Category Archives: Thankfulness

A Song of Joy and Praise (Psalm 66)

Have you ever experienced a moment when your heart swelled with gratitude and awe at the beauty of the world around you?

Perhaps you’ve felt an overwhelming desire to sing praises to the Creator for His marvelous works. In Psalm 66, we find precisely this sentiment—an outpouring of joy and praise to the Lord.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 66

Praise for God’s Mighty Deeds and for His Answer to Prayer.

For the choir director. A Song. A Psalm. 

     1Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;

      2Sing the glory of His name;
Make His praise glorious.

      3Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!
Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.

      4“All the earth will worship You,
And will sing praises to You;
They will sing praises to Your name.”

Selah.

      5Come and see the works of God,
Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.

      6He turned the sea into dry land;
They passed through the river on foot;
There let us rejoice in Him!

      7He rules by His might forever;
His eyes keep watch on the nations;
Let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

Selah.

      8Bless our God, O peoples,
And sound His praise abroad,

      9Who keeps us in life
And does not allow our feet to slip.

      10For You have tried us, O God;
You have refined us as silver is refined.

      11You brought us into the net;
You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins.

      12You made men ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water,
Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

      13I shall come into Your house with burnt offerings;
I shall pay You my vows,

      14Which my lips uttered
And my mouth spoke when I was in distress.

      15I shall offer to You burnt offerings of fat beasts,
With the smoke of rams;
I shall make an offering of bulls with male goats.

Selah.

      16Come and hear, all who fear God,
And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.

      17I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.

      18If I regard wickedness in my heart,
The Lord will not hear;

      19But certainly God has heard;
He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.

      20Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer
Nor His lovingkindness from me.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Call to Praise: The psalmist begins by calling all the earth to shout with joy to God, sing the glory of His name, and make His praise glorious. This passionate call to praise sets the tone for the entire psalm. It reminds us that our worship should be marked by exuberance and a desire to glorify God.
  2. Reflecting on God’s Works: The psalmist encourages us to come and see the works of God. He highlights how God’s creation, from the seas to the mountains, demonstrates His power and sovereignty. It reminds us of the majesty of the natural world and how it reflects the greatness of its Creator.
  3. The Redemption of Israel: The psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness in delivering Israel from bondage and leading them through trials. This part of the psalm reminds us of God’s enduring love and how He rescues His people from their troubles.
  4. A Heart of Gratitude: The psalmist expresses a heart of gratitude by declaring, “Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer.” It serves as a reminder that our prayers are heard by a loving God, and we should always approach Him with thanksgiving.

Call to Action: As we read and reflect on Psalm 66, let us be inspired to praise God joyfully. Take a moment to consider the wondrous works of God in your life and in the world around you.

Join in with the psalmist’s call to worship and offer your heartfelt praises to the Creator. Whether through song, prayer, or a simple moment of gratitude, let your heart overflow with thanksgiving for God’s marvelous deeds.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and discuss with friends and family how you can collectively offer praises to the Lord.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Reflecting on God’s Abundant Blessings: Psalm 65

Have you ever stood in awe of the natural world and felt a deep connection to the Creator?

Psalm 65 invites us to contemplate the beauty of God’s creation and His abundant blessings poured out upon the earth and upon His people.

Reconnect: In the previous Psalms, we have explored various themes, including praise, thanksgiving, and seeking refuge in God’s presence. Psalm 65 continues this journey of reflection and worship.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 65

God’s Abundant Favor to Earth and Man.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David. A Song.

     1There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,
And to You the vow will be performed.

      2O You who hear prayer,
To You all men come.

      3Iniquities prevail against me;
As for our transgressions, You forgive them.

      4How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You
To dwell in Your courts.
We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Your holy temple.

      5By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation,
You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;

      6Who establishes the mountains by His strength,
Being girded with might;

      7Who stills the roaring of the seas,
The roaring of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.

      8They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;
You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.

      9You visit the earth and cause it to overflow;
You greatly enrich it;
The stream of God is full of water;
You prepare their grain, for thus You prepare the earth.

      10You water its furrows abundantly,
You settle its ridges,
You soften it with showers,
You bless its growth.

      11You have crowned the year with Your bounty,
And Your paths drip with fatness.

      12The pastures of the wilderness drip,
And the hills gird themselves with rejoicing.

