A little song I used to sing with my kids went something like this…

“Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful, What’s your attitude? Do you grumble and groan, or let it be known You’re grateful for all God’s done for you?”

A very good question for us to consider today, especially after the year of Coronavirus! We could each spout out a list of grumbles and groans I’m sure. But 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that is not God’s will.

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 These. 5:18

No matter the situation – no matter how small or large, easy or difficult, sad or happy, stressful or peaceful your situation – there are always things we can discover and acknowledge to God with thanksgiving. ALWAYS!

Can we say with the apostle Paul…

“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” Philippians 4:11-13

Have we, like Paul, learned to be thankful and content? Contentedness really is a by-product of being thankful.

We’ve lived through a challenging year, ladies. It has been difficult at times to have a grateful heart. But then at other times, like when I hear of a tragedy someone else is facing, I’m so very thankful for my own simple life problems and all. You too?

Have you had trouble being thankful for the hard things though?

Have you spent more time praying & thanking God or griping and running your mouth about these things? COVID, masks, government mandates, those who don’t wear masks, those who do, the election, …?

We need to develop the discipline to choose to see through thankful eyes and look for God’s provision and His purposes in ALL things. I don’t mean we’ll never have negative feelings or opinions. I mean we control our tongues, rest our hearts in Jesus, and look to our omnipotent Heavenly Father to handle all the things we want to be grumbly hateful about.

Thanksgiving in our lives makes us consciously aware of significant things that we may otherwise overlook. Thanksgiving focuses our attention in the right direction – from worry to praise, from fear to faith.

Are you able to give thanks …

1. When life is chaotic.
2. When catastrophe strikes. illness, loss, destruction, rebellion, disappointment
3. When you feel rejected or unloved.
4. When your prayers are still unanswered or are answered in a way that you do not like.
5. When we don’t know how we will survive because of financial issues or job loss
6. When we feel forgotten, overlooked, or abandoned.
7. When we live in the shadows, not the limelight. 
8. When we are not asked to serve in a capacity we really want to.
9. When we face the death of someone we love
10. When we face death ourselves.
11. When we are in a season of depression or despair
12. When we feel lonely

When times are challenging and and we find it difficult to find something to be thankful for, here are a few things to consider.

Jer. 29:11-14 states “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.”

So what are some things we can be thankful for in a really bad situation?

Salvation of course! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall never perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

1. God’s strength, protection, & help. Psalm 28:7

2. That God hears our prayers. John11:41

3. That we received the Word of God and accepted Christ and that His word is alive and active in us “performing its work in believers.” 1 These. 2:13

4. God’s direction through our trying times when we don’t know the right course to take. We must try NOT to live by our own understanding – by our own wits or worldly advice – but trust Him to get us through on a straight path. Proverbs 3:5-6

5. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3

6. God’s peace that He will put in our hearts when we come to Him in prayer and thanksgiving! Philippians 4:6-7

7. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18

8. God will be there to comfort us in all our troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:4

9. He will strengthen us for service to Him. 1 Timothy 1:12

10. We have God’s provision! If He provides for the birds and adorns the flowers so beautifully, how much more will He provide for our every need. Matthew 6:25-33

11.  We Have Christ – the Hope of glory! Colossians 1:17

Today, choose to find something to be thankful for!

There were blankets, quilts, and a comforter on the floor. My little doxie tilted her head in puzzlement. I had seriously interrupted her world of play so early in the morning. I was making my bed and as a direct result of fitful sleep my sheets needed tending to. The fitted sheet had popped off the corners and the flat was nowhere to be found. My husband stood opposite of me on his side of the bed, staring. I could hear what he was thinking. 

“How exactly do you manage to do this? How are you capable of tearing sheets completely off the bed in the midst of sleep?” 

He doesn’t actually say it anymore, twenty years of being bedmates and he doesn’t have to. He is a solid as a rock sleeper. He stays in one position, on his side of the bed, his bedding is nearly just as it was the night before when he entered  the bed as when he awakens. 

I had removed everything and thrown it into a tall pile on the floor while I sorted out my post slumber sheet confusion. 

The most playful doxie has earned many nicknames since becoming a Martin. She is “Happy Baby”, “Crazy Baby”, “Crazy Eyes”, “Mae-Mae”, “Happy Eater”, “Stinky-Baby”, “Silly-Baby”, “Kissy-Baby.” She responds to most any name and is most enthusiastic when she does so. She is a dapple doxie with unique coloring. She looks like a myriad of chocolate foods. She resembles cheesecake brownies, Baskin Robbins Chocolate Peanut butter ice cream, a Toasted Marshmallow, and a chocolate ribbon I make for the family, “That good cake you make” is actually what they call it. 

