" 
       
      "Protestant." 
       "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?" 
       
      "Baptist." 
       "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?" 
       
      "Baptist Church of God." 
      "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?" 
       
      "Reformed Baptist Church of God." 
       "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?" 
       
      "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!" 
       To which I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.

Funny Yet Honestly Sad!


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Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Matt

Triumph through the Trials!

Psalm 23:4 (NLT)  ⁴ Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

   You might be going through one of life's big storms right now.  You may have even cried out for it to stop, and it hasn't.  In fact, It may have gotten worse.  And you may be asking why.  Why has God allowed this?

   There are no easy, straight forward answers to that question. But I do know this; Where there are no trials in life, there will be no triumphs.  There is a saying that goes; "The hammer shatters glass, but it forges steel."  You see, great things will come as a result of the hardship you are gong through.  Let me put it this way, miracles are conceived during trials.

   Think about this; the apostle Paul died and went to heaven, and he wrote a few lines about it. But he wrote entire books while he was in prison.  In other words, he wrote the most during the toughest, hardest, most difficult times.  You see, when you go through difficult times, look around for God to speak.  When you go through hardships, there are things you will learn and discover that you couldn’t learn anywhere else.

   Psalm 23 is a well-known, well-loved passage that many have memorized. It is a beautiful picture of sheep grazing on grass and drinking from the cool mountain springs. We love that. We love the green pastures and still waters. But then David continues on: Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

 
   Ya, there will be those times when God will take us to the beautiful green pastures and still mountain waters.  But know that, He will be with us in the valleys as well. And it is through those valleys we learn important lessons in life.  You see, fruit does not grow on mountaintops; it grows in valleys!

God has a purpose for you while in the storms of life…so rest in Him, because He is with you through it all.  Remember this; no trials, no triumph.  It’s time now to Triumph through the Trials! 
 

~ Matt

Monday Mission: Living On Mission!

This mission is not for the elite. You need not be a professional. It is not an exclusive club, private fraternity, or social clique. The “Bold and the Beautiful” are definitely  welcome, but the “Humble and the Homely” will be in charge.  Fighting for power or position is counterproductive and will not be tolerated.  Feeling not as important or not as useful is a lie. There is only one entrance fee, the same for all and everyone has the same ability to pay it.  It’s simply; YOUR ALL!

Once you give your all, prepare to be transformed. You will be renewed, set free, forgiven, adopted, and blessed.  After which, you will be sent into danger with nothing except this transformed self and a new companion (the Holy Spirit). You will be sent into possible rejection, and possible pain.  But as you continue in faith, you will begin to find out what it really means to be alive.

Now, this Mission is for Everyone!  Get past the mindset of; “The mission is for the missionaries, not for ordinary people like me”, or “That should be the pastor’s job”, or “What can I do anyway”.  God has empowered YOU with His grace to be a witness and influence to your family, community, nation and world.  God has sovereignty placed you within your area of influence, in order to make an impact.  It is time to start living on Mission!

Luke 10:1-11, 17 (NLT):
1 The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.
5 “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ 6 If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. 7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
8 “If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. 9 Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ 10 But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’
17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 

Now, can you name at least one of these guys Jesus sent out?  No?  But they walked with Him, felt His touch, heard His voice, did what He said and it was a success.  Surely these people have an exalted place in the history of the Christian movement. They must be “somebodys” right!  Well, to be honest, we don’t even know their names.  All we know is that there were 72 of them, and Jesus sent them out in pairs to announce the Kingdom of God.

That tells us something very important: The Mission is for Everyone. You don’t have to be a “somebody”; you don’t have to be one of the 12, or one of the inner 3.  If Jesus has transformed you then He has also sent you!  If He has transformed you, then He has empowered you!  He has sent you to live on mission for the Kingdom!

Go with courage!

~ Matt  

Wednesday-Challenger: 12/ 8/10 (For The Good Of Others...& The Kingdom)

1 Corinthians 10:32-33 ³² Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — ³³ even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

   Paul’s purpose in his actions was for the expansion of the Kingdom.  He didn’t do all that he did for himself.  His decisions were not based on what was best for him but for what were best for those around him.  Some opposite approaches to this would be the following.

One: If we just did what we wanted, no matter who is hurt by it.  This kind of selfishness is a major problem with many growing up today.  There is no compassion or care for the feelings of others.  This can be seen in families were one family member is going to do something that will effect the entire family in a negative way, but there feelings are not even considered.  We can even see this in the church.  Many have been turned off to church because they feel that the church has it’s own agenda and it doesn’t include them.  We must be sensitive to the needs of those around us.  Even if it goes against our church agenda, we must be somewhat sensitive to what it might look like to seekers.  Now, I'm not advocating the seeker-friendly approach (where we don’t want to be offensive to sinners…The Gospel will be offensive at times), but I am all for being Jesus-Friendly, which means I must show compassion as well.   I want to be pleasing to Him.

