Thank God

More from the wide world of sports: I came across an interesting article by sports writer Will Leitch. In the piece he addresses the issue of athletes thanking God for their efforts, in particular Los Angeles Angel Josh Hamilton. I especially appreciated this paragraph from Mr. Leitch:

“Christianity isn’t some peripheral notion of Hamilton’s life; it is his life. When you live a Christian life, everything you do, from showing up to church on Sunday, to going to the grocery store, to pumping gas, to hitting a home run, to striking out, is done for the glory of Christ. Hamilton isn’t thanking Jesus for helping him hit a homer; he is thanking Jesus for everything. From the homers to the strikeouts to the millions of dollars to all the boos.”

You can read the entire article here.

Appreciation

Lord help me have a thankful heart, help me have an infinite appreciation for who you are, what you have done and how deeply you love me.

Afflictions

In First Thessalonians chapter three scripture says, “We sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the gospel of Christ, to establish you in your faith and to exhort you, that no one be moved by these afflictions. You yourselves know that this is to be our lot.”

So many are in the middle of tough times, if that’s where you find yourself, be encouraged.

I came across this from E. Stanley Jones this morning: “The point of help that Timothy brought was that Christians should not be moved by afflictions, that it is our very lot as Christians. This cuts across the thinking of many present-day Christians; for they think the special favor of God is shown by their exemption from afflictions. They are in the success mentality of modern life instead of in Christ. To be in Christ is to be different, therefore persecuted. Society demands conformity; if you fall beneath its standards it will persecute you. Hence this is our lot.”

When life gets difficult it doesn’t mean God is mad at us or that we must have done something wrong, sometimes it’s just the opposite. Oh, and if everything seems to be going your way thank Him, it’s not because you’ve done something to gain special favor, He loves you, don’t take the credit.

God’s Family

If you were as fortunate as we were to spend yesterday with family, I hope you laughed as much as we did. However if you spent the day alone or in a less than loving environment, I pray the Lord was your comfort and that you were still able to see much to be thankful for. The future is brighter than today. This present challenge will be understood and even appreciated as you look back one day.

For Granted

Getting a different perspective on life can be so valuable. It can be as drastic as turning your world upside down or as simple as getting away for awhile.  Either way there is much to be appreciated when getting a new view. Too often familiarity allows us to take things for granted. I don’t want to take anything for granted. There is so much for each of us to be thankful for, even the tiniest of things. It’s good to be home.

Thankful

There are times when life can be completely overwhelming, we feel like we couldn’t do anything right if our life depended on it, we may be isolated, afraid and full of doubt and the last thing that comes to mind is being thankful. But that’s exactly what we need to do. Even if we can only find one thing to truly be grateful for, it can be the thing that opens the door to hope. With God there is always hope and through hope comes change. Change in our outlook and change in our circumstance.

Passion

We commemorate the two greatest events in human History this weekend and it’s wonderful that we make a big deal out the death and resurrection of our Lord each year. But what if we took the celebration to a whole new level? What if throughout each day we took to heart the perfect love that Christ’s sacrifice demonstrated and were perpetually thankful? What if we walked through each day with the confidence that Jesus’ resurrection truly did finish it, that the battle is won and that our place with the Father is just as secure as His? Now that would be a Holyday.

Redemption

God has redeemed us from much and it’s important that we remember with an attitude of thankfulness. But He has redeemed us to much, much more and that’s what should occupy the bigger part of our thoughts and prayers. We can’t stay in that, “thank you for saving me” place without also asking, “What have you redeemed me to, Lord”.

Thankful

Another quality that will stand out to those around us when were walking in God’s assurance is an attitude of thankfulness. When we have all we need and we do, then how could we be anything but thankful. The world complains about what they don’t have. We are thankful for all that we do have. This stands out to people.

Thanks Giving

Happy Thanksgiving Day, I am so thankful that you’ve given the time to read my postings over the past few months. Your encouragement and kind words have meant more than you can know. I’m eager to see what God has in the days and weeks ahead for you. If I can help in any way please allow me. Much love, Jim