So as she tilted her head toward the towering obstacle in her path blocking her exit, I giggled. “What’s the matter Mae? Did Mama mess up your plan and block your path?” The tower of blankets where ten times her height, the passageway between my bed and the furniture hugging the wall completely occluded. There was no way over, no way around, no way under the pile. Macy was stuck and there was no way out, no way to the other side. She whined as she surveyed her circumstances. That got my husband’s attention. He leaned over and saw her predicament. I made some comment about having to work quickly to clear her path because she had no way out. About that time he said, “What’d you say?” as I caught a flash of her brownie-colored body heading out of the bedroom door. 

Where I saw no way out,  overwhelming obstacles, Macy had not been deterred. She realized what I had not. She had been made for just such an obstacle as this. Where there was no way out, her long and low body flattened out and she crawled beneath my bed to freedom on the other side. She had been given just what she needed to make it through a most daunting situation. She couldn’t have walked under my bed. It is too low for that, even as vertically challenged as she is she would have not had clearance for her head. Immediately the King’s Word came to mind. 

 

Isaiah 43: 19

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

That puzzled pup reminded me that the Lord makes a way when there doesn’t even seem to be a way and that He can be trusted to do that even when my eyes can not see how that is even possible. 

I do not have to try and figure out the way out of so many impossible situations if I trust and have faith in Him to make the way.

In fact, I would even go so far as to say, if I can figure it out, that isn’t faith at all. 

Macy’s ancestral dachshunds were made to hunt badgers, they are low to the ground, to track scents, and long so they could hunt into badger burrows. She was equipped to make that escape long before I had presented the obstacle before her. She rarely uses that equipping, she is more of a snuggly baby than a ferocious badger hunting baby.  She did remind me though I am like her in that I have been given the Holy Spirit through my faith in Jesus to equip me in those moments of obstacle presented to me and that He has promised He will make a way. He is the way. 

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

              -Jesus Christ 

When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall

When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all

In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on!

Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on!

In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on!

We find the strength to Press on!

To Press on!

Listen here.

Do you ever read through a few verses of the Bible so quickly that when you go away you don’t retain a thing? We all do at times. We read scripture with a laundry list of To-Dos on our minds instead of engaging with the text. The author of How to Read a Book states that a book is like a conversation, you “listen” as you read, ask questions, and seek the answers in such a way that you’ve “heard” the writer speak. A great thought to keep in mind as we approach God’s Word each day. No more rushed conversations as we seek to “finish” our quiet time and dash on to the next thing. Time with the Lord is not something to be “finished.” It is a conversation to be had and a relationship to enjoy!

This morning, let’s treat our time with the Lord like we would a visit with a favorite friend. Grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage). Settle in to your favorite comfy chair. Snuggle up in your favorite soft throw if it’s chilly where you are. And have at hand your Bible, paper, and pen. Get ready for a great conversation! Relax. Chat (pray). Listen attentively.

Turn to John 1. Read these words with fresh eyes – maybe in a less familiar version of the Bible for you. Read as a listener. Jot questions in the margin or on your paper. As you ask a question, listen. No quick answer? Then keep reading, it may come. Talk back to scripture. Prayer is part of that conversation we have, so is journaling, so is listening in your inner man.

Let’s get started together and I’ll bow out and leave the two of you to converse alone.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of men. ⁵ That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1-5

~ Wow, Lord! Why is Word capitalized there? We only capitalize names. So I guess that really does mean Jesus as my preacher has said. That makes sense. The Word = Jesus.

~ In the beginning was the Word – And He’s always been. So Jesus you’ve always been, even before you were born as flesh and blood. You were there with God at the Creation of the earth. How can this be, Lord? I have trouble wrapping my mind around the whole concept of eternity and the fact that you have always been. It’s sometimes anxiety-producing for my finite mind to try to grasp eternity.

~ and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. – Not only have you always been Jesus, but you, The Word, “…Was [were] God” from the beginning! How does that work? Will you explain it to us in heaven one day? Because frankly it blows my mind. I’m just gonna trust you with things I don’t understand. But I’d really like to know one day.

~ ³ All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. – All things were created through you Jesus, Word of God. All things. Me, mountains, oceans, space… You are limitless, God! It overwhelms me to consider your majesty and power and greatness in this way. Was it hard for you to create some things? I guess not if you spoke them all into being.