Two: Being over-sensitive and doing nothing.  This is an over reaction to the previous problem.  We must be on mission and moving forward at all times.  In this process, some may get offended or upset.  That is between them and God.  We can’t stop reaching and moving and serving and preaching and even rebuking at times, simply because we are being oversensitive to the feelings and views of others.  Again, I want to be Jesus-friendly, and that means pointing out the sin that needs to be addressed (in a loving & compassionate way).  Otherwise, where is the true love? 

Three: Being a “Yes Man”.  This means, you are going along with everything, trying to gain approval from people rather than from God.  This results in fear of man issues instead of living with the fear of God.  Wow, that is something that is not heard much these days.  I really need to take a future post and talk about exactly what the fear of God is & is not.  The bottom line is that; we need to quit being “yes men” and start becoming “yes Jesus”.  Stop with the “Yes Me” and start with the “yes Him”.  OK, you get the point.

   In this “me, myself & I”, “looking out for number one”, “me first” day and age we live in; Paul’s statement here is an excellent standard to live by.  If we make the good of others one of our primary goals, then we will develop a servant attitude, which in return will bring pleasure to God. 

   Let me encourage you today to examine your heart, and examine your life.  Are you living according to this standard?  Have a wonderful day!

~ Matt

Friday Funnies:12/3/10

I love comedy with a message.
These guys (Skit Guys) do just that.
Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!


~ Matt

Jesus, the Builder & Protector! So, Sleep Well

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 stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.

   I absolutely love these 2 verses (especially when I started pastoring) See, If I was ever tempted to worry about the Church, I would just remember that, hey, it’s His house and ultimately only He can build it. My efforts, by themselves, are in vain.

   Now, He is not only the builder of the Church; He is the protector of it as well. Man, this takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders and helps me sleep well at night. And I believe that is the way God wants it.  God wants you to be able to sleep at night. 

   The problem is that we often don’t believe this in our heart.  We read it and say oh yes, praise God, He’s in control.  But deep down, we don’t believe it.  How can I say that?  Well because there are way to many Christians sitting up late, worrying and eating the bread of sorrows.  Stop it!  You see, It doesn't matter if you are a pastor, business owner, or a stay-at-home mom.  Learn the secret of casting your cares & anxiety on God, trusting (in faith) that He can & will take care of it.  

   Jesus is the builder and protector of your life, and He knows the battles you face.  Just put your Faith & Trust in Him.  Realize that He is the Builder and Protector of your “house”, your life, your business, your family, etc. 

Trust Him and sleep well tonight!

Monday Missions: Go Fish...Ambassador!

   This is the “Monday Mission” on Tuesday.  Actually, with this being Tuesday, I should be doing a “Tuesday Leadership Principle”.  Well, I’m going to give you a two-for.  See, every leadership principle & action must be done in light of this truth.  The fact that we are Ambassadors of Christ!

 2 Corinthians 5:20(NLT)  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

   Look how it is put in the Message Bible: We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; He's already a friend with you.

  Wow, what an awesome calling that is!  We are ambassadors of Jesus Christ the King of Kings & Lord of Lords.  To be Ambassadors to the world in which we live.  That is an amazing, humbling, challenging, and awesome privilege! The Living and Holy God makes His appeal to a lost world through you and I.

   Now I would ask; Is that a truthful representative of how you live? Does this truth motivate you? Does it inspire your actions and control your behavior?  Now, I don’t say that in a condemning way, but in a challenging one.  Just know that, if you are a Christian, you are an Ambassador; you speak for Christ Himself.  We are His hand picked, appointed agents.  And we must be motivated and driven by His mission!

   Jesus, the savior of the world, who lived, bled, died, & rose for you and I.  He calls us to follow His example and to become “fishers of men”.  William Booth said it well; “Go for souls! And go for the worst.”


   Let me challenge you today to;
Serve as an Ambassador,
Lead as an Ambassador,
Work as an Ambassador,
Worship as an Ambassador,
 Love as an Ambassador
& Live as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ!

   Here are a few quotes that will hopefully charge you up:

Oh that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men. ~Charles H. Spurgeon

No Christian is in a right condition, if he is not seeking in some way to bring souls to Christ. ~ C.H. Mackintosh

I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I endured so that I could but gain souls for Christ. While I was asleep, I dreamt of such things, and when I waked the first thing I thought of was winning souls to Christ…All my desire is the conversion of sinners, and all my hope is in God. ~ David Brainerd

“We do not have a book of the “Resolutions of the Apostles.” But because of spiritual power and Gospel triumphs, we have the “Acts of the Apostles.”” ~ La Marechale

^“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!” ~ Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 9:16)

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” ~ Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15)

Now, Go Fish!

 ~ Matt

Friday Fun: 11/26/10

   I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.  There is so much to be thankful for...especially when Friday rolls around!  Because it's time for the Friday Fun Post. 

