Express Unending Gratitude

 “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His wondrous works.” Psalm 105:1–2

The last day of the Thanksgiving season does not end our giving thanks. As God’s children, we must tell others what wondrous and glorious things the Lord has done. Thank Him always as you call upon Him and rely on the attributes of His character. Tell others of His works in former times and what He has done and is doing in your life; sing praises to Him and about Him. We serve a loving, merciful, and faithful God—spread the Good News of His love and salvation through Jesus year-round.

Channels of Blessing

“Where’s the tree?” I looked out the kitchen window, but our beautiful cypress that grandly stood at the pond’s edge was gone. We were unaware of the beaver that took a liking to our fishing pond. Twice, the tree regrew; the beaver chewed it down both times. But the beaver’s damage was not only to the cypress; its dam blocked the water’s flow, affecting its quality and depth for the fish. It wasn’t until the destruction of its lodge that the beaver moved on. The new homeowners of our homestead now enjoy the tree that has once again reached majestic heights, shading the water’s edge.

God tells us in the Word how to please Him: love Him with all our heart, strength, mind, will, emotions, and others. We tell God we want to serve and obey Him but are we faithful in our devotion to Him? Songwriter Harper G. Smith asks a series of questions in the song, Make Me a Channel of Blessing: Is your life a channel of blessing, letting God’s love flow through you? Are you burdened for straying sinners and the lost dying in sin, telling them about the world’s Savior? Do you readily and willingly serve Him?

“He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, we thank and praise God for His blessings, worship Him, and want to tell others about His love, mercy, and salvation. But we cannot be channels of blessing with known sin in our lives; instead, we are barriers and hindrances to sinners we are trying to bring to the Lord or show the way back into His fold.

To be channels of blessing for others, we must destroy the dams that block God’s moving in our lives—confess our sins, turn back to our heavenly Father, and let Him fully possess our lives and live out what we profess. God’s Holy Spirit will freely flow in and through our restored service for Him and bless others when we do.

Showers or Downpours

God’s greatness is unsearchable, unfathomable. We cannot trace His footsteps or understand His ways or the whys of life with our finite minds. Blessings fall like rain showers sometimes, and at other times, downpours come that do not appear as blessing-filled. We can wallow in self-pity during life’s uncertainties or when sudden storms happen or choose David’s attitude:

“Every day I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:2–3

Habakkuk said no matter what happened in life; he would rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in the God of his salvation, who was his strength (Hab 3:18–19). Sentiments like these from the psalmist and God’s prophet are easier said than done. Only with a determination to serve and please our Creator, relying on His power, can we achieve such devotion to our Maker and great Most High God every day, no matter the season or circumstances. He is worthy of the highest honor, praise, and gratitude. 

Unmerited Blessings

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Psalm 103:2

The psalmist reminds himself and us how to face each day: Kneel in adoration before God; bow before the Lord with all that is within you. No matter your stance before Him, bend your mind, will, and emotions to Him; acknowledge Him and praise His name. David adds that we should not forget all God’s benefits—His services, acts of goodness, and reward. What are those undeserved blessings God lavishes on His children who are unworthy except for the cleansing blood of Jesus? David elaborated on God’s forgiveness, healing, saving grace, kindness, patience, mercy, righteousness, fairness, and tolerance.

God’s most significant expression of His love towards humanity was letting His one and only Son, Jesus, die, paying the price for our sins. His bountiful, innumerable dealings with us are because of His compassionate nature and goodness, not our merits. Heavenly Father, thank You. We exalt You and bow our hearts before You—we bless Your holy name.

I Exalt Thee, O Lord

“Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:21

God is merciful, kind, and righteous. He has done extraordinary, marvelous works: He loves us and sent Jesus to save us when we deserved death. The Lord heals, forgives, and restores us. Praise the Lord for His unfailing goodness!

Shout With Joy

“Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:3–5

The psalmist invites all humanity to shout joyfully unto the Lord, Creator of all. God’s redeemed are the sheep of His pasture. We have cause to enter His presence with thanksgiving, songs of praise, and honor with grateful hearts, acknowledging He is the One true God, yielding ourselves to His service with joy. The Lord is good—He saved us and calls us His children; His compassion, grace, and truth are everlasting. Shout for joy with thanksgiving unto who was, is, and always will be: Almighty God. Thanksgiving is a daily privilege, not only seasonal.