~ And if all things were created by you, I guess that means that they are just the way you meant for them to be, right? So my fat nose was supposed to be that way? And my son, who exasperates me but brings laughter to the house, was meant to do just that? Exasperate and bring joy? And mosquitos even have a purpose in your plan? Are you kidding me, Lord?! Surely there is no good purpose for a mosquito!

~ ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of men. – So you not only created life, Jesus, but you ARE life? Life is in you, Jesus – I’m seeing that as I get older. All the home decor, and dressing the kids just so, and going on fancy vacations do not make me feel alive. My true moments of living this life are when I experience your presence! I understand this part, Jesus. It lights up my day when I hear from you in a personal way or you meet a specific need or use me to touch another weary human soul that is made in your image. You really are “the light of men” – and women.

~ ⁵ That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. – Jesus, sometimes my darkness feels overwhelming. Sometimes I struggle to see your light in my darkness of the mind. Lord, will you remind me in those dark times that your light is there? Will you ignite hope and light in my soul when I don’t have any? I know You always bring me through my depression and worries and dark moments, but sometimes Your light seems hidden from me. Thank you, Jesus, for always being there even when I’m blind to you working in my life situations! I couldn’t make it through the darkness alone. I love that all the darkness can’t overcome you; it can’t beat you. You shine through and win in every situation! Thank you, Jesus! I love you, Lord!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now it’s your turn. Starting today, and over the next few days, finish reading through John 1, one verse at a time. Discuss the verses with The Father one by one. Ask questions. Be honest. Listen. Write down what God is saying to you. See what you hear from God today.

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ . . . “ Philippians 3:20

Many years ago, in what my husband and I refer to as the B.C. (Before Children) days, I worked as an assistant editor for a health and nutrition magazine. Toward the end of my time there, I got to travel around the world visiting some incredible places and meeting some fascinating people. Not gonna lie, it was a pretty sweet gig. One of my last trips before I quit the magazine to raise kiddos, was to explore Hawaii. I vividly remember walking through the nooks and crannies of paradise thinking, “Wow God! You outdid yourself on this one.” And it was gorgeous and felt so foreign and so familiar. But after a few days in paradise, my heart began to long for home. I have loved traveling since I was a little girl, but on this trip my heart couldn’t wait to get back to my husband and my friends and family. When those plane wheels touched down on the tarmac in Birmingham, I cried tears of joy and gratitude. It was then I realized the best thing about being away was coming home. 

It’s been two decades since that trip and I still haven’t forgotten the longing, the ache I had to get back to the familiar, the comfortable, the place where I was safe and where I was known and loved. Not long after that trip, God gave us the treasure of children. We had four in six years, and as they’ve grown life has ebbed and flowed between the mountaintops and valleys. My husband and I have lost grandparents and beloved aunts and uncles. We’ve faced serious illness and hurt with friends and family who have faced tragedy and pain that we’ve wished with all our might we could take away. We’ve faced the darkness and sat in that cursed pit of despair more often than we’d care to admit. 

But with each trial, with each suffering, with each lifting of the curtain of horrors that is life on earth, I’ve found myself growing more and more uncomfortable in this place. The more I experience in this place, no matter how beautiful, no matter how profound, it is tainted. It is merely a shadow of what is to come. And I find myself longing for home. It’s often hard to describe that glorious rapture of the promise of eternity. The promise of a permanent place, an eternal place, not marred by sin and shame and death and decay. I feel it when I see a fiery sunset or the wind blowing right before a storm. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

This summer I read “Adorning the Dark” by Andrew Peterson. In the book he talked about being drawn to fantasy literature as a kid. As an adult he began to ponder why he was so drawn to stories about the Far Country and the Grey Havens. He realized it was because he was being drawn to the Greater Story of a place that was far beyond earthly shores. The place that is both foreign and familiar. A place where you are known and loved and safe. A place where the sharp edges of a world steeped in sin are replaced with the curves of a world showered in grace. Our hearts long for this place, even if we don’t quite know what it is we’re longing for. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has set eternity in the human heart.” It’s like a slow awakening to the reality that there has to be more than this place. And as C.S. Lewis said so aptly, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” And so we do, and so we are. 

So when I find this world overwhelming and the tragedy and pain wrecking my heart, I remind myself of this truth. 

I am a citizen of two countries. 

One temporary, the other eternal.

One broken, the other beautiful.

One tragic, the other triumphant.

One full of sin, the other full of grace.

I was born in one country, but I am born again in the other.

Jesus himself has secured my citizenship in the Far Country.

