GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THINGS

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This coming Thursday, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. For most, it is a time for family, food and fun. Yet the holiday has a deeper meaning than this. The Thanksgiving holiday is a reminder that we have much to be grateful for. For the Christian, giving thanks is a daily event, not an annual observance.

The Bible has much to say about giving thanks. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he said, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” While most of us would agree that it is God's will for us to give thanks, there are three words that make this command very challenging: "In every thing..."

Most of us have no problem giving thanks when we receive an answer to prayer. It is not difficult to be grateful when we receive good news. We don't consider it a difficult matter to express gratitude when we receive God's blessings. But Paul wrote, "In every thing give thanks." Let's be honest, there are times that giving thanks is more difficult than others. When the doctor gives you a terminal diagnosis, it is tough to give thanks. When a policeman knocks on your door and gives you devastating news, it is hard to be grateful. Yet the Bible instructs us, "In every thing give thanks."

How can we be grateful at all times? How can we give thanks "in every thing"? When everything is going wrong, how can we praise God? Let me give you three things we can always be grateful for.

1. THE GOODNESS OF GOD

Your circumstances may not be great, but God is. Your medical prognosis may not be good, but the Lord is good. God is good whether your situation seems good or not. He can be trusted with our challenges, problems and uncertain future. Isn't it good to know that your future is in the hands of Someone good? Yes, bad things happen in life. It rains on the just and the unjust. Life on earth is marred by sin, so don't be shocked when problems or pain comes in your life. The problems of this sin-cursed world are a reflection of man's rebellion. God is good all the time. Be grateful for that.

2. THE GRACE OF GOD

Regardless of what you're going through, you can be thankful for the grace of God. Because of God's grace, you are His child. The old hymn writer, John Newton, aptly wrote, "'Twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home." Every blessing you have enjoyed is a gift to you from a loving Father. Even if all your blessings came to an end today, you've already received far more blessings than you can repay Him for. You didn't deserve a single blessing, yet God, in His grace, has blessed you abundantly. Has a loved one passed away? Be grateful for the time you did have with him and thank God for the promise of the resurrection. Loose a portion of your health? Be thankful for the health you've had in the past and the degree of health you now have. All good and perfect gifts come from the Father. They are tokens of His love and grace. Be thankful for God's unmerited favor.

3. THE GLORY OF GOD

Finally, be thankful that God is in control. Your future is not in the hands of "fate," but a great and loving God. The God we serve is perfect in all His ways. Meditate on the glory of the Lord and you'll be blown away. We are not servants of sin, but servants of the most high God. He takes great delight in making His glory known. In fact, you are here on earth to express praise to Him. You were created to glorify the Lord. The Lord is glorified through the obedience of His children. When His presence is noticed in the life of a believer, it brings great pleasure to Him. Sometimes in our valleys, He works deeply in our lives, making us the people we ought to be. It is the trials of life that make us strong. The problems and pain of life keep us humble and prayerful. We find ourselves spending more time with Him as we face the challenges of life. Just as the melting fire melts away dross from a precious stone, the melting fire of affliction often melts away the sinful, selfish dross from our lives. God's glory, not our comfort, is the aim of this life. We are here to glorify the Lord, not build large bank accounts. Paul wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

The horrible events of life remind us that we live in a sin-infested world. Such heartbreaking events also remind us that we are citizens of another country --- a better country. When we get to heaven, the trials of this life will make better sense. Until then, we can trust God with anything we face. And for that, we give Him thanks.

SECOND-HAND RELIGION

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” - Romans 10:2

Why are so many young people dropping out of church? Some would argue that they need more entertainment to keep their attention. Others believe that churches need to have a better transition ministry, helping these young people move into adult-oriented worship. Some even believe that the drop-out rate is inevitable and is a natural occurrence.