Guard Your Gratitude Attitude

“Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house, we go.” Sometimes that little diddy of a song describes our schedules and activities that challenge our nerves as we prepare for, travel, and visit during the holidays. And in that mix, many people also deal with the reminder of loved ones who are no longer with them. But whatever our circumstances, let us never neglect to thank the One through whom life and blessings come.

“Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalm 97:12

Be glad in the Lord God—rejoice that He is who He says He is. The righteous are the ones who go before God, admit their sins, ask for forgiveness, and obey and serve Him. If circumstances have taxed your attitude of gratitude, thank God for His unchanging holiness. We have cause to rejoice in His favor and goodness, salvation; He who calls us joint heirs with Jesus. We can rejoice and trust in the Creator of all that exists, Almighty God, who holds everything (including our nerves!) and will always do what is right. 

Safe in the Fold

Jesse entrusted the family’s flock to his youngest son, David. He was a good shepherd; the sheep trusted the one who watched over them and fearlessly risked his life to protect them from danger. But the young sheep keeper's confidence was not in himself; his trust was in the Lord (1 Sam 17:34–37).

God sent His only Son to die for the sins of all people, making way for us to spend eternity in heaven with Him. We are God’s sheep; He entrusted Jesus with the care of His flock. The Good Shepherd gave His life for us and cares for His Father’s sheep until God calls us home. As we focus on Thanksgiving this week, let’s do as David did: acknowledge the source of our hope, strength, and care, and as David’s sheep, trust our Keeper, the Lord God. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory every day.

“O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our maker. For He is our God, and we are the sheep of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 95:6–7

Intentional Not Incidental

"Who then can be saved?" Mark 10:26b

The Gospel writers tell us that the man who came running after Jesus seeking eternal life was young (Matt 19:20) and a ruler (Luke 18:18). He was a goodly man, having kept God's commands since he was a youth. But one thing stood between salvation and him: he was unwilling to surrender his great wealth to follow Jesus and walked away sorrowfully (vs. 17–22).

It was a deliberate act, not by chance, that you yielded your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Although we must choose whether to let Jesus rule our lives, we don't determine when or where it will happen or get to pick and decide what we will give up to follow the Lord. God frees us from our sin-filled pasts, and we are born again only as the Holy Spirit makes us aware of our sinful condition, and we confess our sins, repent, and turn to Jesus. 

Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question on who can be saved is the same for us. Genuine salvation happens—God rebirths us into His family—when we invite the world's Savior into our lives, surrender all we have and who we are (wealth, family, possessions, occupation) to Him, letting Jesus be Lord of all. Jesus said doing this is impossible with men, but with God, all things are possible (vs. 27).

The Secret to God's Peace is No Secret

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

Believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ can be at peace—quietness and rest—with God, themselves, and others. But too often, fixating on what might be or has been, not bringing our concerns and needs to the Lord, and neglecting to praise God for all He has done are barriers to peacefulness. Our actions and mindset decide whether we have His unexplainable peace flowing in and through our lives.

God’s answer for tranquility: Stop worrying and fretting; pray about everything; tell Him what you need and thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing and will do, for everything. Put your confidence in Him; rest in His promises (John 14). But there is more; we must have the same mindset as Jesus and live as He did. Paul charged us to think about the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; the praiseworthy, not the despicable, following Jesus’ example. The Author of Peace is with us when we think and act as Jesus did—at one with His Father (Phil 4:6–9).