Some days that longing for home is too much. Some days the groaning is too deep for words. I’m thankful for every day God gives me here in this temporary place to show others, to tell others, about the beauty that awaits them if they would just acknowledge their true state and the Savior who fulfills their every longing. I ask the King of that forever place to give me courage and boldness and strength while I have dual citizenship. But you better believe I’ll be rejoicing when my feet touch down on the tarmac of heaven. Faith made sight. Hallelujah!

Years ago there was an older woman who sat beside me occasionally in choir named Rochelle. I called her Mrs. Rochelle as we southerners tend to do in respect for anyone more than a couple of years older than we are. I didn’t know her well because we were supposed to practice and not talk too much during choir, but I could tell she was a wise woman who loved the Lord deeply. Our choir was scheduled to sing at a church across town and Mrs. Rochelle needed a ride, so I volunteered to pick her up. Let me tell you, that 20 minute ride became a memorable lesson for me.

I picked Mrs. Rochelle up at the appointed time and we fell into an uplifting conversation almost immediately. Her verbal autobiography was filled with God moments, scriptures, and blessings. She was indeed a mighty woman of God. The most memorable story she shared was about her trip to Walmart the day before.

She had planned to go a few days before. That morning she made out her list and was all dressed and ready to walk out the door when she sensed the Lord telling her not to go that day. So she didn’t. Mrs. Rochelle made sure to point out to me that she listens to the Lord before she does anything. I was pretty impressed. I mean, I prayed and asked God about things too, but it was big things like having another baby or should we go in debt for a new car. But whether to go to Walmart? Nope, I had never even considered praying about that.

As it turned out, Mrs. Rochelle did not make that Walmart run for about 3 days, and then, according to her, the Lord said, “Ok, you can go today,” on that Saturday before our choir adventure. As she was relating the story to me she said, “And you know what? I got to Walmart and everything on my list was on sale that day! And there was another special item I had been wanting to buy that was available, and I could buy it and stay on budget because of the money I saved!” And she glowed with the joy and enthusiasm of the Lord as she told me this story.

That day is still profound in my memory. Do I always pray about whether I should go to Walmart? Sadly, no. But I have learned to seek God in many more of the small things of life. And I have also experienced the Lord surprising me when I take time to seek Him in everyday things. The power of prayer can never be over-estimated, and learning to take ALL things to Him is a lesson we all need to learn.

So I encourage you to check in with God today. See if He wants you to go where you’re headed. Ask if He wants you to say what you plan to say. Pray for His guidance before you jump in and accept or decline a request for teaching or ministry, or quit a job or buy a car. Submit every choice to the leading of the Holy Spirit. “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:6 NIV.

This Election Day seems full of tension and concern (if not downright fear and anger). As we go vote today, we need to be reminded of blessings, put things into perspective, and encourage our hearts.

We are blessed to have a Creator God who loves us and made a way for us to find atonement for our sins.

We are blessed that God’s love is so great that He would sacrifice His
Son Jesus ion our place.

We are blessed to have the hope of eternal life with Christ in Heaven.

We are blessed that God is in control, and no matter the outcome of the election, He is still in control. Don’t believe the false narrative that if your person doesn’t win all is lost. That is a fear tactic of the enemy of our souls.

We are blessed to be alive and breathing today. God has a purpose for us today.

We are blessed to live in a free country where voting and discourse on government is not banned.

We are blessed to live in a rich country where the bottom 20%, the poorest of our poor in America, are richer than the average person in most European nations.

We are blessed in America with the freedom to speak and worship as we choose and not have our daily actions dictated to us.

We are blessed to have families and friends who love us.

We are blessed with heat on a cold day, water we don’t have to walk miles to draw from a well, and basic necessities to live.

We are blessed to have friends and live in common city with other believers where we can draw together to pray and encourage each other.

We are blessed here in Alabama today that we are not living in fragile wooden shanties with a Cat 4 hurricane pressing down upon us as Nicaragua is. (Pray for the people of Nicaragua and Honduras today!)

I could go on…

But instead, I ask you to go on. Make a written list of some of your blessings today. Instead of fear and dread of the future – count your blessings. Instead of arguing and hating – list you blessings and allow it to spur you to love all those around you. Instead of writing, posting, or speaking maliciously today, write down your blessings. Write words of hope, love, and encouragement. Speak life into the world around you. Speak God’s Word. Speak peace. Live like Christ. Forgive. Love others. Pray for God’s will to be done.

“Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdoms and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.

Matthew 6:9-15