I really believe that so many young people only have a second-hand religion. They identify with the religion of parents, grandparents or close friends. They are emotionally impacted by the spiritual transformation they witness around them. Young people are easily influenced by the faith of those they respect the most. Here's the problem: many of these young people never have a personal, life-changing encounter with God themselves. Thus, when they get to an age when they start dating, church is no longer important to them. When they get to college, the influence of parents and grandparents diminishes a great deal and the influence of professors, textbooks and college-life impacts them more. It isn't an issue of losing salvation, it is a revelation that they never had a real salvation to begin with. They were simply going through life hanging on to the spiritual coattails of family. They only had a second-hand religion.

Many adults are in the same boat. A husband experiences a life-changing encounter with Jesus and the wife joins the church with him, even though she has not had the same salvation experience. A person can be swept away with emotion or caught up in a moment of excitement, making a public commitment, but never repenting of sin or trusting in the Savior. They have a second-hand religion.

Churches are hurting across America because of this dilemma. Many have made outward religious professions without a first-hand, life-changing moment with Jesus Christ. So many are deceived and hell-bound who call themselves Christians, yet only have a second-hand religion.

Paul instructed the Corinthians to examine themselves, challenging them to be positive that their faith is genuine. I believe that second-hand faith is the reason for so-called “backsliding,” and apostasy. That is why you find atheists who were once church members and some in the deepest forms of depravity who once were in ministry. They only had a second-hand faith.

It is a concern for parents or Sunday School teachers when they share the Gospel with children. While it is certainly possible for a child to get saved, far too many simply make a profession of faith that is not anchored in Christ, but a second-hand faith.

It is time for us to examine our own faith. Do I have a second-hand faith or have I been truly born again? Does my life manifest God-honoring fruit, or is my life just an outward show of religion? Do I really believe the Bible, or have I simply been brought up to acknowledge the truth of Scripture? These are questions we need to answer ourselves.

The fact is that a second-hand religion is as about as useless as false religion or no religion. Don't settle for counterfeits. A first-hand salvation can only come through a first-hand encounter with Jesus Christ. That kind of salvation bears fruit and perseveres.

Do you have a second-hand religion or the real thing?

AFFLICTIONS

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” - Psalm 34:19

We tend to think that the word “affliction,” refers to physical pain. While physical pain is an affliction, the word, “affliction,” is defined by Merriam-Webster as something that causes pain or distress. Dictionary.com defines affliction as a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery.

I used to hear old-timers pray for “the sick and the afflicted,” noting that there is a difference in the two. While sickness is an affliction, the word “affliction,” covers a broader area that would include anything that we'd consider a burden or problem.

In Psalm 34:19, the writer penned these words, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” In this verse, the psalmist specifically addressed the issue of afflictions. While his words are sobering, they also contain a powerful promise to those who are struggling with afflictions.

1. DIFFICULTIES

First of all, there is the sobering news: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” We are tempted to think that afflictions are for the disobedient or indifferent. Not so. The psalmist wrote, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (emphasis added). This verse teaches us that God's people will suffer trials, heartaches and pain. None of us are immune to afflictions.

Furthermore, the psalmist wrote, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (emphasis added). The righteous will suffer many afflictions. We have not been promised a life free to pain or problems. Many afflictions will come as we travel through life. Afflictions are not necessarily a reflection of a deficient faith. In fact, afflictions may come to try your faith.

2. DELIVERANCE

Secondly, there is a promise, "... the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Afflictions may come to the child of God, but God is still in control. Our afflictions seem overwhelming to us, but it is comforting to know that God is greater than all our afflictions combined. We find hope in the promise that God delivers His people out of their afflictions.

Notice that the promise is that "the LORD delivered him out of them all" (emphasis added). Deliverance is promised for ALL of our afflictions.

Yet there are a few things we need to understand. First, God does not promise when deliverance will come. In our face-paced society, we like immediate results. When we pray for deliverance, it may not come within the timeline we desire. Yet deliverance WILL come.

Secondly, God does not promise how deliverance will come. Deliverance may come in a dynamic, miraculous way. Then again, He may choose to deliver us through the means of death. Regardless of how it comes, deliverance will come.

