Songs of Thanksgiving

The Bible has several special Songs of Thanksgiving (along with the many in Psalms.)  May your spirits will be uplifted as you share and identify with Moses, Hannah, David, and Mary as they give praise to our Great God.

 

Moses’ Song of Thanksgiving takes place just after the Children of Israel cross the Red Sea safely on dry ground and the Egyptians who followed them are drowned:  Exodus 15:1-21  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+15%3A1-21&version=ESV

 

 

Hannah’s sang her Song of Thanksgiving after she carried Samuel to the temple to fulfill her vow (I Samuel 1:11) to dedicate her son to the Lord. I Samuel 2:1-10:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+2%3A1-10&version=ESV

 

David sang a Song of Thanksgiving after he was delivered from the hand of his enemies and from Saul:  ll Samuel  22:2-51

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+22&version=ESV

 

Mary sang a Song of Thanksgiving after she was told she would become the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ: Luke 1:46-55

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A46-55&version=ESV 

 

The Better Way: A Heart Full Of Thanksgiving In All Circumstances Is The Only Way

 

Read also: Remembering God’s Blessings

Read also: Thankful To God

God’s Protective Hand

Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Today I have a very interesting story to relate to you.  It is one in which the events seemed most natural to me, but upon reflecting later, my family and I were amazed at the intervention of what we know to be an angel sent by the loving protective Hand of God.

Ten years prior to this event, our family had moved to south central Mississippi from New Orleans, La, built a home and established what we hoped to be a permanent residence.  But ten years later, the job market became so bleak that my husband returned to the commercial construction field in New Orleans.  For three months he lived in an apartment part-time returning home every weekend.  I was saved at that time but as a “babe in Christ”(I Corinthians 3:1) I had not yet learned to take everything to the Lord first.  Still as you will see in this story, God’s Protective Hand was there to care for me. 

One week, I drove down to New Orleans with 2 of our 4 children.  My husband had given me specific instructions on how to find the apartment complex, but I ended up in the wrong area.  Carefully following what I thought were his instructions, I drove around and around to no avail.  Becoming more and more anxious. I finally decided to stop and ask someone and found a small grocery store.  “No,” no one was familiar with the name of the apartment complex. (I realized later there were dozens of them all over the area.)  The second place I asked gave me the same response.  I felt frustrated and helpless.  (Remember 33 years ago we did not have cell phones.)

By this time, I had been driving around for 45 minutes, with a fussy baby unwilling to be comforted by the helpful effort of her five year old brother.  I knew now it was useless to search anymore.  Gathering my then frayed nerves together, I organized a plan in my mind.  First, I needed to find a telephone; next I would call information and get the phone number of the apartment complex; (at this time, my husband did not have a telephone hooked up in his apartment) then I would call the apartment complex office, tell them where I was and ask them how to get to their place.  In my upset state the procedure seemed long and complicated, but I could come up with no other solution.

Searching for a pay telephone, I finally came across a large driveway area, next to a building.  There, hanging on the wall was a pay phone that was being used by a lady.  I pulled up close because of the children.  When the lady got off the phone, I hopefully asked her if she knew where the apartment was, explaining that I was lost.  She replied kindly but negatively and as she walked on down the driveway I proceeded to pick up the telephone.  Still looking in the direction of the lady, I saw a man appear from behind the surrounding shrubbery, walking down the sidewalk.  In one hand he was carrying a canned soft drink, but the other hand was up waving back and forth, as if to draw attention, while he said, “Anybody need some help?  Anybody need some help?”  In my anxious state of mind, I concluded that it was obvious to this man that the situation looked like someone was in need of help.  Of course, that was not the case because there was no physical  evidence of a problem.  I was eager to respond to his offer of help when to my relief I saw the lady speaking to him and pointing in my direction.  He came up the  driveway and asked me if I needed some help.  I said “yes” and told him I was lost and gave him the name of the apartment complex I was searching for.   “Yes” he knew where the place was.  I might add that the place was quite a distance from where we were and yet, and with his finger he drew out the directions on the hood of the car in a simple easily understandable manner.  With great relief I comprehended what he said and thanked him for his help and went straight to my destination where my husband was anxiously waiting in the parking lot.

At the time, this event seemed a natural occurrence—I needed some help and someone offered to help.  But as I began to relate the story with tears of relief, my husband said in amazement, “No one walks down the street asking if anyone needs help. That must have been an angel, sent from the Lord!”  Shocked, I realized how right he was. Oh,  how I praise the Lord for His wonderful protective care.

 

As a footnote:  I hesitated to print this incident, since there is a trend in our society that leans toward worshiping angels.  In no way, do I want to give any praise other than to my Heavenly Father and His dear Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. In speaking of angels, God’s Word says:

  “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

 

The Better Way: Realizing God Never Leaves Us Alone Brings Great Comfort And Security

 

Read also: Trust In The Lord and Apple of God’s Eye

  

 

God’s Timing

A friend of mine in our church worked in the same position at her job for 19 years. She worked in the Licensing Department as a Administrative Program Manager. Recently a position opened up in her department and she applied for it along with other people. It was an advancement and she was well qualified. Her friends in the department were so sure that she would get the job and she had her hopes lifted up that she would get the job also.

Well, when the day came for the announcement, she did NOT get the job. Disappointment prevailed. In fact, the man who got the position was certainly not qualified so, my friend was often the one this man came to for advice, instructions and directions in how to do difficult procedures and problems.

Since my friend is a Christian young lady, she settled in her mind to set aside her disappointment and do what she could to help the man and the many difficult procedures that would need to be done. She realized that suffering is not something to be endured……it is an opportunity to seek God more passionately and know Him more deeply. Faith grows when we lean into God and trust Him for needed strength when times are hard.

Time passed on and for one whole year, she accepted this way and knew God’s plan for her life was to be her plan. Then one year later a new position in a completely different department opened up and to her surprise she was asked to apply for it. It turned out she was hired and found out that she loved the job and found it to be a lot less stressful. The hours allowed her to go into work earlier and get home at a reasonable time, missing the stressful traffic.

Oh, how we have been rejoicing over God’s timing and God’s plan for her life. If she had been hired for the other job and taken that position, she never would have been considered for this job. She sincerely wanted to follow the Scriptures and obey what the Lord commanded. This she did for one whole year, and the result was amazing. Thank you Lord! We give you all the praise!

A New Year, A New Beginning

Micah 6:8 ” He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

 

As we begin a New Year, let us first look to the Old Testament.  There we find, through the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Micah asking a question of each of us, “What doth the Lord require of thee…?”  Oh, how our heart is calmed and how our anxious nature finds peace to realize that God does not require us to strive toward some unattainable goal, but to follow a calm, steady, humble, obedient, faithful walk with Him.  How do we do this?

Let us observe a few examples from the Scriptures, that we would all do well to follow.  As we glance through the Old Testament we first see Abraham. His faithful obedient walk with God made him “the father of many nations,” Genesis 17:5.  We women should also cast our eye upon Sarah, Abraham’s wife. The Bible says she called her husband “lord.”  That requires humility.

Next, our search stops at Moses, for he was called the “meekest” man on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3.  Also, remember Hannah; she proved her faithfulness in keeping her promise to God when she gave her child, Samuel, back to the Lord.  I Samuel 1:24.

 Ezra is such an inspiration for the Bible says of him ” Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it and to teach His statues and ordinances in Israel.”

 Then as we read on in the book of Daniel, it’s obvious Daniel did not seek greatness, but through his unrelenting obedience God used him greatly.  Daniel 6:10, “he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God.” 

In the New Testament Luke tells us about Zachariah and Elizabeth.  They lived a life of service to the Lord: Zachariah as a priest and Elizabeth, his wife, a woman sometimes scorned for being childless.  But that was all according to God’s plan to bring about the birth of John the Baptist.

If you are not familiar with these people, then I hope these brief descriptions has wet your appetite to travel through the Bible as this New Year begins and diligently commit yourself to reading God’s Word starting with these great examples.  For these people are wonderful models for us to pattern our lives after and to strive to “do justly, and to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.”