“And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Spiritual Markers

A friend shared a memory from nine years ago that popped up on social media. Her recollections of what God did reminded me of what I wrote a few years ago:

King Uzziah's death marked time; in a vision, Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a throne in the temple. As God's glory filled the place, Isaiah knew he was unclean and unworthy to be in His presence. One seraph took a hot coal from the altar and touched his lips; God purged his sins. Then Isaiah heard the Lord asking who He could send (on a mission). Without hesitation, Isaiah volunteered to go. He had no idea what the task entailed, where he would go, or what to say—but he was willing for God to use him: "Here am I, send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

Joshua 4 tells of God's miraculous parting of Jordan's waters to the left and right when the priests' feet touched the water's brim, and the Israelites crossed over to the Promised Land on dry land. Two monuments commemorated the miracle: Joshua set twelve stones in a heap where the priests stood, holding God's Ark, and a man from each of Israel's twelve tribes carried a boulder on their shoulder to Gilgal, setting a monument where they camped that night. After everyone safely crossed over, the waters of Jordan flowed as before. Joshua said when their children asked the meaning of two heaps of stones, the fathers would tell the miracle of when God brought them across Jordan on dry land: "That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God forever." Joshua 4:24

Is your life marked with spiritual reminders? Moments etched in time when you know you met Holy God? He asked (or commanded) you to go or be still and know that He is God, or He spoke some other message you knew was from Him. If God moved powerfully in your life and changed you, then He left spiritual markers as reminders of His activity. But not all spiritual remembrances are of obedience, some bear reminders of neglecting God's guidance. Those markers are not there for condemnation but as reminders to avoid repeating the same mistakes, reminders of God's might, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness when He carried you through difficult or victorious times.

What do recollections of God's activity in your life bring to mind? Have you obediently followed through with the commitments you made to Him? Did God miraculously spare you a treacherous passage or carry you through what seemed an impossible obstacle? Were you obedient when you safely reached the other side? If not, receive God's forgiveness and say, as Isaiah did, "Here am I, send me." Or the Lord may test your faith at your Jordan's bank. He already knows whether you will stay or trust Him and obediently cross over—He wants you to know. Memories. Reminders. What do your spiritual markers tell about you and show others?

To-Do List Edits

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent His prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, Judah’s governor, with this message: “Now, therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5

God’s people weren’t prospering no matter what they did. Why? They busily worked rebuilding their houses while neglecting the Almighty’s house that lay in ruins. Haggai challenged the governor to think about what they were doing, what they had already done, and what they should do. Actions carry a series of reactions; wrong ones have consequences. The governor and people “considered their ways,” feared the Lord, and began repairing God’s house. And the Lord was with them.

People are list-keepers—written, electronically kept notes or mental ones of what we want to accomplish. Sometimes what’s on our To-Do List should go on a Don’t-Do List, while other times, we need to add some to-dos to our list. Do we need to make any changes as we carefully review our list considering our ways? Have we neglected God? Have we ignored the needs of others? Knowing, belonging to, and serving the Lord Jesus Christ above all should be life’s top priority. When we do, Almighty God is with us. 

Okay, for Me, But Not for Thee

Others’ sins we disapprove of may look different, sound different, and smell different, yet they are no less corruptive than yours or mine. So why do we hold others to a higher, holier standard of living than we live? Pride and the deceitfulness of sin. Man’s heart is wicked and deceptive above all things, but we cannot fool the Lord who searches all hearts (Jer 17:9–10). With one’s propensity to sin, we are foolish to trust what lies in the recesses of our hearts (Prov 28:26).

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

No matter how we think others should live, we will harvest what we plant in our lives and that which we invest in the lives of others. Paul tells us we should not deceive ourselves or let others mislead us. Corrupted hearts can veil their owner’s character, and false teachers can mislead them, but no one can fool God with the pretense of genuine service. 

Comfort Foods

How better to warm ourselves on a cold, wet, dreary winter day than with a bowl of tasty soup, chowder, or gumbo? Such foods comfort and soothe and get us going.

Paul, the spiritual “daddy” of Thessalonica’s new believers, encourages them to continue and increase their faith, love for one another, prayers, thanksgiving, rejoicing, and perseverance during persecution. He shows affection for them as he urges the babes in Christ to follow the commandments of the Lord as they grow in their newfound faith and be at peace among themselves.

The apostle summarized the Thessalonian’s newfound life in Christ and God’s will for them to follow. He instructed them on the Lord coming to take the living and the dead in Christ with Him into heaven before His return, concluding with: “Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Paul’s letter is also for us. We are to be about our Father’s business. He wants all men to come to the saving knowledge of His Son, Jesus, who died for our sins, rose from the dead and lives forever. That’s the message we’re to tell, the word to get out because it has eternal significance; Jesus told us this was our mission (Matt 28:19–20). Paul says to encourage (comfort) each other and build each other up with these words (5:11). 

