Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I've been thinking about the pilgrims lately. They went through a lot of tough stuff early on in their American history. I think that the pilgrims really understood what is meant by the above verse found in 1 Thessalonians. Perhaps what they understood is that the Bible does not call them to be thankful for all things, but in all things. We can always be thankful that God is with us and has a greater plan in mind than we can see or imagine.
I'm writing this coming from the hospital. Deanna and I went in again to have her contractions monitored (the second time this week). Everything ended up okay, I guess. They ended up putting her on bed-rest and changing her prescription drug to slow the contractions. The thing is that, no matter how insignificant or quick the visit may be to the doctors and nurses, it always seems like a big deal when you are the "Daddy" and you are concerned for your new unborn baby and mother.
I'm also writing this as I see a lot of people that are surrounding me going through some pretty tough stuff.
Thankfulness is an attitude. It is a condition of the heart.
I am thankful for my soon-to-be newborn baby and Deanna. I am thankful for Amy, who stayed at our house and watched our girls while we were there. I am thankful for my parents who, I know, have been praying for me since I was a baby boy. Come to think of it, there is a lot more thankfulness in my heart than I maybe give myself credit for.
I do want to be careful, though, and make sure that I always do my best to keep my heart conditioned to be thankful. God help me...
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Monday, November 22, 2004
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you. Luke 6:38, Living Bible
Last night, our family attended Destiny Foursquare's annual Thanksgiving Service. I was blown away by the spirit of joy and thankfulness that was present; especially since there has been some pretty "tough stuff" going on in a lot of people's lives as of recent. But, then again, I think it was an awesome picture of God's grace and mercy. I teared up so many times, there was no reason to try and hide it. God is so amazing!
I also read the following today; it impacted me more than the other times I had read it in the past:
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest anyway.
The biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may turn against you if you help them. Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway.*
I really saw a clear picture of what I believe is a healthy, "servant-hearted" church last night. There were so many people there that, as I looked out across the audience, I know were world-changers. Not just in title, but in reward. They have sown and they have reaped. What a blessed life it is to serve with a bunch of people like those at Destiny.
Last night, our family attended Destiny Foursquare's annual Thanksgiving Service. I was blown away by the spirit of joy and thankfulness that was present; especially since there has been some pretty "tough stuff" going on in a lot of people's lives as of recent. But, then again, I think it was an awesome picture of God's grace and mercy. I teared up so many times, there was no reason to try and hide it. God is so amazing!
I also read the following today; it impacted me more than the other times I had read it in the past:
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest anyway.
The biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may turn against you if you help them. Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway.*
I really saw a clear picture of what I believe is a healthy, "servant-hearted" church last night. There were so many people there that, as I looked out across the audience, I know were world-changers. Not just in title, but in reward. They have sown and they have reaped. What a blessed life it is to serve with a bunch of people like those at Destiny.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