 Of course, our greatest example is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, to Whom we should all strive to be obedient first and foremost.  And Isaiah 22:17-18 sums up the results of such obedience when he says, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever.”

 

The Better Way: Learning In The Bible About People In The Past Is Encouraging and Strengthening 

 

Read also:  Milk Of The Word

Read also:  Guidance For Joy In Bible Study

Preparing Your Heart For The New Year

Ezra 7:10  “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

What type of person are you?  What makes you feel best about yourself?

Since sin is in our lives it’s not possible to have order in all areas of our lives all the time, but there are some things that make us feel more orderly and in control if they are complete.

Some women like a well-made bed, others prefer their floors being swept or toys picked up or the laundry folded or their desk organized or their kitchen/dishes cleaned up etc.

My “thing” is having the dishwasher emptied before I cook another meal, having some make-up on and having my hair combed.  I function better if these three things are done.

But most importantly, I function best if I start my day having spent some time alone with the Lord even if it means getting up early. Mark 1:35 “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Creation is a perfect example of God’s order.  All things are set in place to perfectly move in harmony with all other things.  Not one alignment or molecule is out of place, otherwise there would be chaos. I Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Colossians 2:5 ” Though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”

Good discipline (good order), the stability of your faith in Christ are all military terms meaning a solid rank of soldiers.  Sounds like battle, right?  Colossians 2:6 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” Your walk, your daily conduct, is a life patterned after Jesus Christ!

It’s good to be focused, but focused on what? Getting what you want, what you think is best?  That creates a negative atmosphere. Lay aside these desires and fill yourself with the Word, so that what comes from us is the love of Christ, encouragement and support. We can’t make someone do something or think like we want them to think or act.  It has to come from the heart and only God can change the heart!

The Better Way:  Purpose and Discipline=Structure and Order=Rest and Strength and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ

 

 

 

Pressing Forward In The New Year

Philippians 3:13-14 “Forgetting those things which are behind….I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

 

      A New Year.  A Fresh Start.  Paul tells us in the above verse how to start fresh…“forgetting those things which are behind.”  Our mistakes and failures of the past often remain with us and become a weight that prevents us from moving forward.  Are you in Christ?  Are your sins forgiven?  Are they covered under the blood?  Then rise up!  Go forward! Our past failures should be remembered only to encourage us to learn from them and not give up.

      Many trials and troubles, worries and discouragement’s face us in the coming year.  Likewise, many doors will open with challenges and opportunities.  We have much to face, both good and bad, happy and sad, but remember God has called us.  The Word of God calls it a “high“ calling.  Not only does that word invoke thoughts of challenge and honor but also directs our minds toward where we should look to seek our direction—-UP—up toward our Heavenly Father.

      Let’s purpose then, to gather our heart, mind, soul and body together this new year, not crawling on our hands and knees in discouragement and fear (for then the pace is slow and it’s almost impossible to look up), but upright on our feet, in eager anticipation, with our whole eye on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Theme: The Better way: A Fresh Start is Good: A Fresh Start with our whole eye on Jesus Christ is Better

 

Read also  My Heart Is Fixed

  Living Victoriously

Who Is The Christ of Christmas?

Children in a third, fourth and fifth grade Sunday School class that I taught several years ago, found these Attributes of the Godhead on their own.  They come from various versions of the Bible.  Even though there are over 700 attributes listed here, these are but a few because God/Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit are Indescribable.  These were written on a scroll and unrolled once a month.  It was wonderful to watch it grow. You will be amazed as you scroll through these.

Abba Father—-Mark 14:36

Above All gods—–Psalm 95:3

Above_all_Kings_of_the_Earth—- Psalm_2:3

Acceptor of the meditations of my heart—-Psalm 19:14

Adonai (My Lord, My God)

Advocate—–I John 2:1

Afflicter—-Psalm 44:2

All Suffieient—–II Corth 3:5

All things He can do in one simple act

All_Knowledge—– I Sam 2:3

Almighty_God_ Genesis 17:1, Pslam 91:1

Almighty—-Ruth 1:21

Alpha„„„„Rev_1:8

Always Living—–John 1:1

Amazing—Deut 11:2-3

Amen—–Rev 3:14

Ancient_of_Days„„„„Daniel_7:9,_Psalm_102:25„27__

Angel of the Lord —-Exodus 3:2

Angered by sin—-Deu 6:15

Angry —–Deu_13:7,_Psalm_85:3_

Anointed_One„„„„Psalm_2:2_

Anointer—-Hebrews 1:9

Appointer—-Acts_10:42_

Ark—Gen 6:1-9:17

Artist—–Gen 1:1

Ascender—-Luke 24:51

Author and Finisher of our souls—–Heb 12:2

Author of Life—-Acts 3:15

Author of_Eternal_Salvation_ Heb_5:9_

Author of_our_faith ——Heb_12:2_

Authority—-Jude 25

Avenger ——Psalm_26:1

Avenger of evil deeds—-Psalm 99:9

Awareness—–Psalm 125;2,Deut 10:17

Awe-inspiring—-Neh 9:32

Awesome—– Psalm_47:2, Neh 9:32_

Banisher ——Psalm_125:5

Beautiful—–Psalm 27:4

Beginning —–Col._1:17_

Beginning of the Creation of God—Rev 3:4

Beloved—–Eph 1;6

Bishop of our souls—- I Peter 2:25

Blameless—-Eph 1:4, Eph 5:25-27

Blessed_ Psalm 72:17_

Braker of weapons of war—-Psalm 76:3

Branch—— Jer._23:5_

Bread of Life—–John 6:35

Bread of the Presence—-Ex 25:30

Bridegroom—–Matt 9:15

Brightness of God’s Glory—-Heb 1:3

Bringer forth into a large place—II Sam 22:20

Bringer of Israel out of Egypt—-Psalm 136:11

Buckler (my)—— Psalm 18:2

Builder—- Heb 11: 4

Burden Bearer—-Psalm 55:22

Burning Bush—-Exodus 3:2

Caller of sinners—-Matthew 9:13

Caller—-Romans 8:26-27, I Thess 5:24

Capstone —–I Peter 2;7

Caretaker of the widow—-Psalm 68:5

Caretaker—-Psalm 55:22

Caring —–I Peter 5:7

Chief Cornerstone—–Eph 2:20

Chief Priest—-Hebrews 6:20

Chief Shephard—-I Peter 5:14

Chosen of God —–Luke 23:35

Chosen One —–Luke 23:35

Christ Jesus, the Lord—– Col 2:6

Christ of God—– Luke 23:35

Comforter—– John_15:26, Mark 1:44

Commander —–Acts 10:42

Commander of Armies—-Psalm 80:7

Compassionate Father—–Pslam 103:13

Compassionate—–Nehemiah 9:31, Lam 4:22

Complete—–Col 2:10

Consuming Fire—–Hebrew 12:24,Deut 4:3

Cornerstone—– I Peter 2:4

Counselor—– Isaiah_9:6_

Covenant Keeping God—–Deu 7:9

Creator of the ends of the earth—–Isaiah 40:28

Creator—- Gen.—1:1, Psalm 8:1,6

Cup (of blessing)—–Psalm 16:5

Dayspring—–Luke 1:78

Decent—-Pslm 25:8

Defender—-Psalm 68:5

Delight—— Psalm 119:24

Deliverer from the evil one—-Matt 6:13

Deliverer if them that hate me—II Sam 22:18

Deliverer of me—–II Sam 22:20

Deliverer of my strong enemies—II Sam 22:18

Deliverer of the Poor—-Psalm 35:10

Deliverer—– 2 Sam._22:7_

Desire—– Hag_2:7_

Destroyer of sin—-Deu 6:15

Divider of the Red Sea—-Psalm 136:13

Divine Nature—-Acts 17:29

Doer of great wonders—-Psalm 136:4

Dominion—-Jude vs 25

Door of the sheep—-John 10:1

Door—– Rev 3:20, John 10:7

Dove—-Matthew 3:16, John 1:32

Driver out of nations—-Psalm 44:2

Dwelliing Place—-Psalm 90:1

El Elohe Israel—– Gen_33:20 (God, the God of Israel)