God’s Holy Spirit-inspired Word should comfort and stir us into action. While a good bowl of soup on a cold day brings temporary comfort, God's Word is eternally comforting any day.

Clear, Weight-Free Air

On a humid and cloudy day, the damp weighted air finds its way down the narrow chimney and pushes the smell of the fireplace’s burnt wood into the room. But all is well again when the clouds clear and the sun shines brightly.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.” Proverbs 12:25

Troubling circumstances and sorrows or feelings of hopelessness and helplessness—burdens—push their way into our lives, taking a toll on our hearts and making them feel heavy. But along comes someone with an encouraging word that brightens our day and lifts our spirits. That wasn’t circumstantial; that was your heavenly Father caring for your weary, wounded heart.

Other times we’re discouraged or troubled, knowing we displeased God with something we did or didn’t do. But our Father cleanses our heaviness—lifts our burdens, clears life’s air, and raises us when we reverently bow before Him in repentance. His compassionate words of forgiveness—Your sins are forgiven—make our hearts rejoice. 

Hear No Evil

Usually, my husband tends to the fireplace, but he wasn’t at home, and when I looked, the logs had burned to ashes. As I got closer, I saw a few glowing embers under a small piece of burnt wood, so I put a bit of scrap tree bark, a thin three-inch strip of rich pine in the ashes, and a new log on the grate. After fanning the embers only for seconds, a blazing fire was warming the room again; it didn’t take long to get a new fire going. Proverbs 26:20–21 says:

“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”

Gossip spreaders, quarrelsome people, and receivers of others’ slander and arguments are equally guilty of causing trouble and discord. But if no one listened to the gossipers and arguers, there would be no one to pass along their evil, destructive intentions. Their fires would die out—the strife would end. 

Setting Your Sites

An archer draws the bow and then releases the arrow. Proficiency, the archers’ steadiness, setting eyes on the goal, and using arrows compatible with the bow determine whether or where they hit the intended target. The same is true of marksmen who must set their weapons’ sites and use the proper ammunition. They each aim for the bullseye, the perfect score.

The believer’s bullseye is to love God above all, love others, and tell the Good News of Jesus everywhere we go, rightly using God’s Word (the Sword of the Spirit), which is always accurate and effective. It is alive, mighty, and sharper than any other sword—able to penetrate the heart, laying open intentions and emotions, bringing sinners under conviction (Heb 4:12).

We who speak God’s truth are not flawless like God’s Word. Our aim is off with life’s distractions, troubles, and our bent on doing and saying things our way. We often miss the goal, God’s mark of perfection: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But praise God, when we fail to meet His approval, He forgives and restores us if we confess our sins, turn away from them, and return to Him (1 John 1:9). With cleansed hearts, we can reset our sites focusing on loving, obeying, and serving our Lord.

You Scoundrel!

The prophet watched as anger ignited when he told David about the rich man who took the poor man’s sheep instead of one from his flock to feed a traveler. In the heat of the moment, the enraged king said the man was worthy of death because he lacked compassion and should repay the poor man four times what he took from him. Can you envision Nathan pointing his finger in King David’s face and hearing his words, “Thou art the man?” 2 Samuel 12:7

Nathan didn’t choose to confront the king about his wrong actions; the Lord sent him (v. 1). Imagine how David must have cringed—shocked, embarrassed, yet relieved to admit the truth—when God’s prophet confronted him with his sin. He WAS the man who took Uriah’s wife and had him killed. The king immediately admitted his sin, and the Lord forgave him (v. 13); Psalm 51 is David’s confession.

Have you ever been upset or even furious when you heard what awful or shameful thing someone did, said, or didn’t do or say the right something? Yet, you weren’t bothered at all when “the shoe was on your foot.” It’s easy to hold others to a higher standard of living than we are willing to live. We recognize when they miss God’s perfection and may even confront them. But did the Lord send you, or are you acting as the judge and jury?

We all have the propensity to sin; who are we to judge someone else when theirs differ from ours? Paul wrote that criticizing others is inexcusable. By doing so, we condemn ourselves by recognizing the sins we sometimes commit ourselves (Rom 2:1). We would do well to follow David’s example in the confession of sins when God’s Holy Spirit confronts our hearts with, “Thou art the man (or woman).”

