Grateful.... yeah, I remember.

Let's talk....

Today's word is Grateful.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adjective grateful as:
1. Appreciative of benefits received; thankful. 2. Expressing gratitude. 3. Affording pleasure or comfort; agreeable.

What is there to be grateful about? That is a common view these days, but it is a view that has its eye on the temporal, the changing, the material. It fails to look at the things that God has truly provided and what He has in store for us.

We as a society have become addicted to fast gratification - instant satisfaction - and always more....
No matter what we have: "Happiness is just 'round the bend" - and it will only come with the acquiring of some "other" thing. We've lost touch will the still quiet moment. We've lost touch with just what a blessing truly is.

Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This scripture admonishes us to come before God in prayer with our requests, but also with gratitude for the things He has already done for and in us. Why should God give us more when we aren't grateful for what we already have? Count your blessings. No, really - count your blessings! One of my favorite sayings is: "My attitude is gratitude." and it's not just a saying, but a way of life.

Take time - turn off the T.V., cut off the radio, get quiet and reflect on the good things that God has placed in your life. Slow down and take account of your blessings. Focus on the benefits you have been given - sure you have negatives in your life, don't focus on them - they aren't of God. Limit your thoughts to what you have, not what you don't have. Take inventory and be grateful.

Give thanks. Not just when you recieve some great blessing, but give thanks at all times. TELL God what you are thankful for - open your mouth and say it out loud - as He hears it, you will too.... Blessings come from acknowledging what God through Jesus has done in your life, not by complaining to God about what you don't have. To receive that "peace of God, which passeth all understanding", we MUST do what He as said.

We'll talk....

Fellowship.... we are not alone.

The soundtrack:


Let's talk....

Today's word is Fellowship.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines fellowship as:

1. The condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion, or nationality. b. The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms. 2. A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests. 3. Friendship; comradeship.

In this day and age it's not always easy to find those whom we can truly have fellowship with. Quite often the people we find ourselves around don't share our beliefs, ideals, or interests. We find true fellowship with others who have the same fellowship with our Lord Jesus.

This fellowship we have with God consist in knowing His will, an agreement with His designs, an enjoyment of His presence, and conformity to His image. Often we try to establish fellowship with those who neither know His will, agree with His designs, know of His presence, nor are they attempting to conform to His image.

Though it may be hard to find fellowship in your workplace or even your neighborhood, God in His wisdom has established a place where it can be found - His Church. Having a church home is paramount for good fellowship. We need to be around others of like mind and actions.

We have Christ's promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us, but we need human fellowship also. We need others who care about us, and about whom we can care. Again I encourage you to find a place of worship that you can call you own - we all need a church home. Don't delay - seek your home today.

We'll talk....