El Gibbon—Mighty God

El Hagadol—Great God

El Hakadosh—Holy God

El Hana-eman—Faithful God

El Shaddai—-Gen 22 (God Allmighty, All Sufficient God

El-Elyon—-Genesis 12:20, Most High God, God Most High

El-Olam—–Isaiah 40:28, The Eternal God

El-Roi—–Genesis 16:13 (God Who Sees)

Elohim—–(creator, plural, trinity)

Encloser—–Isaiah 40:12

End_(the)—– Col._1:17

Endurer—-Psalm 136:1

Enlarger of my steps—–II Sam 22:37

Enthroned over Zion—–Psalm 9:11

Enthroned—–Rev 22:3

Eternal Creator —-Gen 2:4„25

Eternal—– Deu 33:27_

Everlasting God—-Isaiah 40:28

Everlasting Righteousness —–Psalm_119:142_

Everlasting_—–Father Isaiah_9:6

Everlasting_King—–Jer 10:10

Exalter of me above my foes—Psalm 18:48

Excellent„„„Psalm_8:1_

Exhaulted One—-Psalm 35:7

Exhaulted—— I Chronicles 29:11

Expected One—-Matt 11:3

Fair in all His ways—-Psalm 145:17

Faithful —–Deu_7:9

Faithful Witness—–Rev 1:5

Father ——Matt 6:8

Father of all—–Ephesians 4:6

Father of the Fatherless—-Psalm 68:5

Favorous Shield—–Psalm 5:12

Fear of Isaac—-Gen31:42

Fearful—— Psalm 25:2

Fierce Anger—— Deu 18:7, Psalm 85:3

Finisher_of_our_faith___Heb_12:12à

First/Last—-Isaiah 41:4; Rev 2:8

Firstborn of the dead—–Rev 1:5

Firstborn_from_the_Dead____Col_1:18

Firstborn_of_all_creation___Col_1:15

Flawless words—–Psalm 12:6

Flawless—–II Samuel 22:31

Forerunner—-Hebrews 6:20

Forgiver—– Isaiah:6, Ex 34:6

Fortress—— Psalm_31:3_

Foundation of wisdom—-Prov 9:10; Isaiah 33:6

Foundation_of_Life—-Proverbs_13:14_

Foundation—-I Corth 3:10-11

Fountain of Life—–Psalm 36:9

Fountain_of living_waters—–Jer 2:13

Friend—— Matt11:19,_Luke_7:34__

Fruit of life—-

Fully Man—-John 11:35

Fury—Jer._9:25

Gate—–John 10:9

Gentle —-Psalm_18:35,_II_Cor_10:1_

Gift_of_God—– John_4:10

Girder of strength for battle—II Sam 22:40

Giver of bread—-Matthew 6:11

Giver of food—–Psalm 138:25

Giver of land—-Psalm 136:21

Giver of Life—–Job 33:4

Giver of manna—-Exodus 16:4

Giver of quail—-Exodus 16:13

Giver of the shield of salvation—II Sam 22:36

Giver—–Ex 20:12, Deu 19:14

Glorifier—-Romans 8:30

Glorious—–Psalm 72:19, Ex 15:11

Glory—— Rom._8:28, Psalm 61:7

God Almighty—-Genesis 35:11

God Alone—-Psalm 86:6-10

God my Savior—— Luke 1:47; John 4:42

God of all flesh—-Jer 32:27

God of all people—-Jer 32:27

God of Bethel—-Gen 31:13

God of forgiveness—-Nehemiah 9:17

God of Glory—Acts 7:2, Psal 29:3

God of gods—–Psalm 136:2, Deut 10:17

God of My Father—-Gen 31:42

God of my salvation—-Psalm 18:46

God of our fathers ——Acts 3:13

God our Saviour——I Tim 1:1

God over All—Isaiah 37:16

God Who Sees—–Gen 16:13

God with us—– Isaiah 7:14

God_my_Strength—-Psalm 18:1

God_of__Isaac—— Luke_20:37_

God_of__Jacob—– Luke_20:37,_Isaiah_2:3

God_of_Abraham—— Luke_20:37,_Ex_3:6_

God_of_all ages—-Jude 1:25

God_of_Hope—— Rom._15:13_

God_of_Hosts—– Isaiah_10:16_

God_of_the army_of_Israel

God_of_the living—— Luke_20:38_

God_of_Wonders—-Job 37:14, Acts 2:22

God, The One of Sinai—-Psalm 68:8

God, the_God_of_Israel—— Psalm_72:18_

Good —–Psalm_107:1_

Good Shephard—–John 10:11

Goodness——Nahum 1:7

Governor—–Matt 2:6

Grace——John 1:14

Gracious—— Jonah 4:2, Neh 9:17

Granter of Salvation—-Psalm 85:7

Great Commissioner—— Matthew 28:19

Great in Israel—Psalm 76:1

Great King—-Psalm 95:3

Great Shephard of the sheep—-Heb 18:20

Great Shephard—-I Peter 5:14

Great_and_awesome_God—- Nehemiah_9.32

Great_I_am—–Ex 8:14

Great_Light—— Isaiah_9:2__

Great—–Psalm 145:3, Neh 9:32

Greater than Jonah ——Luke 11:32

Guardian of Your Souls—-I Peter 2:25

Guide ——Psalm 31:3, John 1:113

Guide away from widkedness—-Psalm 119:110

He that liveth—–Rev 1:18

He which hath the sharp sword with two edges—Rev 2:12

He Who come from ancient times—-Micah 5:2

He Who holds the government—-Isaiah 9:6

He who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks—Rev 2:1

He whom you seeketh after—John 18: 8

Head crusher—–Genesis 3:15

Head of the corner—— I Peter 2:7

Head over all—-I Chron 29:11

Head_of_the_Body,_the_Church„„„„Col_1:17_

Healer ——Psalm_30:2_

Healer of the brokenhearted—Psalm 147:3

Hearer of my cry—–Psalm 5:2

Hearer of My Prayer—-Psalm 86:6-7

Hearer of my voice—Psalm 18:6

Heaven’s Gate——Psalm 118:20

Heavenly_Father„„„„Matt._6:14_

Heir of All Things—-Heb 1:1

Help of my counteneance—-Psalm 42:11

Helper out of many waters —II Sam 22:17

Helper to leap over a wall—II Sam 22:30

Helper to run through a troop—II Sam 22:30

Helper—–Psalm 46:16

Hiding Place—— Psalm 119:114

High Priest—-Heb 4:14

High_and Lofty„„„„Isaiah_57:15à

High_Tower_(my)„„„„Psalm_18:2_

Highest ——Luke 1:35

Highest Joy—-Psalm 43:4

Him who alone does great wonders—Psalm 136:4

Him who made the great lights—Psalm 136:7

Him who made the heavens with skill—Psalm 136:5

Holy and Righteous One ——Acts 3:14

Holy Bread—-Ex 25:30

Holy One of God—Mark 1:24

Holy Servant —-Acts 4:27

Holy_One of_Israel—– Psalm 71:22, Psalm 78:41

Holy_One—— Acts 3:14,_Psalm_16:10_

Holy„„„„_Isaiah 6:3__

Honest—-Psalm 25:8

Honorable —–Psalm 96:6

Hope—–I Tim1:1

Horn_of_my Salvation—– II Sam 22:3

Hosanna in the Highest—Matt 21:9

Husbandman —–John 1:1

I_Am„„„„John_8:58_

Illuminator—-Psalm 18:28

Image_of the_Invisible_God—– Col_1:15

Immanuel ——Isaiah 7:14, Matt 1:23, God with us

Immortal—— I Tim 1:17

Immutable ——Heb 6:17, Psalm 102:26-27(unchangeable)

