Thank You

This post in very simple and is quite literally summed up in the title, 'Thank You.' So much to worry about, so much to consider, so many things going wrong, but as so much is seemingly falling apart, let's remember the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Paul gave us a simple and straightforward answer for the temptation to be ungrateful in Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things

[are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are]

pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things

[are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--

meditate on these things. (NKJV)

Thanksgiving is not about everything being alright, because most times at least a few things are not. Thanksgiving is about knowing that regardless of what's going on, God's kingdom is advancing and we get to be a part of it. It's about looking for the noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy things that are of a good report. It's about seeing the record of our God's power and faithfulness in all things, especially in our lives. It's about knowing that He is always worthy of all thanks and praise to Him for every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

So this thanksgiving, and every day you live, have an attitude of gratitude, a grateful heart, and always be ready to bless the name of our Lord for his faithfulness and mighty acts toward us as His children. With that in mind, let the praise that comes from your mouth always be filled with those two special words: Thank You.

All Things Work Together for Our Good

Sometimes as we look at life's circumstances, trials, situations and challenges, Romans 8:28 can seem like not much more than wishful thinking. When crises and tough situations meet us in this life, it truly is a time when whatever can be shaken, is shaken. Our finite minds can only comprehend or see a part of the big picture that Father God is painting so flawlessly and beautifully. There is no doubt that the challenges we often face in life can seem so difficult and insurmountable, but remember the promise of the Word as Jesus told us in Matthew 19:26, 'with God all things are possible.' This one short statement is colossal in it's impact upon our lives, primarily in our faith and how we live according to that faith.

If we confess and believe that God is the creator of the universe, the sovereign ruler of all things, the giver and sustainer and life, the source of every good and perfect gift, then we must conclude that he is infallible and all-powerful. When we come into a realization of who He is, suddenly, any circumstance or situation becomes incredibly small and insignificant in light of His grace, mercy and eternal power. When the Apostle Paul declared, that all things work together for our good, he had to realize that in light of tough situations and circumstances, believing this statement was a tall order. The great thing about Paul is that he was certain of the greatness and power of Father God which would eclipse anything that we would ever face. So much so that he would go on in that very same chapter (Romans 8:29-39) to declare that NOTHING could separate us from the love of God.

It may seem like a tough road sometimes, because it is. It may see like it's a losing battle in the natural, because it is. It may seem as if there is nothing you can do, because you can't, but it's in that place that the true revelation of who He is in your life will come. When you're at the end of yourself and you've done all you can do, that is point at which you'll realize that His grace is sufficient for you because his strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). No matter how it looks in the natural, remember, trust in the Lord and know that all things work together for our good.

Let the Church Rise

In the current political landscape and the economic turmoil that is brewing in our nation, it can be a bit discouraging to look at what is taking place in the public arena (politically speaking). If we have anything within us that trusts man above Father God, the temptation to give in to fears, frustrations and false pretences can quickly become the course of action we choose. The mantra of many in our society, sadly including much of the church, is that if we fix civil government that all our problems will be dissolved, we will all be provided for and that the world will be a wonderful place to live in. I will be candid by saying that I don't believe that fixing civil government will remedy man's problems. The government that needs to be fixed is that of the individual, the family and the church. When the church rises as Jesus commanded us to - filled with individuals and families governed by God's word - that will be the hope and change that is necessary for our nation and the world at large.

Jesus told us that "you are the salt of the earth" and "you are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13-16). The hope of the world rests in His church, not the civil authorities. It has been our error to allow the current state of affairs that exalts civil government above God's authority. The great news in this is that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy (Psalm 103:8). He has not only provided mercy for us to be forgiven, but grace to walk out every purpose and plan that has been ordained for His people. Now is as good a time as any for us to take our place, not as the lamp under a bushel, or the salt that's lost it's flavor, but as the shining beacon of salvation for the nations, pointing to our mighty savior. As the house that has submitted itself to be judged by the word so that we can fulfill the command to baptise and disciple the nations according to His truth. The house of true hope and change that would bring about repentance from dead works to turn toward the way the truth and the life. The culture that will be involved in, and impact every area of life, including the political arena.

Let us rise up and take our place not just by being vocal during the election season, but by being the voice that speaks loudly even when we don't say a word. As Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us we must trust in the lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, acknowledge Him in all our ways and HE WILL DIRECT OUR PATHS. Now is the time and the season for the true Church of Jesus Christ to arise in spirit and truth to reflect His glory and disciple the nations. Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ and causes His word to be diffused through us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Now is the time, now is the season to let the Church rise!