      13The meadows are clothed with flocks
And the valleys are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, yes, they sing.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Praise for God’s Abundant Blessings: The psalmist begins by expressing praise and gratitude for the abundance of God’s blessings. From forgiving sins to choosing and drawing us near, God’s blessings are countless.
  2. Awe-Inspiring Nature: The psalmist marvels at God’s creation, acknowledging that the earth is filled with His wonders. From majestic mountains to roaring seas, nature reveals the glory of God’s craftsmanship.
  3. God’s Care for the Earth: Psalm 65 highlights God’s intimate care for the earth. He provides water for the fields, ensuring the land remains fruitful. His loving touch is seen in the way He nourishes the earth’s crops.
  4. A Harvest of Joy: The psalmist envisions the earth as a field ripe for harvest. Just as a farmer rejoices in the abundance of crops, God’s blessings cause the earth to burst forth in songs of joy.
  5. An Invitation to Worship: The psalmist calls on all people to join in worship, recognizing the God of abundant blessings. From the farthest horizons to the depths of the seas, creation is called to praise its Creator.

Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on the abundance of God’s blessings in your life. Have you experienced His forgiveness, guidance, or provision? Spend time in prayer, offering your own words of praise and gratitude for the blessings you’ve received.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your abundant blessings and the beauty of Your creation. Thank You for Your forgiveness, guidance, and provision in our lives. May our hearts overflow with praise and gratitude for Your countless gifts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion: Share with others the ways in which you have experienced God’s blessings in your life. How does the beauty of nature inspire your sense of awe and worship? Engage in discussions with friends and family, and feel free to share your reflections in the comments below.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Embracing Endurance in the Face of Adversity (2 Thessalonians 1)

Have you ever found yourself facing the relentless winds of adversity and challenges simply because of your faith?

The emotions that arise in those moments, the weight of persecution, and the toll it takes on your spirit—these are the very sentiments we’ll explore in the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1.

Join us on an intimate journey through these verses as we uncover the transformative power of enduring faith, the assurance of God’s justice, and the unwavering hope that sustains us even in the midst of our deepest struggles.

2 Thessalonians 1

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

      1Paul and Silvanus and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

      3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. 11To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Endurance in Persecution: Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for their steadfastness and faith in the face of persecution and affliction. This chapter highlights the transformative power of endurance, illustrating how their response to adversity becomes a beacon of inspiration.
  2. God’s Righteous Judgment: The passage emphasizes the concept of God’s righteous judgment, assuring believers that justice will be served. Those who endure persecution for their faith will find relief, while those who oppose God will face the consequences of their actions.
  3. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Paul offers a prayer for the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth, desiring that their love may abound and their hearts be established. This prayer underscores the transformative impact of love and spiritual maturity, even in the midst of challenges.
  4. The Glorious Return of Christ: The chapter concludes with the anticipation of the glorious return of Christ. Believers are reminded that, ultimately, the challenges and persecutions they face are temporary in light of the eternal hope found in Christ’s second coming.

As we explore the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1, let’s reflect on the theme of enduring in the face of persecution.

How can we cultivate a steadfast faith in the midst of challenges?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering the transformative power of endurance in your own life. Additionally, share your insights with others, discussing how the assurance of God’s justice and the hope in Christ’s return inspire you to endure.

Join the conversation, and let’s delve into the profound lessons woven into these verses, discovering the strength that comes from unwavering faith in the midst of trials.

I invite you to pray with me.

Heavenly Father,

In adversity, grant us strength to stand firm, anchored in hope and the promise of Christ’s return. May our love abound, and our hearts be established in unwavering faith. Kindle within us enduring love, even in trials. Remind us that our struggles are temporary, but Your promises are eternal. Prepare our hearts for the glorious return of Your Son.

Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Nurturing a Faithful and Grateful Heart (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

Have you ever found yourself struggling in the complexities of life, searching for how to nurture a faithful and grateful heart?

Step into the final exhortations of 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, where Paul offers profound guidance on living a life marked by faith, gratitude, and fervent prayer.

Join us on a journey through these verses as we explore the transformative power of gratitude, the importance of communal encouragement, and the beauty of a life woven together by prayer and faith.

(Continued and summarized after scripture.)

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Christian Conduct

      12But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not quench the Spirit; 20do not despise prophetic utterances. 21But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.

      23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

      25Brethren, pray for us.

      26Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.

