Increase Thanksgiving

These days there is some debate about the benefits or risks of teaching our children to give thanks when someone gives them something or does something for them. Thanksgiving is generally learned from observation more than instruction. When a child sees their parents or siblings or some respected person giving thanks, they learn that a warm relationship develops when we give thanks.

II Corinthians 4:15 says, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” As we receive God’s blessings of grace, we should increase our offerings of thanksgiving to God. As we give thanks, God is pleased and draws us closer to Him. The Bible tells of a time when Jesus healed 10 lepers, but only one returned to thank Jesus. We can’t expect to draw closer to God without looking for the blessings He provides and thanking Him for those gifts of grace.

Blessings To Believers

Have you ever received an award or a gift that you felt that you were not worthy to receive? Perhaps the gift or award came from a prestigious organization or person. Maybe the gift was extravagant. The blessings that believers receive from God fit in these categories to the most extreme extent. These blessings are given by the creator of the universe and the supreme authority over all things. Blessings are extravagant because they are given out of His grace to us who are not worthy to receive these gifts.

Psalm 3:3 says, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” When we are fearful, the Lord surrounds us in His impenetrable shield of protection. When we bear good fruit, it is His glory that is displayed. When we are sad and lonely, it is He who lifts us up and heals our hearts. These are just three of the multitude of blessings that God provides His children. I suggest reading the Psalms for a broader look at God’s blessings.

Fragrance of Jesus

Sometimes we say, “I stunk”, when we don’t meet our expectations at some task. We will even say that other people stunk when they did not do something particularly well. Somehow odor and performance have become linked.

II Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” When we follow Jesus, we will walk in victory over selfish desires or sin. And we give off the aroma of Jesus to those around us, meaning that others will be attracted to Jesus as they sense His presence in us. How closely we walk with Jesus determines how much of Jesus people observe in us, in other words, how much of Jesus’ fragrance we offer them. If we walk with Jesus, God promises to give us the victory over our old sinful ways and the “sweet smell” of victory in Jesus.

From Faith to Compassion

The Bible tells the story of four men with faith. Their friend was a paralytic and very little help was available to him. They heard that Jesus was in town and they knew that He was reported to have done many miracles. They seized the opportunity to bring their friend to Jesus, believing that Jesus could heal him. When they arrived at Jesus’ location they found the way to Jesus blocked by a big crowd. That didn’t stop their faith, however.

Mark 2:3-5 says, “And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, you sins are forgiven.'” A heart full of faith always leads to a concern for and a sacrifice for those who are hurting. These four men believed that Jesus could heal their friend, so they sacrificed their time and efforts to bring their friend to Jesus. Their hearts full of faith and concern for their friend told them what they could do. Let’s let faith in Jesus move our hearts to compassion for those who are hurting or in need.

“I Am the One”

Isaiah 28;16 says, “therefore, thus sys the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.'” God established the saving truth of faith in Jesus. It is the basis of all truth and salvation. Self-effort in haste to make oneself proud does not benefit the soul or grant personal redemption. Belief in God’s chosen foundation for truth and redemption is the only wa#l