My Quiet Time today was from I John 4:1-3 which is about discerning God's voice, and I began to express thanks to Him for being able to hear him when He speaks. My thoughts drifted to Thanksgiving coming up next week. I expressed my gratitude to God for Him speaking through His Word, speaking silently to me and in other ways. We as believers have the privilege of praying to our Heavenly Father, hearing Him in prayer, hearing Him through His Word each minute of our lives so how grateful should be!!!
I desire that my life be characterized by gratitude. He tells me to have an appreciative attitude in my worship of Him in Psalm (95:2-7 & Col. 3:16); in giving (3 Cor. 9:12); in relationships
(Phil. 1:1-3) and so much more. Gratitude brings joy to our lives! In I Thess. 5:18, the Lord mandates our gratitude in all things. He know that gratitude affects our hearts and our hearts determine who we become.
A continuing attitude of gratitude keeps us aware of His presences, causes us to focus on Jesus, diminishes our pride, keeps us focused on the purposes of our lives, reminds us of our dependence on Him, replaces worry, depression & wrong attitudes with peace and joy! When we maintain an attitude of gratitude, no matter what come in our lives, we will find joy and peace!!!
You have heard of New Year's resolutions, well I challenge you to make a Thanksgiving resolution to have an attitude of gratitude from today on!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
My Quiet Time Today
Many people encourage me often to write about my time alone with God so here goes! My Quiet Time this morning took me to Colossians 1:25-29. I knew that it had to be special because Co. 1:28 & 29 are my life verses. Thirty six years ago God showed me what my life was to be about. Later these verses became the definition of what I was to do and I love every moment of it. It was prior to vocational ministry 26 years ago and still is today. Until this morning I had never looked at it as a commissioning by God Himself. I see that for the first time. It is amazing how we can read Scripture over and over again although it never changes but yet speaks so plainly-- when we "get it". I finally got it today!!!
the Scripture reads: "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me". (NIV)
I have never noticed that Paul said in verse 25, "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me..."I know that I was commissioned or called by God to do the things of verses 28 & 29
As a Believer, I as well as every Believer was commissions by Matt. 28:19-20. But I received a special commissioning by the Lord to proclaim Him, to admonish and teach people so that they may do as God says in being holy as he is holy. I am thankful for this,- as the Apostle Paul put it "commissioning". What a privilege it is to serve the Lord Jesus!!! Becky & I believe that the best days of serving the Lord Jesus is just ahead! We have the desire, the health, the energy and willingness to "keep on keeping on"!!! What an adventure the Christian life is!!!
the Scripture reads: "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me". (NIV)
I have never noticed that Paul said in verse 25, "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me..."I know that I was commissioned or called by God to do the things of verses 28 & 29
As a Believer, I as well as every Believer was commissions by Matt. 28:19-20. But I received a special commissioning by the Lord to proclaim Him, to admonish and teach people so that they may do as God says in being holy as he is holy. I am thankful for this,- as the Apostle Paul put it "commissioning". What a privilege it is to serve the Lord Jesus!!! Becky & I believe that the best days of serving the Lord Jesus is just ahead! We have the desire, the health, the energy and willingness to "keep on keeping on"!!! What an adventure the Christian life is!!!
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