      28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Honoring Spiritual Leaders: Paul encourages believers to honor and respect those who labor among them in leadership roles. The transformative power of a community that values and supports its righteous leaders is highlighted, fostering an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.
  2. Encouraging One Another: The passage underscores the importance of mutual encouragement within the Christian community. By uplifting and supporting one another, believers contribute to the transformative atmosphere of faith and resilience, strengthening the bonds that unite them.
  3. The Role of Gratitude: Gratitude is presented as a transformative force that permeates every aspect of a believer’s life. From expressing thanks in all circumstances to recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, a grateful heart becomes a cornerstone of a vibrant and transformative faith.
  4. The Power of Fervent Prayer: Paul emphasizes the significance of prayer, urging believers to pray without ceasing. The transformative power of a prayerful life is unveiled as a constant connection with God, fostering a deepening of faith and reliance on His guidance.

As we immerse ourselves in the rich teachings of 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, let’s reflect on the transformative power of gratitude, communal encouragement, and fervent prayer. How can we actively honor our spiritual leaders, contribute to a culture of mutual encouragement, and cultivate a grateful heart in our daily lives?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, seeking to embody the transformative principles found in these verses.

Share your insights with others, encouraging a dialogue on the beauty of a life woven together by faith, gratitude, and communal support.

Join the conversation by commenting, and let’s explore together the transformative potential embedded in Paul’s final exhortations to the Thessalonian believers.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Finding Refuge in the Midst of Adversity (Psalm 59)

Enter the sanctuary of Psalm 59, where David pours out his heart in the face of relentless adversaries.

Join us on a soul-stirring journey through this psalm as we explore the themes of seeking refuge, trusting in God’s deliverance, and finding solace amidst the tumultuous storms of life.

(Summarized and Continued after Scripture.)

Psalm 59

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies.

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him.

     1Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

      2Deliver me from those who do iniquity
And save me from men of bloodshed.

      3For behold, they have set an ambush for my life;
Fierce men launch an attack against me,
Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD,

      4For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me.
Arouse Yourself to help me, and see!

      5You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity.

Selah.

      6They return at evening, they howl like a dog,
And go around the city.

      7Behold, they belch forth with their mouth;
Swords are in their lips,
For, they say, “Who hears?”

      8But You, O LORD, laugh at them;
You scoff at all the nations.

      9Because of his strength I will watch for You,
For God is my stronghold.

      10My God in His lovingkindness will meet me;
God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes.

      11Do not slay them, or my people will forget;
Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down,
O Lord, our shield.

      12On account of the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips,
Let them even be caught in their pride,
And on account of curses and lies which they utter.

      13Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more;
That men may know that God rules in Jacob
To the ends of the earth.

Selah.

      14They return at evening, they howl like a dog,
And go around the city.

      15They wander about for food
And growl if they are not satisfied.

      16But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress.

      17O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. David’s Cry for Deliverance: Psalm 59 opens with David’s desperate plea for deliverance from his enemies. His vivid expressions paint a picture of the immediate threat he faces, creating a backdrop for the powerful themes that unfold.
  2. The Trust in God’s Protection: Amidst the chaos, David places his trust in God’s protection. The psalm unfolds as a poignant declaration of reliance on the Lord as a fortress and refuge in times of trouble, emphasizing the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
  3. The Futility of Enemy Schemes: The psalm explores the futility of the schemes devised by David’s adversaries. Their plans are portrayed as destructive, but David finds assurance in the knowledge that God is his stronghold, and their efforts will ultimately be thwarted.
  4. The Call to Praise and Thanksgiving: As the psalm progresses, David anticipates God’s deliverance and victory. His words shift from a cry for help to a call for praise and thanksgiving, highlighting the transformative power of trust and reliance on God in the midst of adversity.

As we immerse ourselves in the words of Psalm 59, let’s reflect on the timeless themes of seeking refuge, trusting in God’s deliverance, and finding solace amidst life’s storms.

Take a moment to consider the challenges you face and the adversaries you encounter. How can you cultivate a spirit of trust and reliance on God, even in the midst of adversity?

Share your reflections and insights with others, and let’s engage in a collective exploration of the transformative power of seeking refuge in the One who is our stronghold.

