Questions – People Ask

I realize that giving thanks is customary this time of year, but it has been a tough year for me. Quite honestly, there isn’t much to thank God for. Still, I don’t like feeling this way. Can you help?

    

     You’ve taken a very important step toward cultivating a thankful heart, and that is being honest. God isn’t offended by the way you feel. He even sympathizes with your problems. (Hebrews 4:14-16) says: “Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, Who is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15) For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy find Grace to help in time of need.”

     However, if you don’t move on into true thanksgiving and praise, you will be a prime candidate for a bitter spirit that negatively affects you and everyone around you.

     That’s why God spoke through Paul that we are “in everything [to] give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

     I have seen Christians put under almost unbearable strain. Yet many of these people do learn to thank God in the midst of their pressure. They refuse to feel sorry for themselves, blame someone else, or bury themselves in depression.

     The heart of the matter is obedience. Will we actually give thanks to God in the burdensome times? This is “His will,” His plan for us. It may not rhyme with human logic. But we do it.

     Start to thinking of one thing to thank God for. It may be for your salvation. It may be for a car that runs a pair of shoes to wear a healthy son or daughter. You will be amazed that how much you will discover to thank the heavenly Father for when you consider His involvement and blessings in your life.

     As you obediently give thanks, you acknowledge several crucial Bible truths. You affirm God’s control of your life. You are not a victim of the economy or the boss’ decision.

     God is at work in your life in all things. He is Lord of all – nation, men, events, circumstances.

     You are not a pawn in the hands of fate. You are God’s child, and He cares for you.

     You also declare your trust in Him. God is trustworthy in the most inclement conditions. He longs for believers to look confidently to Him, especially when the waters are rough. At the core of your personal relationship with Christ are trust and obedience.

      That is precisely what thanksgiving accomplishes, and its value is exponentially increased when you worship God in the thick of the fray.

     Thank God no matter what. God will be honored, and you will find your joy on the rise.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part VI)

The High Cost of God’s Grace – Read: Luke 7:36-39 “And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38) And stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39)Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, He spoke within Himself, saying, This man, if He were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is who touches Him: for she is a sinner.”

     The evening was cool – the Capernaum sky clear and alive with the brilliance of thousands of twinkling stars. Mary knew where she could find Jesus. That night He was at the home of Simon the Pharisee.

     Clutching the bottle of expensive perfume, she moved through the doorway to where Jesus and the others were seated. She realized her actions would draw their scorn. Only Jesus would understand the motive of her heart.

     As she knelt and broke the seal to the fragrant oil, her eyes met His and something passed between them feelings of love, yes, but not human or emotional love. It was something that was holy and pure. No matter what her past contained, the moment she bowed her heart in repentance, God’s forgiveness was hers.

     Mary responded in humility and repentance. His grace sufficiently covered and cleansed her sin. Many think the idea of unconditional love cheapens God’s grace. But nothing can devalue such an expensive gift.

     The high cost of God’s grace meant Jesus had to die so we, like this woman, could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Only Christ can save us from our sins, and only He can offer the grace we need to live confident and secure. And all this is because of what Jesus did at the cross.

     I love the Song: “Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood of Jesus – It Washes White As Snow.” The High Cost of God’s Grace was paid just for you. Do you know Jesus? You can right now! Ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart.

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part V)

The Throne of Grace – Read: Hebrews 7:22-28  22) “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23) And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24) But this man, because he continue ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that comes unto God by him, seeing he ever live to make intercession for them. 26) For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27) Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28) For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, make the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”.

     Moments after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook mightily, and the heavy veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)

     For hundreds of years, this veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. No one except the high priest could enter this sanctified place where God manifested His presence. The High Priest himself; ventured in only once a year for a special sacrifice.

     By shedding His holy blood for sinners, Jesus tore away the barrier between man and God. You don’t have to depend on an earthly priest to pray for you. You don’t have to fear or wonder if God loves you or listens to you. When you accept His payment for your sin, He is your eternal Lord and Savior. “[Jesus] is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (v. 25)

     You have the guarantee of a never-ending relationship with the God who never deserts you, who is always near. His grace and mercy are available in unlimited supply. You can approach Him with any request, with every concern and question. Call on Jesus any time; His once-for-all sacrifice lets you enjoy everlasting fellowship with your heavenly Father.