It is encouraging to know that our afflictions are temporary. Soon our afflictions will give way to glory. When we get to heaven, afflictions will be a thing of the past. In the meanwhile, we endure afflictions by the grace of God for the glory of God. Soon our trials will end and all will be bliss.

While the afflictions of the righteous are many, we rejoice that the Lord delivers us out of them all.

PLAYING GAMES AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

“And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.” - Mark 15:24

As we read the crucifixion story in the Gospels, we tend to overlook the verse above. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments. In essence, they had a form of lottery going on, with the “winners” taking home part of Jesus' garments. How sad that soldiers would gamble for Jesus' clothing with no concern for the One who was dying on the cross. Their careless, calloused attitude reflected the spiritual mood of the day. They were playing games at the foot of the cross. Instead, they should have been worshiping the One who was dying for their sins.

Sadly, many in churches today are playing games at the foot of the cross. In spite of the proclamation of the Gospel, many “believers” act indifferent to the Lord and His sacrifice upon the cross. While public worship and communion are occurring in churches, many have their minds elsewhere. Others are “going through the motions,” merely pretending to be serious about spiritual matters. In America, we are experts at playing church. We are playing games at the foot of the cross.

While many souls are perishing, many are playing church. Like the soldiers who gambled for Jesus' clothing, we are sinning greatly at the very feet of the One who is holy. We know two things about the soldiers … and they are true of American Christians today.

1. TREATING CASUAL THINGS SACREDLY

First, the soldiers were treating casual things sacredly. They were treating the garments of Jesus as souvenirs. Perhaps they thought of treating His clothes like a trophy of Roman dominance. While some would consider His clothes to be sacred, it is the One who wore them that was really holy.

These days, Americans are like the Roman soldiers. We treat casual things as if they're holy. Many will travel for hours just to sit in a cold stadium, scream and yell for a football team for four hours. Others act like hunting and fishing are holy events. Some ladies treat a sale at the mall like a sacred event not to be missed. Even at church, Americans treat casual things like they're holy. Many will fuss and fume over the color of carpet being purchased. Others will complain because the sanctuary temperature is 2 degrees cooler than they think is comfortable.

Yes, like the Roman soldiers, we are treating casual things sacredly. We are playing games at the foot of the cross.

2. TREATING SACRED THINGS CASUALLY

Worst of all, the Roman soldiers were treating sacred things casually. Jesus Christ, the holy One, was hanging on a cross. They ignored Him as they gambled for His clothes. Which is more valuable, the clothes of Jesus or Jesus Himself? The answer is obvious.

Here in America, we are guilty of treating sacred things very casually. For many, church attendance is optional. Participation in worship is a chore to be endured rather than a holy expression of praise. The commandments of God are ignored. Like the church at Laodicea, the American church seems proud of her riches. Many boast about their buildings and budgets. We tend to worship the church building rather than the Savior. We are proud of our music instead of exalting the Master. We boast about exciting programs rather than praising Jesus. We seek to be “cool” and “relevant” instead of being faithful to the Lord and His Word. Too many pastors want to be seen and noticed rather than putting the spotlight only on Jesus. The Lord was right when He said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” We are treating serious things far too casually. We are playing games at the foot of the cross.

We need to have an awe and wonder about the cross once more. We need to seriously consider what Jesus did for us about the cross. The cross is not a place for games, but a place for repentance. The cross is not a place for casting lots, but for worship and gratitude. It is time for us to cherish the old rugged cross once more. Even more important, it is vital that we love the One who died on that cross for us --- remembering that He is no longer on the cross. He is alive. He will soon return.

It is time we quit playing games at the foot of the cross. Instead, we need to kneel at the cross.

MY OLD BIBLES

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” - Psalm 119:140

Recently, I retired my old Bible. It really wasn't all that old, but it was coming apart a little bit. I ordered it from Christian Book Distributors back in 2011 and received it in the mail on Christmas Eve of that year. Until recently, it was my main Bible. I used it while preaching, teaching and conducting funerals.

What I really liked about my old Bible was its large print. It was advertised as jumbo print. As I get older, I enjoy that larger print. The binding is genuine leather, which does not show signs of wear and tear like bonded leather.