Incarnate—-John 1:14

Incorruptible —–I Peter 1:23

Indescribable_Gift—-II Corth 9:15

Indescribable—-II Corth 9:15

Infinite —–Psalm 147:5

Infinite Grace—— Romans 5:20

Infinite_understanding—— Psalm_147:5_

Innocent of Transgression—-Psalm 19:13

Instructor —–Isaiah 8:11

Intercessor—-Romans 8:26-27

Invisible—– Col_1:15_

Jealous—– Exodus_34:14_

Jehovah ——Psalm_83:_18_

Jehovah McKaddesh (the_Lord_who_Sanctifies)_Ex 31:13_

Jehovah Nissi (the_Lord_our_Banner)—- Ex 17:15

Jehovah Rapha (the_Lord_our_Healer)_Ex 15:26

Jehovah Sabaoth_(the_Lord_of_Hosts)„„„„Isaiah_1:2_

Jehovah Shalom_(the_Lord_our_Peace)„„„„Judges_6:24_

Jehovah_Elohim_(Eternal_Creator)„„„„Gen._2:4„25__

Joy—— Psalm 43:4

Judge —–Psalm_26:1, James 4:12

Judge of Israel ——Micah 5:1

Judge of the Widow—-Psalm 68:5

Judge_of the_Living_and_the_Dead„„„„Acts_10:43_

Just„„„„_Neh._9:30,_Psalm_72:1_

Justice ——Psalm 89:14

Justifier—-Romans 8:26-27

Keeper from hours of trial—Rev 3:10

Keeper from sin—Matt 6:13

Keeper of Promises—-Acts 13:23

Keeper—-II Sam 22:44

Key Holder—-Rev 3:7

Kind —–Luke 6:35

King Eternal—–I Tim 1:17

King forever—-Psalm 10:6

King of glory—–Psalm 24:9

King of Judah—–Heb 7:14

KING OF KINGS —–Rev 19:16

King_of_all_the_Earth„„„„Psalm_102:15__

King_over_all_the_Earth„„„„Psalm_47:2_

King„„„„Jer._23:5_

Knowledge„„„I Sam_2:3

Known—Psalm 76:1

Knows fully—–Heb 9:6

Lamb_of_God—-John 1:24

Lamb„„„„Rev_7:14

Lamp_to_my feet—– Psalm_119:105

Lamp—–II Sam 22:29

Lawgiver—–Psalm 119:97, James 4:12

Leader of Your Souls—-I Peter 2:25

Leader—–John 3:10

Life„„„„John_11:25„26_

Lifter up of His voice—–Psalm 46:6

Lifter up_of_mine_head—–II Sam 22:49

Light of Life ——John 8:12

Light_(my—-) Psalm 27:1

Light_of Israel—-Ex 13:21

Light_of my_life—– John 8 :12

Light_of the_world_ Matt 5:14, John 9:5

Light_to my path—— Psalm 119:105

Lighter of my darkness—–II Sam 22:29

Lily of the Valley—-Song of Solomon 2:1

Lion_(the)„„Hosea_5:14_

Lion_of_the_Tribe_of_Judah„„„„Rev_5:5_

Living Father—— John 6:57

Living God—– Jer._10_, Psalm 42:2

Living One—-Luke 24:5

Living Stone—— I Peter 2:4

Living Water—– John_4:10_

Living Word—-John 1:14

Living—–I Thess 1:9

Long_Suffering—– Ex 34:6, Num 14:18

Lord and King—–Gen 15:8

Lord God of Israel—– Luke 1:68, II Chronicles 30:1

Lord God—-Ezekiel 114:16

Lord is God—-Psalm 19:27

Lord most High —–Psalm 47:2

Lord of all—-Acts 10:36

Lord of Glory—I Corth 2:8

LORD OF LORDS —-Rev 19:16

Lord our God—Psalm 99:8-9

Lord Strong and mighty—-Psalm 24:8

Lord Who blesses His people with peace—-Psalm 29:11

Lord Who gives strength—-Psalm 29:11

Lord your God—– Deu 6:17

Lord_God of_hosts —-Isaiah_10:23, Jer 31:5_

Lord_Most_High_Psalm„„„„47:2_

Lord_of_Heaven_and_Earth„„„„Matt_11:25_

Lord_of_hosts„„„Isaiah_28:29; Pslam 24:10

Lord_our Healer——Ex 15:26

Lord_our Righteousness_(The)„„„„Jer_23:6_

Lord_our Sanctification—-I Thess 5:23

Lord_who is_Faithful„„„„Isaiah_49:7

Lord_who lives—-II Chron18:13

Lord, Mighty In Battle—-Psalm 24:8

Lord, the Keeper of Israel—Psalm 121

Love —–I John 4:8

Loving Lord—–Psalm 146:8

Lovingkindness—–II Sam 22:51, Ex 34:6

Majestic—— Job 37:22, Psalm 93:1, Heb 8:1

Majesty on high—Heb 1:3

Maker of homes for the lonely—-Psalm 68:6

Maker of the heavens—-Psallm 136:5

Maker of the Wise—-Psalm 10:7

Maker_of all_things—- Proverbs 22:2, acts 4:24

Man of Sorrows—–Isaiah 53:3

Master ——Matthew 23:8

Master God—–Gen 15:8

Mediator Between God and Man—I Tim 2:5

Mediator of the New Covenant—-Heb 12:24

Merciful ——Psalm_115:5, Neh 9:17

Merciful Kindness Psalm 17:2

Merciful One—-Psalm 78:38

Messiah—— John_4:25„26_

Mighty Arm —–Psalm_89:13

Mighty Deliverer—-Psalm 18:2

Mighty Firmament„„„„Psalm_150:1_

Mighty God„„Isaiah_9:6_

Mighty in Battle—–Psalm 24:8

Mighty One_of_Israel„„„„Isaiah_1:24_

Mighty One_of_Jacob—-Psalm 132:2, Gen 49:24

Mighty One„„ Isaiah_10:34_

Mighty Rock—-Deu 22:4

Mighty to_save_ Isaiah 63:1

Mighty_in Power„„„„Psalm_147:5

Mighty—–Luke 1:49

More Majestic than the Mountains of Prey—Psalm 76:4

Most High God—-Hebrews 7:1

Most_High_Over_all_the_Earth—- Psalm_88:18_

Most_High—- Psalm_92:1, Num 24:16

My Beloved Son—Luke 8:22

My Desire—–Isaiah 26:8

My Father —–John 14:2

My Salvation ——Psalm 27:1

My Shephard—Psalm 23:1

My Song ——Ex 15:2, Isaiah 12:2

My Stay—–Psalm 18:18

My_God_my_Strength„„„„Isaiah_49:5_

My_God„„„„Psalm_104:43_

My_Light ——Psalm 27:1

My_Path„„„„Psalm_119:105_

My_Support„„ Psalm_18:18_Nehemiah_9:31

Name—III John 1:7, II Sam 6:22

Near—- Psalm 75:1

Never Alone—–John 16:32

Never Ending—-Isaiah 9:7

Never Fading (God’s Word—-) Matt 24:35

Never faints or grows weary—Isaiah 40:28

Never slumbers or sleeps—Psalm 121:4

Not of this world—–John 17:11

Not Self-Seeking ——I Corth 13:5

Not_able to_be_fully_known_by_man_

O God of my righteousness—Psalm 4:1

O God, my God—-Psalm 43:4

O Lord ——Psalm 139:4

O Lord God of armies—-Psalm 144:10

O Lord, My God—-Psalm 30:12

Oath Keeper—–Psalm 15:14

Omega—- Rev 1:8

Omnibinevolent—-(all_giving)_

Omnipotent—-(all_powerful) II Sam 22:33

Omnipresent_(everywhere_present) Psalm 139:7

Omnisapient (All Wise)—–I Timothy 1:17

Omniscient (all_knowing)_ Ecc 12:14, Heb 9:6

One and only Son—John 1:14

One of Sinai—- Judges 5:5

One to be worshipped—-Heb 1:6

One Who binds up their wounds—-Psalm 147:3

One who binds up their wounds—-Psalm 147:8

One Who brings peace to your borders—-Psalm 147:4

One Who brings wind out of His storeroom—-Psalm 135:7

One Who considers the poor—-Psalm 41:1

One Who considers the weak—-Psalm 41:1

One Who determines the number of stars—-Psalm 147:4

One Who divides the Red Sea—-Psalm 135:7

One Who does miraculous things—-Psalm 136:4

One who gathers the outcast—-Psalm 147:2

One who gave victory to kings—-Psalm 144:190

One Who gives snow like wool—-Psalm 147:16

One Who has concern for helpless people—-Psalm 41:1

One who has eyes like a flame of fire—-Rev 2:18

One who has feet like polished bronze—-Rev 2:18

One who has the sharp double-edged sword—-Rev 2:12

One Who is to come—-Matt 11:3

One Who made the great lights—-Psalm 136:7

One Who made the heavens by His understanding—-Psalm 136:5

One Who makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth—-Psalm 135:7

One Who makes lightening for the thunderstorm—-Psalm 135:7