Heads Up and Sometimes Down

The noticeable eight-foot-long glass-doored cabinets mounted to the ceiling above the counter’s peninsula are a beautiful work of craftsmanship but hazardous. Short and tall people can escape bopping their heads on the corners, but a medium-height person is at risk when working at that end of the counter.

We’re not to walk around with our heads down, cowering in fear, but upright, yet not in pompous pride, but alert and watchful. Some things, like a tree’s low-laying branches (or cabinets), won’t move; neither will the evils of this world; they abound, and no one is exempt from their attempts to render harm. That’s why we must be mindful of when it’s time to duck and when to wisely and safely lift our heads and move forward. Paul urges us:

“Watch ye; stand fast in the faith; quit you like men; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ have many enemies. We must be vigilant in guarding our right-living with God like a sentinel standing watch over the camp, watching the enemies’ movements. What or who is the enemy? Believers face error-filled biblical doctrines, false teachers, opposers of the Gospel, and divisions among fellow believers. Sometimes it is the wrong preconceived interpretations of truth in the way. 

With confidence in God, the apostle tells us to be alert, courageously stand firm in and defend God’s Word, living it and steadfastly guarding against the enemy’s tactics. Sometimes the foe to protect ourselves from is our fleshly desires to sin when temptations knock at our door. We must always be ready if we want Jesus to find us faithful—we don’t know when the Lord will return (Matt 24:42).

Wiggle Room

“Give me just sixteen inches from the breakfast room. I can rearrange this room into a full bathroom with a larger shower and space for the laundry,” the contractor told me after he looked at our utility room with a small bathroom and 24” x 24” shower. The result was astounding.

The space we gave up in one place made a huge difference in another with no wiggle room. Sin has the same result in our lives. You give it less than an inch, and it impacts and changes your whole being. From what do you borrow to gain the wiggle space? Moral character, prayer time, worshipping and serving the Lord wholeheartedly, or is it something else? Paul urges believers: “Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27

The apostle challenges us to put off our former way of living and put on the new person God created in righteousness and holiness (v. 24). He encourages us to stay watchful and prayerful lest we give room to the devil. He wiggles into lives through false teachings, the temptations of anger, lust, lies, or any of the former ways of ungodly living. So we must put off who we once were and be kind to one another, forgiving one another, just as God forgives us, and give ourselves wholly to the Lord. 

What Happened There?

The first week after my husband’s hand surgery, I suggested he remove the bandage to let his hand “breathe” and heal faster. But the doctor’s instructions were, “Leave the bandage on for two weeks and keep the incision lubricated with petroleum jelly, and you will have minimal or no scarring.” I had my doubts. She said if the wound dried too quickly, the scab formed would cause a mark on the skin. When he came home from having the eight sutures removed, the one-inch incision was barely noticeable, just as the doctor said. The lubricated wound healed from the inside out. I applaud this dermatologist who is not specialized in reconstructive surgery but knows the technique to keep scarring at bay.

I have multiple noticeable scars from childhood into my senior years; I have a fresh one from a few days ago when the oven door caught my forearm, where it joined several others. When someone sees the scars on my arms, knees, or hands and asks what happened, I can usually tell them the story behind each one. The marks are reminders. Some experiences taught me to be more careful in what I do, and some to help others avoid making the same mistakes.

All too often, when someone or something wounds our hearts, we want to cover the hurt, hoping it will go away over time. But wounded hearts need airing for healing, exposure to our heavenly Father, or a trusted friend who brings us before God’s throne for recovery. God heals from the inside out. We’re not to dwell on or harbor hurtful past experiences but learn from them. The Great Physician uses reminders of His healing and deliverance—where He brought us from to where we are now—to minister to others in need:

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus! Our merciful and gracious Father is comfort’s source for all our needs and every hurt. He comforts us (comes alongside) in all our troubles; we learn from Him how to walk alongside others when they are troubled, using the same compassion, encouragement, and help God gave us. The more we suffer for Christ, the greater God abundantly pours His grace and comfort out on us. (2 Corinthians 1:3–5)