The pages began to come apart from the binding on both ends recently. I still think it could still be used for a while. Then I came across a sale on the exact same Bible and decided to buy it.

Changing Bibles is not easy --- even though my new Bible is exactly the same as the old Bible. My old Bible was marked, underlined and had notes that I had written in it.

This transition made me remember old Bibles through the years. My very first Bible was a very cheap Bible that my parents gave me when I was very young. When I began to read it, it quickly fell apart. Then my parents spent their hard earned money (which they hadn't much of) and bought me a leather edition of the Scofield Study Bible. Wow, what a Bible! I wore that Bible out. Literally. Sections of the Gospel of John were falling out by the time I finished with it. I tried to replace it, but could find one that was exactly like it. I loved that Bible.

Since then I've had several Bibles. Most of them weren't noteworthy. Like many others, I got fascinated with study Bibles and bought a few. I just never found one that I wanted to stay with --- until I found the Bible I just retired. I'm glad my new one is exactly the same. It is not a study Bible. It is just a regular Bible with jumbo print. Even though the print is very large, the Bible itself does not have large dimensions. It is easy to carry around and use.

What about you? Do you have a Bible that you enjoy using? Do you recall some special Bibles you've had through the years?

Sadly, publishers try to produce new Bibles in an effort to stimulate sales. I'm hooked on large print and I want to stay that way. No, my eyesight isn't gone, I just don't think it is necessary to strain my eyes when I read the Word, especially if it is available in large print.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't.” I fear that there aren't enough well-worn Bibles these days. While it is okay to read the Bible from a portable device like an Iphone or Kindle I still think that the book form is best. I love to see people take their Bibles to church. As a pastor, I enjoy hearing the pages turn as I announce my text on Sundays.

I want to encourage you to get a good Bible with easy-to-read print --- and read it! The most important thing is to know the Author. If you fall in love with the living Word, you'll love the written Word. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

Most books are written to inform or entertain. The Bible was written to transform your life. Read it. Believe it. Obey it.

Dig deep into God's Word and let it dig deep in you.

THE MAN IN THE MIRROR

“And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” - Luke 22:62

I have a problem. There is someone I have trouble with. This person has caused me so much difficulty through the years. This person has gotten me into trouble time and time again. My problems with this person is not an occasional disagreement, but a daily battle. I am, of course, referring to myself. Yes, I am my own worst enemy. My enemy is the man I see in the mirror every day.

I wished I could say that my inner battle has decreased through the years, but that is not the case. I battle my sinful flesh every day. When I walk in the Spirit, I enjoy victory. At other times the flesh is victorious.

When I walk in the flesh, I can be unkind to people. When my sinful flesh is in control, my attitude is a problem. Let me just cut to the chase: when I walk in the flesh, I am impatient, proud and selfish.

Someone may argue that I am being too hard on myself, but, apart from God, I know myself better than anyone. Like it or not, in your flesh, you're not much better either.

I find great comfort in knowing that the Apostle Peter was a man who struggled as well. Peter let his mouth get him into trouble. In fact, I've often said that Peter opened his mouth often enough to change which foot went in.

While Peter probably meant well, he was very impulsive and careless. He didn't really consider the gravity of a situation until it was too late.

The man I see in the mirror needs a lot of work. Do you feel the same way about yourself?

The fact is that my sinful flesh will not improve one bit. Self-help books, self-improvement lectures and positive thinking won't eradicate the deeds of the flesh. Some think that Christian growth will improve the flesh. That simply isn't so.

We need to face the fact that we'll struggle with our flesh all the way to the grave. However, that does not mean that we have to be slaves to our flesh.

Here are a few things to ponder.

1. DEAL WITH SIN

It is important to practice daily repentance. Stay clean before God. Specific, regular confession of sin is vital to victorious living. Don't take sin lightly. Be brutally honest with God and yourself concerning personal sin. It is easy to spot sin in someone else's life, but recognizing your own sin is often more difficult. The only way to deal with sin is to honestly bring it to God and have Him deal with it.