One Who scatters the frost like ashes—-Psalm 147:16

One Who sends His promises throughout the earth—-Psalm 147:15

One Who throws His hailstones like bread crumbs—Psalm 147:4

One who was dead and come back to life—-Rev 2:8

One whom God raised from the dead—- Acts 3:15

One whom you delivered and disowned—- Acts 3:13

One_true God—-Jer 10:10

Only Begotten of the Father—John 1:14

Only Begotten Son—- John 3:16

Only God—–Gen 1:26

Only Wise God—–I Tim 1:17

Orderly—— Genesis 1

Our_Desire—— Psalm 73:25

Our_Father„„ Matt_6:9_

Our_Foundation—-I tim 3:15

Our_Maker—–Psalm 95:6

Outstretched arm—-Psalm 136:12

Overseer—— I Peter 2:25

Overthrower of Pharaoh and his armies—-Psalm 136:15

Owner of many mansions—- John 14:2

Patient—– I Corth 13:4

Peace——I Tim 1:2

Peaceful—–I Tim 1:1

Peacemaker—–Heb 13:20

Perfect—–Psalm 18:30

Perfection of beauty—-Psalm 50:2

Perfector of my way—–II Sam 22:33

Performer of mighty acts—Exodus 7:4

Performer of miracles—-Psalm 44:1

Pilot—-

Place„„„„Psalm_119:114_

Planner—-Romans 8:36-37

Planter of peoples—-Psalm 44:2

Portion—– Psalm_119:57

Possessor of heaven and earth—Gen 14:19

Potter—–Isaiah 6:48

Power giver to the weak—–Isaiah 40:29

Powerful Ruler—-Psalm 69:6

Powerful—-II Sam 22:33

Pre-eminant—-Col 1:18

Precious Cornerstone—-Isaiah 28:16

Precious—– I Peter 2:7

Predestinator—-Romans 8:26-27

Present——Psalm 95:6

Preserver of my life—Psalm 119:93

Preserver___Psalm 79:11_

Prince of Life —–Acts 3:14

Prince of the Kings of the earth—–Rev 1:5

Prince of_Peace„„„„ Isaiah_9:6_

Prophet—Acgs 3:22

Propitiation for our sins—- I John 2:2; 4:10

Protector„„„ Psalm_5:11_

Provider of my life—-Psalm 54:4

Provider of rain—-Psalm 136:8

Provider„„ Isaiah_1:2

Punisher of Satan—-Genesis 3:14

Pure—–Job 4 :17, Prov 30:5

Purifier of sin—-Heb 1:3

Quencher of my thirst—-

Rabbi—-Mark 9:5

Radiant—-Psalm 19:8

Rebuilder—–II Sam 22:16_

Receiver—–Luke 15:2

Recompenser—–II Sam 22:25

Redeemer_of_Israel„„„„Isaiah_49:7_

Redeemer—-Psalm 19:14, Psalm 107:2

Refuge ——Psalm_46:1

Refuge for the oppressed—Pslam 9:9

Refuge in time of trouble—Psalm 9:9

Reigns forever—–Psalm 9:7

Reigns Supreme—-

Rejoicing of my Soul—-Psalm 35:9

Replendent—-Psalm 76:4

Rescuer of the Poor—-Psalm 35:10

Rescuer—-II Sam 2:2

Resting Place—-Isaiah 9:6

Restorer of my soul—-Psalm 23:3

Resurrected Savior—-Luke 24:6

Resurrection of Life—-John 11:25

Resurrection—-John_11:25_

Rewarder of my righteousness—-II Sam 22:21

Rewarder—–II Sam 22:21

Rich in mercy—Eph 12:4

Righteous One—– Acts 7:52

Righteous Scepter—-He 1:8

Righteous—–Psalm 31:2

Risen Savior—–Col 3:1

Rock —–Psalm_18:2, Habakkuk 1:12

Rock of Israel—-Genesis 49:24

Rock of my salvation—-Psalm 89:26

Rock of Offense—— I Peter 2:8

Rock of Refuge—–Psalm 94:22

Rock of Strength—–Psalm 31:2

Rock that is higher than I—- Psalm 61:3

Root_of_David —–Rev_5:5_

Root_of_the_Righteous—– Prov_12:3_

Rose of Sharon—-Song of Solomon 2:1

Ruler of Israel—– Micah 5:2

Ruler over all—–Daniel 4:17,25,32

Salvation —–Psalm_27:1_Psalm 18:2

Sanctifier_—-Romans 15:16

Saver from violence—–II Sam 22:3

Saver of others —–Luke 23:35

Saver of the lost—-Luke 19:10

Saver of the meek—Psalm 76:9

Savior from the evil one—Matt 6:13

Savior of the Poor—-Psalm 35:10

Savior—– Luke 1:11

Scapegoat—–Lev 16

Scepter—–Numbers 34:17

Searcher fo the minds and hearts—-Rev 2:23

Self Existant—–Gen 1:1

Self-Sufficient—–Gen 1:1

Servant—– Isaiah_53, Acts 3:26

Shade—Psalm 121:5

Shaker of the earth—–II Sam 22:8

Shelter for me—– Psalm 61:3

Shephard of Israel—-Psalm 80:1

Shephard of Your Souls—-I Peter 2:25

Shepherd—- Psalm_23:1_

Shield —–Psalm_3:3

Shield around me—-Psalm 3:3

Shield of Victory—–Psalm 18:35

Shield of your Salvation—Psalm 18:35

Shilo—–Gen 49:10

Show-er of favor to your land—–Psalm 85:1

Slayer of mighty kings—-Psalm 136:18

Slow_to_Anger—- Neh 9:17, Ex 34:6

Smasher of the heads of His enemies—Psalm 68:21

Solace (My)—-Job 16:5

Son of the Blessed One—-Mark 14:61

Son of the Highest —–Luke 1:35

Son_of_David„„ Luke_18:36_

Son_of_God —–Matt 14:33, I Corth 3:16

Son_of_Man ——Luke 22:48_

Song—–Isaiah 12:2,Psalm 118:14

Source of Life—-Acts 3:15

Source of_Eternal_Salvation—– Hebrews_5:9_

Source—–Gen 1:1

Sovereign—— I Tim 6:15

Soverign Lord—–Gen 15:8, Acts 4:24

Speaker—-Joshua 1:1

Speaks with_Mighty_Power— Isaiah_8:11_

Spirit of Christ—-I Peter 1:11

Spirit of Truth—— John 15:26

Spirit of_Council —–Isaiah_11:2_

Spirit of_Knowledge—— Isaiah_11:2_

Spirit of_Might„„„„ Isaiah_11:2__

Spirit of_Understanding„„„„Isaiah_11:2_

Spirit of_Wisdom„„„„Isaiah_11:2_

Spiritual Rock—–I Corth 10:4

Spotless Lamb—— I Peter 1:19

Star Out of Jacob—-Numbers 24:17

Stay—– II Sam 22:19

Stone of Israel—-Genesis 49:24

Stone of Stumbling—– I Peter 2:8

Stone which the builders rejected —-I Peter 2:27

Strength of my heart—–Psalm 73:25-26

Strength of my life— Psalm 27:1

Strength_(my) —Psalm_18:2 Hab 3:19

Strengthener of my feet—II Sam 22:14

Strengthener of my hands—–II Sam 22:34

Strong Fortress—-II Sam 22:33

Strong hand —Isaiah_12:2_

Strong Refuge—-Psalm 71:7

Strong tower—- Proverbs 18:10

Strong—– Psalm 24:8

Stronghold—–II Sam 22:2

Subduer of nations under me—Psalm 18:45

Subduer—-II Sam 22:40

Suffering_Servant —–Isaiah_53

Sun—-Psalm 84:11

Supplier—-Phil 4:9

Support_—-II Sam 22:19

Supporter of the afflicted—-Psalm 147:6

Sure Foundation—-Isaiah 28:16

Sure—-Psalm 19:9

Sustainer of all who fall—-Psalm 145:14

Sustainer of my soul—-Psalm 54:4

Sustainer—–Psalm 3:5

Sustainer—-Psalm 55:22

Sword of the Lord —-Judges 7:18

Tabernacle—-Psalm 43:3

Teacher of Israel—-John 3:10

Teacher—-Matthew 8:19

Temptation Fighter—-Matt 4:10

Terrible—- Rev 5:5

Testifier of myself—–John 8:18

The Word Of God—-Rev 19:14

The_Eternal_Creator —-Gen_2:4„25_

The_Lord our_Righteousness—- Jer_23:6_

Thunder from heaven —II Sam 22:14

Thy Spirit—– Psalm 149:7

To Be Feared—-Psalm 76:7

Too Wonderful for me—–Psalm 139:5

Tower of deliverance—-II Sam 22:14

Tower of Salvation—-II Sam 33:51

Tower of strength—-Psalm 61:3

Trainer of my hands—-II Sam 22:35

Trainer—–II Sam 22:35

Tree_of_Life—–Pro 13:12

Tried Stone—-Isaiah 28:16

Trinity—-Luke 8:22

True God—–John 17:3, Jer 10:10

True Light— I John 2:8

True Vine—– John 15:1