Join the conversation by commenting on the post, and let’s find inspiration and encouragement in the verses of Psalm 59.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Give Thanks to the LORD for He Is Good (Thanksgiving Table Devotional)

We should always seek to be thankful to the Lord for all He provides, but Thanksgiving is a great time to remind ourselves to come together as a family and as a community, and as a nation to give thanks together to our Lord,  YHWH. For those who follow Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus), we always have that most important gift of salvation through grace by faith for which to be thankful… no matter what else may be going on in our lives.

I have found it is very easy to lose focus on the Lord as we get busy with our holiday traditions and celebrations… even Thanksgiving. It seems the Lord dropped a surprise in my shopping bag on trip to the store several years ago.  I want to share it with you. Lifeway Christian store put together a small booklet of scriptures into a “Thanksgiving Table Devotional”. We have it at our table and we read and share as we come together to eat our meals.

Psalm 106:1

1Praise the LORD!
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

18in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:17

17Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Philippians 4:6

6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 9:1-2

1I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
I will tell of all Your wonders.

      2I will be glad and exult in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

As we read these scriptures together we take time to go around the table and ask about examples of things that are specific to us for which we are grateful to our Father who provides. This is not particularly unique, but it sure is easy to overlook. I appreciate the Lord putting these scriptures where I would find them as I was looking for ways to make Thanksgiving more meaningful and focused on Him for my family. Praise the Lord He cares for each of us as His children!

What will you make the focus of this Thanksgiving season? Football, shopping, food, fellowship… or our Creator and Father and the right attitude towards Him? My suggestion is to focus on our Father with a healthy side of family fellowship.

Take some time to pray right now and give Him thanks in your own words. Ask Him to help you have wisdom on how to approach your family traditions such as those around Thanksgiving.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

A Symphony of Gratitude and Confidence (Psalm 138)

Step into the melodious verses of Psalm 138, where the psalmist crafts a beautiful symphony of gratitude and unwavering confidence in the Almighty.

Join us on a journey through these soul-stirring words, discovering the power of thanksgiving and the assurance that comes from placing our trust in God.”

Psalms 138

Thanksgiving for the LORD’S Favor.

A Psalm of David.

     1I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing praises to You before the gods.

      2I will bow down toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.

      3On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.

      4All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD,
When they have heard the words of Your mouth.

      5And they will sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.

      6For though the LORD is exalted,
Yet He regards the lowly,
But the haughty He knows from afar.

      7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.

      8The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude: Psalm 138 begins with a heartfelt outpouring of gratitude, as the psalmist praises God with wholehearted devotion. The acknowledgment of God’s love and faithfulness sets the tone for a psalm filled with deep reverence.
  2. Confidence in God’s Promises: Amidst expressions of thanks, the psalmist expresses confidence in God’s promises. This unwavering trust becomes a source of strength, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
  3. The Exaltation of God’s Name: Psalm 138 emphasizes the exaltation of God’s name above all else. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the transformative power that comes from centering our lives on His greatness.
  4. The Assurance of Divine Protection: The psalmist confidently declares that God will not forsake the work of His hands, instilling a sense of assurance that we are under the divine protection of a faithful and loving Creator.

As we immerse ourselves in the harmonies of Psalm 138, let’s reflect on the symphony of gratitude and confidence it presents.

How can we cultivate a heart overflowing with thanksgiving in our daily lives?

Share your thoughts on finding strength in God’s promises and exalting His name above all.

Let Psalm 138 inspire a melody of gratitude and assurance in your life.

Join the conversation by commenting below, and together, let’s make this psalm a soundtrack for our journey of faith.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

A Grateful Heart, A Journey of Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:1-12)

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let’s embark on a journey through the uplifting words of Colossians 1:1-12. In this passage, the apostle Paul expresses gratitude and offers a prayer that resonates with the spirit of thanksgiving. Join us as we explore the profound theme of thankfulness that intertwines seamlessly with the upcoming holiday.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Introduction and Thanksgiving: Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with greetings and expressions of thanksgiving. His gratitude is not just a formality but a heartfelt acknowledgment of the faith and love demonstrated by the Colossian believers.
  2. Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Paul’s prayer in these verses is not only a thanksgiving but also a heartfelt plea for the Colossians’ spiritual growth. He desires that they may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, and bear fruit in every good work.
  3. Qualities of a Thankful Heart: The passage outlines qualities such as endurance, patience, and joy with thanksgiving, emphasizing the connection between gratitude and a resilient, joyful spirit in the face of challenges.
  4. Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season: As we read Paul’s words, we can draw parallels between his expressions of thanksgiving and the spirit of gratitude we cultivate during the Thanksgiving holiday. The emphasis on faith, love, and hope mirrors the values celebrated during this special time.