2. DIE TO SELF

Secondly, there is a need to die to self. Paul wrote that we are to put to death the deeds of the flesh through the power of the Spirit. We need to be merciless about our own sin and our sinful flesh. Billy Sunday said, "One reason that sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake." We should treat sin like a rattlesnake. If a rattlesnake were in your home, you wouldn't go to bed until it was found and destroyed. Treat sin the same way. Paul wrote that Christians should offer themselves as sacrifices to God. A sacrifice to God is to be slain. A dead person makes little trouble. A dead man doesn't get into an argument. A dead person is not vain. Dying to self requires unconditional surrender to Jesus. It is a consistent yielding to His Lordship. It is refusal to be selfish or conceited. Dying to self requires that we give up all that we feel entitled to. We give up all we have to Him. We simply live obediently to His Word thereafter. Paul wrote that he died daily. We must die to self daily!

3. DWELL IN THE SPIRIT

Paul wrote that if we walk in the flesh, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. You can't be full of yourself and full of the Spirit at the same time. God will only fill a clean, empty vessel. We need to practice daily repentance so we stay clean before God. We need to be emptied of selfishness as we die to self. A clean, empty vessel is one that God will fill. The Bible instructs us to be filled with the Spirit. That particular Scripture tends to indicate that we need to be continuously filled. You see, we tend to leak. Without vigilance, the flesh crawls off the altar and tries to take control. It is a constant battle. Being filled with the Spirit is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment occurrence. Without spiritual diligence, we find ourselves walking in the flesh instead of walking in the Spirit.

Yes, the man in the mirror has been a problem for me. I struggle greatly with this guy. I'm glad that the answer for the man in the mirror is the Man in the middle --- the One who died on the middle cross of Calvary. Just as Christ made me new within at conversion, soon He will change the outer man --- and free me from the sin nature that hinders me so.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

FALSELY QUOTING GOD

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!” - Ezekiel 13:1-3

I don't like to be quoted for saying something I didn't say. You don't either. It is time for well-meaning Christians to quit quoting God for saying things He didn't say. Ezekiel was commanded to speak to the false prophets of his day. He was commanded to say, “Thus said the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!”

I hear too many Christians saying, “The Lord told me...” If you are saying that the Lord told you something, it had better come from the Bible. Adrian Rogers once said that once you allow extra-Biblical revelation, the next step is anti-Biblical revelation. We have arrived at this point in America.

There are many who call themselves prophets, but their “prophecies” are often vague and nebulous. Their “prophecies” are so vague that just about anything would be considered a fulfillment of “prophecy.” In the Bible, prophecies were specific. If a prophecy was proven to be false, the prophet was considered false and was subject to execution. You see, God doesn't like to be quoted for something He didn't say.

Many claim that the strict standard for prophets were only for Old Testament times. But why should we think that God is okay with people quoting Him today when He didn't speak?

We have a sure word of prophecy. It is called the Bible. The Bible is sufficient for life and godliness. Too many are looking for mystical experiences instead of reading, believing and obeying the Bible they have.

If you want a genuine experience with God, then take Him at His Word and obey Him explicitly. If we spent our time our time reading and obeying our Bibles, we wouldn't have time or need to look elsewhere for an “experience.”

God holds us responsible for the Word He has already revealed to us. How are you doing with His Word? We should treat God's Word with fear and trembling. Most Christians do not have a proper fear of God. A healthy fear of God would cause us to respect the Word He has already given and be cautious of extra-biblical revelation.

The Lord has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. His message has been captured clearly in the Bible. If you say, “the Lord told me...” it needs to come from the Bible. It isn't your dream or vision that others need to know. They need the clear message for the Bible. The devil can easily influence your dreams and visions. He can easily persuade you that an emotional feeling is the voice of God. I certainly don't trust my feelings or dreams and you shouldn't either --- but I do trust the Bible.

Read the Bible. Believe the Bible. Obey the Bible. Spread the message of the Bible. The Bible is the clear, concise Word of God. Don't settle for anything else.