True Witness—–Rev 4:14

True„„„„Jer_10:10

Trustworthy—–Psalm 19:7

Truth—– Psalm 31:5, Ex34:6

Ultimate Sacrifice —–Heb 10:12

Unchanging—–Mal 3:6, Heb 6:17

Uncontainable

Uncorruptible—–Romans 1:23

Understanding—-Pro_9:10_

Unfathamable—–Ex 3:10-14, Romans 11:33

Unknowable—–Ex 3:10-14,

Unsearchable greatness—-Psalm 145:3

Unsearchable Understanding—-Pro 9:10

Unspeakable Gift—-II Corth 9:15

Upholder of All Things—-Heb 1:3

Uplifted Arm—-Acts 13:17

Upright—-Psalm 25:8

Very present help in trouble—-Psalm 46:1

Victorious —–I Cor 15:57

Vindicator—-Psalm_26:1_

Vine —-John 15:5

Voice of Thunder—Job 37:2

Voice over many waters—-Psalm 29:3

Voice that breadks the cedars—-Psalm 29:5

Voice that hews ou the flames of fire—-Psallm 29:7

Voice that makes the deer to calve—Psalm 29:9

Voice that shakes the wilderness—-Psalm 29:8

Washer of Iniquity—-Psalm 51:2

Way—–John 14:6

Well Beloved_(my)—- Isaiah_5:1

White as snow—-Isaiah 1:18, Dan 7:9, Rev 1:14

White—– Song of Solomon 5:10

Winner—-Psalm 4:4

Wisdom —–Proverbs_9:10_

Wise —–Romans 16:27

Without sin—-Heb 4:15

Witness Bearer—–John 8:18

Witness between us—–Judges 11:10

Wonderful_Counselor—-Isaiah_9:6_

Word—-John 1:1

Worthy to be praised—II Sam 22:4, Psalm 18:3

Worthy—-I Corth16:25

Wrathful_upon_sin—-Ezekiel 30:15

Yahweh (I Am Who I Am) Exodus 3 13-15

Yahweh Shalom—-Judges_6:24_

Zeal of the Lord of Hosts—- Isaiah 9:7

Zealous—-Isaiah 37:32

Elizabeth, The Mother of John the Baptist

The Christmas Story, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, involves one special wife and mother besides Mary.  Her name is Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharius, a priest.  She was chosen by God to be the mother of John the Baptist, who was born six months before Jesus Christ.  

Unlike Mary who was young, Elizabeth was old and never expected to have any children.  She and her husband are described as “righteous in the sight of God,” and as “walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.” Luke 1:6.  What an amazing and wonderful statement!  “Righteous” meaning they were believers, justified in God’s sight, not within their own selves, but through Jesus Christ.  “Blameless” does not mean sinless but means “a life that cannot be criticized because of sin or evil.”

 Elizabeth’s one main hardship that we are made aware of is that she was barren and did not have any children.  During that time and culture barrenness was seen as a “disgrace among men.”  Luke 1:25.  Still this condition of childlessness did not turn her into an angry bitter woman, but as we read she remained faithful to God throughout her life.  What a wonderful testimony to her trust in God!  Then when she finds herself expecting a child, how we can share in her joy and gratitude as she says, “The Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me.”  Luke 1:25 

As we read on in the account of Elizabeth, we see that God had kept her for one purpose, to be the mother of John the Baptist, a very special man, a man filled with the Holy Spirit even “from his mother’s womb.” Luke 1:17.  A man who was set apart for a special task in life–to announce the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  God chose her to take part in the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy. Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.”  John the Baptist said of himself, “There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.” Mark 1:7

For most of her life, Elizabeth was an obscure woman but her life is a wonderful example of faithfulness and devotion to God.   Living a life of commitment and above reproach, she trusted that God’s will for her life’s situation was best and accepted this with grace, never wavering in her faith.  Long suffering and patience are all part of her character and qualities that we should all seek diligently to make a part of our commitment to God through our husbands, homes and families.

 

The Better Way: A life of commitment and dedication to God’s Will is the Better Way

 

See also: A Woman of Virtue

See also: Godliness With Contentment

Take Heed During This Christmas Season

Luke 12:15 “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

This Christmas season as we focus on Jesus Christ and His amazing gift of laying aside His glory and coming to this earth in human form (the Incarnation) in order to die on the cross to pay our sin debt and rose from the dead that we might have the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life, let us “take heed.”

Take heed that our love of giving to others (which is not necessarily a bad thing) does not consume us and cause us to overspend and put ourselves into debt.

Take heed that we do not indulge our children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren with all their desires which once fulfilled do not truly satisfy anyway.  Ephesians 2:3 “fulfilling the desire of the flesh.”

Take heed that we realize that the self-indulgent desire for money, only results in discontentment which is sin.

Take heed that the treasure of our heart is not with material things.  Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34

Take heed that the sparkles and shiny lights do not make us discontent with what we have.  Hebrews 13:5 “Be content with such things as ye have.”

Take heed to remember that covetousness is idolatry.  I John 5:21 “keep yourselves from idols.”  Colossians 3:5 “covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Take heed that when Christmas is over, our focus should still be on Christ and “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

The Better Way: Let Us Be Very Careful That We Take Heed Where The Desires of Our Hearts Lay

Thankful Praise To God

I Thessalonians 5:18  “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 

     The above Scripture verse is very convicting, because it reminds us to be thankful in “everything”, and that word covers all with no exceptions.  No matter what the circumstances are in our lives, we are to give thanks. How is that possible?  Well, since we know that God will always do what is right for us, our thanksgiving will flow from our trust in the Almighty God, and our hearts will be made willing.  Thus we will be encouraged and uplifted.