   Today is the much anticipated day for shoppers (most feared by Husbands).  After all, You know you're American when you line up at 3am on Black Friday so that you can save $5 at Walmart!
  
   Now that we have finished up with Thanksgiving, it seems we are officially in the Christmas season.  Today there are thousands upon thousands of shoppers fighting for the best deals.  I am so thankful for the best deal ever...Free deal...not from black Friday, but from Good Friday.  The best deal ever was purchased by Jesus Christ, after His birth, death & resurrection!


   Just to get you in the Christmas spirit.  I am posting a flash mob video recorded on Nov. 13 in a mall food court.  If your not up on what a flash mob is.  This is where a group of people plan out a mass singing in public.  Watch it through to the end to get the full response.  It will put a smile on your face, and joy in your heart as people sing King of Kings & Lord of Lords in PUBLIC!  What a blessing.





Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Matt

So Much To Be Thankful For!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

   I know that Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are not always the best.  In fact, they may be downright bad.  But still, we are told to look for Something to be thankful for! Remember that old song  Count your blessing when your feeling blue, it’s surprising what a little bit of counting will do.  Count them when everything goes wrong, soon you will find yourself singing a song…(come on sing it)

   Let me encourage you today…give thanks in all circumstances!  Someone once wrote “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain”.  Complaining doesn’t make situations any better; in fact it often makes things worse.  Giving thanks is God’s will for our lives. It is what pleases the Lord.

   Whenever you think life is unfair, stop and think again.  You could be a Turkey on Thanksgiving! Instead of thinking about how little you have, stop to count what you do have and give thanks!  

~ I’m Thankful…for the taxes I pay:  
   Because that means I’m Employed.
~ I’m Thankful for the Clothes that fit a little too snug:

   Because that means I have enough to eat.
 ~ I’m Thankful for the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing: Because that means I have a home. 
~ I’m Thankful for my heating bill:  
   Because that means I’m warm.
~ I’m Thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key:  
   Because that means I can hear.
~ I’m Thankful for the alarm that goes off early each morning:  
   Because that means I’m alive.

Add It Up….Count Your Blessings!

   Here let me give you what should be the basis of our Thanksgiving: 
Psalm 100:1-5 ¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. ² Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.³ Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. ⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. ⁵ For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

   Now, who this is addressed to? V.1 “all the earth,” / V.5 “all generations.”

In other words, this emphasis of thanksgiving is so important that it applies to every person of every generation who has ever lived! 
And what is the emphasis? 

V.1 “the Lord” / V.2 “the Lord” / V.3 “the Lord” / V.4&5 ⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. ⁵ For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.    The basis for thanksgiving should always be—The LORD!  

   The author of “Roots,” had a picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post.  When asked, “Why is that there?” He Answered, “Every time I write something significant, every tsime I read my words and think they are so wonderful, and I begin to feel proud of myself, I look down at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own…He had help.” 

  
   Where would we be today without the help of the Lord? Without the goodness of the Lord? Without the love of the Lord? Without the faithfulness of the Lord? Without the grace of the Lord?

   In case you need help, here are some reasons to give thanks to the Lord:  

1. Because He is a good God! Psalm 106:1 ¹ Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever.

2. Because of His unfailing love! Psalm 107:8 ⁸ Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,

3. Because He has answered my prayers! Psalm 118:21 ²¹ I will give You thanks, for You answered me; You have become my salvation.

4. Because He’s given me a home in Heaven! Hebrews 12:28 ²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

5. And most of all, I am Thankful to God for the gift of salvation! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

   Take time out today, on thanksgiving, and on everyday, to give the rightful thanks to God. He deserves it!  In fact, I would challenge you to write a list of all the blessing you do have in life.  This will force you to contemplate each thing.  

Maybe you need some inspiration.  Well, here is a list that several housewives compiled.

We Are Especially Thankful For:

5. "Automatic dishwashers:Because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner snacks.
4. For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house:

Because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals.
3. For Smoke Alarms:Because they let you know when the Turkey’s done.
2. For TeenagersBecause they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.

1. For children who put away their things & clean up after themselves.They’re such a joy.  You really hate to see them go home to their own parents!

Now your list might be a little different (hopefully) than that.  But I’m convinced that if you would just begin to make a list, you will find that you have much more to be thankful for than you realize.

Look around, add it up & write it down!
We Have So Much To Be Thankful For!


It's time to move from the poor me mentality...
...to the thank you Jesus reality!

Now, let me give you one last thing to think about.  Romans 1:21 ²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Here are some more thanksgiving passages to look up for homework:

[Psalm 50:23 / Psalm 100:4 / Philippians 4:6 / Ephesians 5:20]

Have a wonderful & blessed Thanksgiving!

~ Matt


P.S.  You can even be thankful for Mac & Cheese!