Colossians 1:1-12

Thankfulness for Spiritual Attainments

     1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

      2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

      3We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

      9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s reflect on the spirit of gratitude that permeates Colossians 1:1-12.

How can we incorporate Paul’s expressions of thankfulness into our own lives and celebrations?

Share your thoughts on the qualities of a thankful heart and how they align with the values of the upcoming holiday.

As we give thanks for the blessings around us, let’s also take a moment to uplift one another in prayer, just as Paul did for the Colossians.

Join the conversation in the comments.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John


 

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Reclaiming Thanksgiving: A Call to Rediscover Faith and Gratitude 🍂🙏🏽

Reignite the true spirit of Thanksgiving beyond the common trappings of family, football, and feasting.

Explore the forgotten roots of this cherished holiday in President George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, shedding light on our nation’s Christian foundation.

Join us in reclaiming the essence of gratitude and prayer, making God the focal point of your Thanksgiving celebration this year.

Thanksgiving has a lot of potential if we focus on our Lord instead of football, feasting, and family… and more recently, shopping. Perhaps it is overly obvious, but people still miss it. It is nonsense to be thankful without clearly focusing on and relating to the one who provided what we are thankful for. In other words, it is even silly to say we are thankful but not complete the thought that we are thankful to whom and have that be a major / primary focus as we celebrate.

Though it is not a Biblical holiday, it was clearly founded as a holiday in the USA by a Christian president, George Washington, who wanted to call the people to a time of thanksgiving to our Lord for all the blessings poured out on this nation and its people. (Text of Thanksgiving Proclamation)

Actually studying this history and the contents of the Thanksgiving Proclamation, for people who will take time to do so, deals another blow to the lies of separation of church and state. We were founded a Christian nation, by the grace of God. That’s just an historical fact, despite how many people want to erase that history and replace it with “separation of church and state” nonsensical interpretations of our founding government documents. The original intent was simply that the state would not choose which Christian doctrine someone would believe or follow. It was never intended to limit someone in government freely expressing their Christian faith.

I encourage all of you to go back to the roots of Thanksgiving to truly come together in thanks and prayers to God. Build this into your traditions and celebrations. Do not let God be erased from yet another holiday, this time in favor of football, feasting, visiting with family, or shopping. Though the Pilgrims were godly people, do not even let them be placed as the centerpiece of the holiday but rather YHWH Himself. I suggest even doing a quick history lesson for your family and sharing the Thanksgiving Proclamation and start including that as a new tradition to celebrate annually.

I have included the text of the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation from George Washington below.

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

Washington.

*reference: https://wallbuilders.com/proclamation-thanksgiving-day-1789/

As a side note for conclusion and your additional thought… Congress asked the President to present this proclamation to the people of the USA very recently after founding our nation. Could there be any more obvious evidence that the founding fathers and the documents they created (with God’s help) did not intend to shut down people in government from freely expressing their faith?  There are many more examples for those who wish to study them and educate their children properly on what actually happened and how our government is actually intended to work.

Final thoughts on Thanksgiving… what do you want your family to associate with Thanksgiving? football? big meals? a family dinner? Where does our submission and thankfulness to YHWH fit in? What do you want to be the primary focus? Plan your celebration consistent with the desired outcome.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for blessing our nation in its founding and over the course of its history. Thank You for blessing Your people with opportunity for close relationship with You through grace and mercy and forgiveness of our sins through Yeshua. Please help increase righteousness and defeat wickedness in our nation and across the world. Help Your people to flourish in personal freedom to worship You and live according to how You call us. Please protect us from ever growing efforts for centralized government control. May Your blessings of peace and prosperity fall upon Your people! Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Thankfulness and Prayer for One Another

Colossians 1 contains a beautiful prayer that I would encourage us to pray for one another and for ourselves. There is no “magic” word or prayer, but this is a good example of a perspective of one believer who is close to YHWH having insight into how to pray for others who love YHWH also. It is not about the specific words, but rather the ideas behind them that help us focus on what is important.

Colossians 1:1-12

Thankfulness for Spiritual Attainments

     1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

      2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

      3We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

      9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.