The following hymn was written by John Oatman Jr in 1897:

 When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

 Chorus: 

Count your blessings name them one by one.

Count your blessings see what God hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Count your many blessings see what God hath done.

 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, 

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Chorus

 

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.

Count your many blessings money cannot buy,

Your reward in heaven, not your home on high.

Chorus

 

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all.

Count your many blessings, angels will attend.

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Chorus

 

    Counting our blessings is indeed a very good thing, but our greatest joy and thankfulness should first be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His great sacrifice on the cross.  Without Him we would have no hope.  How my heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving to God for sending His only begotten Son to die in my place, that I might have the forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life.

 

 

See  also:Remembering God’s Blessings

See also: Strength For Today 

 

 

Theme: The Better Way: Saying “Thank You” is Good: Having a Heart Full of Thankfulness to God is Better  

 

Try Thanksgiving

Colossians 2:7b  “In everything give thanks.”

   

     Today, I want to share with you a story that has proved to be an encouragement to me.  It is one of those stories, that once I heard it, I have never forgotten it, and I have applied its teaching often in my own life.

      Once there was a certain Christian man who had a spirit of depression come over him.  This feeling disturbed him very much and he struggled to overcome it.  First he gave himself to serious Bible study, reading many words of comfort and hope in the Scriptures, seeking to find relief from the dark cloud that hung over him.  These did bring some help, but he still felt a certain burden.

 Next he tried committing himself to fervent prayer and that, too, gave him some hope, but still the downcast feeling remained.  As the man pondered what to do he went about his daily work, continuing to seek the Lord for help.  It wasn’t long until one day he walked into a store to shop.  Finding the items he needed, he walked to the counter to pay for his purchases.  On the wall behind the checkout counter was a large sign with the words “TRY THANKSGIVING” on it.  He was startled as he stared at the sign and pondered this thought to himself.  Yes, I’ll “TRY THANKSGIVING,” he said to himself.  

Soon he was lifting up his heart in gratitude to God.  As he did, thoughts of himself and his problems and his burden soon faded into the background AND the dark cloud that hung over him gradually floated away and disappeared into thin air.

     God’s Word has many encouraging verses, exhorting us to be thankful:

 Psalm 100:4 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him and bless His name.”

 

Psalm 92:1a  “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.”

Psalm 119:62a  “At midnight, I will rise to give thanks unto Thee.”

 

     What are some things you have to be thankful for?  This will vary for all of us, but taking just a few moments for reflection, many many thoughts will come to our minds.  Let us be thankful together !

 

Psalm 68:10  “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.”

I Corinthians 15;57  “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

II Corinthians 9:15  “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

 

I Chronicles 16: 34  “Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

 

A Biblical Marriage

 Song of Solomon 8:7 “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.”

Mark 10:9 “What therefore God hath joined together, let no man separate.”

 

      My husband and I celebrated 52 years of marriage last November.  As I sit and reflect over the past 52 years, I am amazed and so filled with thanksgiving at God’s gracious orchestration of our lives: He brought us together and He has kept us together, and I give Him all the praise, honor and glory.

     How are strong lasting marriages full of love built?  God’s Word sets forth Biblical principles for a marriage.  First we will look at some of the instructions for a husband and then some of the instructions for a wife.

 

Husbands:

1. Adam’s great love for Eve shows forth in his expression,“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” Genesis 2:23

2. Then God says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

3. Solomon expresses his love and encouragement when he says, “Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecclesiastes. 9:9

4. Paul exhorts the Ephesian husbands when he says, “For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ also is head of the church.  Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church.” Ephesians 5:23,25

5. Paul again instructs the Ephesians, ” Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.” Ephesians 5:28

6. This time Paul is writing to the married men in Colosse, “Husbands love your wives and do not be embittered against them.” Colossians 3:19

7. Peter, one of the twelve apostles, who was also married, gives some serious instructions: “You husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman, and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.”  I Peter 3:7

 

Wives: 

1. In Genesis, God made Eve “a helper suitable for” Adam.

 Genesis 2:20.

2. Also in Genesis 2:23, Adam said “She shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.”.

3. The Psalmist says,  “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house.” Psalm 128:3

3. Solomon gives encouragement to wives, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.” Proverbs 12:4

4. Again Solomon describes a wife to be desired, “A prudent wife is from the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14

5. Solomon tells us about an excellent wife, “The heart of her husband trusts in her.  She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:11-12

6. Paul also has instructions for wives, “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:23

6. Again, Paul writes, “The wife must see to it that she reverence (respects) her husband.”  Ephesians 5:33.

7. Paul writes to Titus with these words, wives are to “love their husbands.” Titus 2:4

8.  I Peter 3:4-6  Let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands; Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”

As we read these instructions from God’s Word, it’s so encouraging to think about God’s wonderful plan for a marriage.

     First, He placed Jesus Christ as the Head of Man

     Second, He placed man as the head of the woman.

    Then he placed the man and woman as head of the children. “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20

   

      Along with these instructions, remember to always be ready to say “I’m sorry.” Psalm 38:18 “I will be sorry for my sin.”  And always be ready to “forgive.” “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (forgive) Colossians 3:13. Then lastly “Forget.”  Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”  If God removes and forgives our sins, and He does, then who are we to remember them.  The peace that comes with all this is immeasurable .

 

Theme: The Better Way: Marriage is Good: A Biblical Marriage is Better

 

Read also:Bible Verses For Wives

Read also: The Unnamed Woman

 

     

A Lesson On Humility

Luke 14:11  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

 

    One day, in my younger years, I was invited to attend a luncheon honoring a cousin of the family who was soon to be married.  Soon after arriving, the hostess directed us to step into the next room where we were asked to sit at the table which had a placard with our name on it. Entering the room, I saw a large round table which I presumed was for the bride and her special guests.  Scattered throughout the rest of the room were square card tables, each seating four people.  Slowly I started easing my way around the small tables, looking for my name.  In a few moments there was a light tap on my shoulder.  As I turned around, the hostess was gesturing towards the large table.  I was told that my place was at the Bride’s Table.  I was surprised and, of course, felt honored.  (As a side note, please know that I was not purposely trying to be humble or anything like that.  As a relative by marriage, I just assumed I was not on the Bride’s list of close friends.)

     This was one of those incidences in my life that I will never forget. That day I learned a valuable lesson in humility.  What an embarrassment I would have felt if I had assumed I was to be seated at the Bride’s Table only to be told to sit at one of the smaller tables. Then, it wasn’t long after this incident that the relevancy of God’s Word became so real, and I was amazed as I read a parable in the Bible that almost parallels what happened to me:  

Luke 14:8-10  ” And Jesus began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher,’ then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table.”

     Oh, how wonderful it is to know that God’s Word is all we need for every question we have concerning our daily walk with Him.  Jesus was also trying to teach us a lesson about humility.  According to God’s Word, pride is considered one of the seven abominable sins (Proverbs 6:16-17); consequently, there are many verses instructing us to be humble.  Our greatest example, of course, is the Lord Jesus Christ, for “He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:8a 

 

The Better Way: To Act Humble is Good: To Have True Humility of the Heart is Better

 

Read also: Life-Giving Sound

Read also: “God’s Kind Care”

Teach Children Bible Verses With Songs: http://www.thbmm.com/scripture-songs.html

     

God’s Positive Answers

     God is sufficient for all our needs. Today I want to share with you a handy little chart of God’s Positive Answers that you can print out to keep in your Bible, your billfold or hang on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror, or perhaps make a bookmark out of it for yourself or make several bookmarks to share with others.  

