On Gratitude /4
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14–15 ESV Here is the thing. Jesus did not come mainly to teach “love thy neighbor,” or “turn the other […]
On Gratitude /3
In an arsenal that’s supposed to include things like mountain-moving faith, radical obedience, patient long-suffering, and second-mile self-denial, gratitude can feel like an optional add-on. Nice if you can get it, but not all that critical to making life run the way it should. And yet gratitude is far more significant than its lightweight reputation […]
On Gratitude /2
Gratitude is part of the natural law; it’s part of the moral law. You don’t need the Word of God to know that you should be thankful or grateful. God never says, “I command you to be grateful.” It’s just assumed that you know that.
On Gratitude /1
“And the man bowed low in homage to the Lord.” Genesis 24:26 NJPS Gratitude is the root of both goodness and happiness. Here the servant of Abraham acknowledges the obvious movement of God in the tide of man’s affairs. Some translations say “he bowed his head.” Whether he knelt or bowed his head, “bowed low” […]
Gratitude
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Rejoice. Rejoice I Say.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV When we join in Sabbath worship, we are not worshiping based on the way our circumstances have played out. We’re worshiping based on our view of who God is.
It’s A New Day
Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) God’s Word puts it this way: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 GNV [Adapted] And, “Through the Lord’s mercies we […]
Surprise!
Just when you think you may have a more or less quiet day in terms of God, He shows up powerfully. Like a good friend sharing wonderful, heartfelt experiences. Awesome, powerful, tear-filled experiences. Experiences earnestly poured out. Surely we will never be the same again.
The Order Of Things: Goodness
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation. Psalm 145:9 NLT On the continuum of joy (gratitude, goodness, happiness, joy) we come today to goodness. (See here for thoughts on gratitude). Goodness is one of many attributes of God. Having been made in God’s image, it naturally follows that goodness […]
The Order Of Things: Gratitude
It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful. Brother David Steindl-Rast Joy is impossible without gratitude. In the order of things, gratitude comes first. Followed sequentially by goodness, happiness, and finally, joy.