Showing posts with label Appreciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appreciation. Show all posts

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Worthy of Gratitude.

Colossians 3:16
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.


Do you ever find yourself singing? Usually we sing when we're happy. Sometimes we sing a song to cheer us up when we're sad. Don't forget to sing out of gratitude though. All this week, we've talked about why you should appreciate God. There are so many reasons. The primary reason is that he sent his only son, Jesus, to die for us, which is a true, living sacrifice. Not only is God worthy of our praise, but he deserves our appreciation too.

Notice how the songs we sing are centered around Jesus, the good news that he has to offer, and the abundance of life he provides to us. With that said, we are to keep Christ and God's word close to our hearts as we make it a habit to share it with others.

Don't just tell non-believers what God puts on your heart. Talk to fellow Christians as well. Share your thoughts with one another so that together you can have infinite wisdom through Jesus Christ!

Remember, to thank the Lord for everything he gives you each day for free including: love, mercy, and forgiveness. We have life today and eternal life tomorrow.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanks for the Victory.

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,


The greatest victory that we receive is God and his Kingdom. No matter what, no gift can surpass God's grace. Remember that as you stand in lines today.

We can experience the never ending joy by joining in with the angels and saints and live with God forever. It's not necessary to wait for the return of the King Jesus Christ. God's kingdom begins with you and your role in the Kingdom and church. Together, it is possible for believers to coexist and obey God's word. Thus, it is only appropriate that our worship to God is filled with reverence and awe. There's no other way.

Lord, we know that all things are yours. We appreciate your blessings, promises, grace, and triumphant victory: Jesus Christ. Continue to remind us of reasons to be thankful for Christ so that we may shed light toward the unbelievers.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


The key phrase is "whatever you do...do it all in the name of the Lord." That means everything! Everything we do, no matter what we say, who we are, or what we do, it needs to be offered as a gift of thanksgiving to God. Simultaneously, we should acknowledge Jesus Christ's power too.

In other words, our entire life is devoted to God! That's a good thing, too, because he deserves our greatest offerings. It's all an act of worship and thanksgiving to God. We don't just go to Sunday church service to worship. As living, talking human beings, it is all about worship, give thanks, and glorifying our Lord and Savior.

Prayer of Thanksgiving: May all of our life be devoted to you, God. It's the least we can do given your freedom in Jesus. It's not always easy in this world to give my life to you, but I ask that through my words and deeds, your will be done. Please, Holy Spirit, guide me. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving and be safe!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Completeness in Christ.

Colossians 2:6-7
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.


There's certain things in life that just don't change. The problem is a lot of what we surround ourselves with, does change, which alters an otherwise logical perspective of this matter. Think about it: fashion is constantly evolving and technology is revolutionary. Even our day to day life brings about unexpected events, of which may be facebook status worthy. Software companies always release updated versions every 3-5 years. The next best phone and computer is something new just about every month. Now, we're a day away from Thanksgiving, and two days away from Black Friday. Surely, there's something appealing in those ads whether it's for you or for someone else! We're always ready for the new and improved version of everything.

Do you know what doesn't change though? Jesus Christ and the fact that he's the one, true way. No Facebook update is needed. However, it's always good to remind others about his everlasting nature, perhaps through Facebook. Jesus doesn't get any better than the way we know him today. Even though, he doesn't change, we can't become complacent and stagnant in our faith.

It is our job to dig ourselves further into the Word of God and grasp the basic truth of Jesus Christ. If this is a reality then our future is in Christ's hands. Be thankful that this truth exists!

Thank you so much Lord for the simple, yet vast truth of Jesus Christ. May we feed off it day and in day out!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Value Those Who Fear God.

Proverbs 31:30
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.


In our world, fear is usually given a negative connotation. It's usually thought of as a distressing emotion that is initiated by impending doom or danger. In the Bible, we are repeatedly commanded to "fear God." In this proverb, it says, "...but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Does that make sense according to our definition? No, we aren't to be scared of God, per say. Instead we are to be consumed in reverential awe toward God. If you look up the word "fear" in the dictionary, this context likely won't be in the top three definitions given.

With that said, a really well-natured and faithful woman is one who honors the Lord with all her might and strength. We all (men and women) tend to go for the good looks, but we know our appearance, and even our personality can change. However, a woman whose heart is smothered in the presence of God will bring blessing upon blessing to others.

Once again, may we all take the time to value faithful and Godly women in a kind manner and in a way that honors and glorifies you.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Faithful Women.

Proverbs 31:28-29
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”


Often times, we overlook so many things and people in our lives. It's what we have everyday. Yet, we utterly bog down our minds with what we want and what we don't have.

When was the last time you praised a woman of faith such as your mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, youth pastor, or even a complete stranger? They care for us, they love us, and they are a true representation of Christ.

Take some time to write a note of appreciation to at least one woman in your life. Think about where you would be without the faithfulness that Godly women portray. Wouldn't we be missing a huge chunk of our lives? It's hard to imagine. As we're nearing the Thanksgiving holiday, tell them how precious they are to our identity in Christ.

Thank you God for the women in my life who have molded me into the person I am today. Also, Lord, remind us of the great, faithful women in the Bible who accomplished so much. Help us show appreciation to those in our lives.