Row, Row Your Boat

The nursery rhyme of rowing your boat gently down the stream and thinking life is but a dream is supposedly about perseverance. But to me, it sounds like a serene traveler leisurely rowing downstream, hoping for a good life. Going with the flow, desiring life’s best earnestly, or doing more than enough cannot earn anyone life’s best here (Eph 2:8). As sinners, we deserve death. Yet, God offers everyone everlasting life: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Salvation from sin is God’s gift to mankind, and Jesus promised a place in heaven with His Father and Him for all cleansed by His shed blood (John 14:2–3). Whether gently “rowing our boats” downstream or facing life’s struggles head-on, rowing upstream, God’s holy presence and power working in and through His children help us live this life victoriously until we are with Him forever. Until that day, Paul says for us to be steadfast and immovable, always working enthusiastically for the Lord, knowing our labors for Him are never useless (1 Cor 15:58).

Horses, Chariots, and Truth

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. As the rivers of water, He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Proverbs 21:1

When people lose sight of God’s sovereignty, anxiety and fear gain footholds in their hearts and minds. Concern over worldwide issues quickly collides with one’s faith if we dwell on what we see and hear rather than the truth we know: God is sovereign and searches and knows man’s heart. As the Creator of all has power over a river’s path, He holds and turns kings' (and presidents’) hearts (v. 2). Although they hold authoritative positions, the Almighty determines who does what, when, where, and how throughout history.

Who or what do you trust during these uncertain and troublesome times? David acknowledged that the Lord saves those who belong to Him. Horses and chariots fall in battle, but God’s people rise and stand upright when we remember the Lord our God's name—His power and authority (Ps 20:7–8). 

Our nation’s leaders are in place; our military and equipment stand ready, but Christians’ reliance is not on them but on Almighty God, who holds them. We must remember our hope is in the living and all-powerful God, the One who gives success to whomever and whatever He will. “Save, Lord: let the King hear us when we call” (v. 9).

When Tights and Tutus are Too-Too

Ballet dancers undergo rigorous training to develop leg muscles and balance and learn graceful moves as they dance about the floor. I wondered why ballerinas sometimes wore tutus and matching stockings when they performed, and a little research told me the outfit shows off their legs and footwork. The same is true for male ballet dancers’ clothing. But costumes can distract the results of their labors when tutus are “too-too,” and tights reveal too much.

“But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.” James 1:14

Every believer is accountable to God for their thoughts, words, and actions, including attire, but may we not be why someone falls into temptations’ snares. Christians wearing inappropriate clothing can cause others’ focus to drift regardless of their good works. Jesus said anyone lusting after another person, whether married, is adultery (Matt 5:28). When we have God’s light and walk in it, our lives for the Lord shine rightly; others will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matt 5:16).

Woe is Me

“Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker!” Isaiah 45:9a

Anyone who puts off or rejects the Holy Spirit’s wooing of their lost soul to confess their sins, repent, and invite Jesus into their life fights against their Creator. He said for all the world to look to Him for He is salvation; He is God; there is no other, declaring every knee will bend to Him (vs. 22–23). But God offers no pity for those who reject His gift of Jesus to the world; waiting until your death to give allegiance when you bow before God is too late. Believers also fight against their Maker. What? Not me, you say. Yes, you do, and so do I.

God created the first man on earth from dirt; we are clay in the Potter’s hands. Does the clay argue with the One shaping it, saying, “Wait, what are You doing?” or “Stop, You’re doing it wrong?” We strive with God when we are dissatisfied with our circumstances or the people He allows to be part of our life stories. Before time began, He knew our parents. Our birth was not surprising to Him; He formed us in our mother’s womb. He knew who would daily cross our paths.

God said: “ I am the LORD, and there is none else; there is no God beside Me” (v. 5 NLT). He is the Creator of all that exists; no one is like Him. Suffering and torments await those who reject God’s salvation plan. Believers who complain about or doubt God’s care or question why He allows undesirable situations or outcomes to fall their way also suffer, missing the contentment of their Maker’s abundant provisions. Instead of saying, “Woe is me,” let’s say, “Thank You, Lord!” He loves us so much that His only Son, Jesus, died for us.

Before and While

"And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24

God is holy and blesses those who humble themselves before Him with repentant hearts and reverently respond to His Word, His greatness. He hears our pleas before we cry out to Him. David contritely acknowledged his sin against God (and Bathsheba and her husband). While saying he would confess his sin unto the Lord, God forgave David (Ps 32:5). The prodigal's father ran to his humbled and penitent son, embraced and forgave him before he could ask for forgiveness for his foolish actions (Luke 15:18–24). While Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God in prison, God rescued them before they asked for help (Acts 16:25–26). Our Father knows our needs before we call out to Him; He hears and will answer.

"I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at My word." Isaiah 66:2b NLT

The apostle Paul told his listeners he came to them not as an expert in the Law (which he was), speech, or the world's wisdom but as timid and weak in the power of God and His wisdom. He deliberately spoke plainly, putting aside everything except the message of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion (2 Cor 2:1–5). Paul humbly acknowledged his limitations, depending on God's wisdom, and God blessed his ministry. King David and the wayward son received undeserved grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

God blesses those who revere His holiness and come before Him with the right heart. His peace that follows sincere confessions of guilt proves He mercifully and graciously forgives sinners' offenses. 

Lose Yet Gain

We moved from a property with an abundance of oak trees to one with many pines. The difference between the two varieties’ canopy is oaks have leaves, while pines have needles. The commonality is they lose most, and some, all, of their leaves in the Fall. No matter how often you clear them away, in no time at all, the leaves and needles blanket the ground again. Your work seems fruitless, yet you consistently remove them for the health of the grass and the beauty of your lawn. Trees must lose their leaves to ready themselves for new growth in the Spring.

“And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

We do our best in sharing the Gospel’s truth with others and follow our Lord’s command to love Him above all and others as ourselves. But sometimes, it feels like we’re losing the battle; we see no fruit of our efforts and grow weary or discouraged. Yet sincere Christians will not let weariness, discouragement, hardships, ingratitude, or obstacles stop them. They press forward; God will accomplish His purposes.

Paul encourages us with these words: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). When we stand firm in the Word and trust our faithful God, victory is ours. We have eternal life with our Father awaiting us.

Crossing the Finish Line

“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” Proverbs 15:24

Runners don’t aimlessly run but look toward the object in the distance on which they have fixed their sight. Paul said he pursued the mark (goal) for the prize of God’s high calling in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). That “high calling”—God’s summon from on high—is not for the elite few; it was not Paul’s call as an apostle but is for all believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has appointed us to completeness in mental and moral character; to live rightly with Him and others: embrace and extend mercy and do everything covered in love for Him and one another (Mic 3:8).

The prize of God’s call awaits everyone who doesn’t faint but faithfully completes their life’s race to the finish line. What is the award waiting for us in heaven, where we fixed our eyes? The Bible tells about three crowns: the crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:7–8), the crown of life (Rev 2:10), and a crown of glory (1 Pet 5:4). Paul knew he had not reached perfection in Christ (completeness) yet strived for excellency, and so should we without excuses of why we are not looking upward for the prize. What will we do with the crowns we receive? John the Revelator saw 24 elders wearing crowns, sitting around God’s throne. When the four beasts gave glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sat on the throne, the elders fell before God, casting their crowns before the throne (Rev 4:4, 9–11). I believe we’ll do the same; the Lord is worthy of all glory and honor.

The upward path of wisdom and holiness is the highest life in Christ, rescuing us from the devil’s schemes, temptations, and horrors of hell that we deserve. 

Remembering

 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

Like Paul, I’m thankful for what God has done in me, my family, my friends, and the church families He has allowed us to share our lives with in ministry. When I speak of them, hear them spoken of, or remember their faithfulness, kindness, and encouragement, I’m grateful our lives intersected. God is faithful; He will continue doing the work He started in each of us until the day of Jesus Christ—on that day, God completes His work through the appearance of His Son (v. 6).

Whatever kingdom work God sets before us, we should do wholeheartedly as unto the Lord (Col 3:16) until He comes for us. When we exit our places of worship, we should be God’s Church, ambassadors of our Lord, ministering to a world desperately needing Jesus. If you want a blessing, be a blessing.