 

 

You say:  It’s impossible

God says: All things are possible…

Luke 18:27

 

You say: I’m too tired

God says: I will give you rest

Matthew 11:28-30

 

You say: Nobody really loves me

God says: I love you

John 3:16 and John 3:34

 

You say: I can’t go on

God says: My grace is sufficient

II Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15

 

You say: I can’t figure things out

God says: I will direct your steps

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

You say: I can’t do it

God says: You can do all things…

Philippians 4:13

 

You say: I”m not able

God says: I am able

Ii Corinthians 9:8

 

You say: It’s not worth it

God says: It will be worth it

Romans 8:28

 

You say: I can’t forgive myself

God says: I forgive you

I John 1:9 and Romans 8:1

 

You say: I can’t manage

God says: I will supply all your needs

Philippians 4:19

 

You say: I’m afraid

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

II Timothy 1:7

 

You say: I’m always worried and frustrated

God says: Cast all your cares on Me

I Peter 5:7

 

You say: I feel all alone

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you

Hebrews 13:5

 

You say: I’m not smart enough

God says: I will give you wisdom

I Corinthians 1:30

 

The Better Way: Listening To What God Says In His Word Instead Of Our Own Thoughts Is Always The Better Way

 

Read also: Pressing Forward

Read also: The Lord Is My Light

 

Victory In Battle

Genesis 3:19a “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.”

I Timothy 6:12a “Fight the good fight of faith.”

 

Today I’m using two Scripture verses to encompass one thought, which is summed up in the following saying:

“Without labor no man can come to rest;

Without battle no man can come to victory,

And the greater the battle, the greater the victory.”

  (copied)

 

God always intended for man to work.  Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.”   Tend means to look after, watch over and care for.  But after Adam sinned, God drove him out of the Garden and said he would now toil with sweat in order to eat.  Toil means hard continuous work, exhausting labor, exertion and travail.  Since then our work has not been as pleasant as before.  Yes, labor is necessary and good and as the poem states it brings rest.  You have worked hard all day and accomplished much.  Your body is weary and cries out for a place to lie down.  Oh, what a blessing to stretch out on a soft comfortable bed and close your eyes and sleep.  God’s word confirms this in Ecclesiastes 5:12a where it says, “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much.”

Now let’s look at the second half of the poem and compare it to our second Scripture verse.  Timothy tells each Christian, each born-again, blood-washed saint to “fight the good fight of faith.”  Once we’re saved, life’s battles are just beginning.  It is then that th orld, the flesh and the devil are our staunch enemies.  The main difference between the battles of life before we are saved and the battles of life after we are saved is that we now have the “armour of God”  to put on. (Ephesians 6:11) We are not floundering around helpless on our own, facing one failure after another; now we have the “girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.” Ephesians 6:14-17.

Oh, yes, the battles are great and the battles are fierce, but with each one comes stronger faith, more knowledge of the Scriptures, more boldness, more trust and more breaking of our sinful nature.  If the battles were not great, we would have little regard for them and learn little.  But since our battles against sin, the flesh, and the devil are great, what a glorious victory we have through the Captain of our salvation.

 

Theme: The Better Way: With Jesus Christ Our Labor Brings Rest And Our Battles Bring Victory

 

Read also: Living Victoriously  

Read also: Through the Flood

A Woman of Virtue

Ruth 3:11  “For all the city of my people know that thou art a virtuous woman.”

 

     This devotion is in honor of a faithful servant of the Lord, my mother-in-law, my other mother, (for she was truly a mother to me), who passed away in December of 2010, from this earthly realm to be in the presence of her Lord after 94 years.  “To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:8.  She had so many wonderful godly qualities that I would like to share some of them with you, so that her example can be a pattern for our lives to follow.

 

1. She was never ashamed to speak freely and boldly about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  In fact, God used my mother-in-law in a very influential way in my coming to Christ.

2. She was very faithful to study her Bible and pray and set that example for all of us. She loved the King James Version of the Bible, so all the quotes in this devotion are from that version. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” II Timothy 2:15. 

3. She was a great teacher–not a school teacher–but a teacher of her family and other women.  “She openeth her mouth with wisdom.”  Proverbs 31:26

4.She was a hard worker, industrious, and always busy.

“She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31;27

5.She was kind and considerate, and always thinking of others.  “In her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:26

6. She had a big heart, always helping others and loved to give.  “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”  Proverbs 31:20

7. She was thrifty and prudent, and wisely cared for her household.  “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”  Proverbs 31:13

8.  She was a wonderful cook and shared her gift of hospitality with many preachers who ate at her table.  She was aware of the favorite dishes of each child and always tried to prepare what they liked.  She “giveth meat to her household.”  Proverbs 31:15

9. She was fun.  Our family lived across the road from Mamaw and Papa for 10 years and we shared many happy times together.  “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” Proverbs 15:13.

10. She endured trials and hardships, always trusting in the Lord. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” II Timothy 2:3

11. She loved music and loved to sing and taught her children to love music also. Even in her 90’s she was a witness for the Lord through singing.  “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 104:35

12. She loved to tell stories from her childhood and while we were enjoying the story, we usually learned an important lesson about life.

13. She was a woman of high moral character.  She was steadfast and solid in what she believed.  She knew right from wrong and was going to do what was right.  “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

14. She was always looking for the Lord’s return.  “I’m looking for my Lord.”  “Unto them that look for Him shall He appear.” Hebrews 9:28

 

      I learned so much from my dear mother-in-law about how to be a mother-in-law and grandmother by watching how she treated me and our children and for that I will always be grateful.   I will also always be grateful for the Christian heritage she passed on to my husband, then he passed it on to our children and they are passing it on to their children.  It gives us a sense of belonging to something bigger than our own little world, and a desire to live up to this heritage with dignity as we honor and glorify God.

 

The Better Way: Let Us Learn and Follow After Those Mother’s Who Have Faithfully Gone Before Us

 

Also read: Mother’s In The Bible

                  Hannah, Full of Grace

                  Eve: The First Mother

                  The Obedient Unnamed Mother

 

“Wherever He Leads I’ll Go”

“Take up thy cross and follow Me,” I heard my Master say;“

I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.”
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.

He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.

It may be thru’ the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me.
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.

My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
he is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.

 

by B.B. McKinney

 

 

 

 In January of 1936, the Christian songwriter B.B. McKinney was leading the music at the Alabama Sunday School Convention which was held that year in Clanton. The featured speaker was Rev. R.S. Jones, McKinney’s friend of many years who, because of ill health, had recently returned from missionary service in Brazil.
The two men were visiting over dinner one evening when Mr. Jones revealed to Dr. McKinney that his physicians were not going to allow him to return to South America. When asked about his future plans the missionary said, “I don’t know, but wherever He leads I’ll go.”
The words stuck in Dr. McKinney’s mind. Before the convention’s evening session, he had written both the words and music of this song. At the close of Rev. Jones’ message, Dr. McKinney related this story and sang “Wherever He leads I’ll go” to the congregation”

The Better Way: Following Jesus Christ Is The Only Way To True Peace and Joy And Fulfillment

Read also: Trust In The Lord

Read also: Surrendering Our Will

 

 

“Open Thy Mouth Wide”

“Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10b

As I watched these newly hatched baby birds, I smiled and thought of the verse quoted above.  That verse has always been such an encouragement to me in my prayer life, because I knew I could bring many many prayer requests to the Lord and He would graciously hear and answer each one according to His Will.  ” For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.” Psalm 107:9

But something else happened as I began studying and referencing this verse.  I found that opening my mouth wide did not only mean “asking,” but also meant “giving.”  Giving what?  Let’s see what God’s Word says:

Psalm 107: 1 “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness.”

Psalm 107:22b “Tell of His works with joyful singing.”

Psalm 108:1b “Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good.”

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord.”

Psalm 34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Psalm 44:8 “In God we have boasted all day long.”

Psalm 34:9 “O fear the Lord, you His saints, For to those who fear Him there is no want.”

It’s obvious that first and foremost, with our mouths wide open we should be praising, thanking, delighting, tasting, blessing, boasting (in God), fearing (with reverence and awe), joyfully singing, and telling others about our Mighty God.  For when we do these things, our hearts are uplifted and our wills are conformed to the will of our Sovereign God and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is then that we are made humble and submissive and our spirit gently yields to God’s answer to our prayers and our mouths are filled as His Word says!

 

The Better Way: Glorifying God With All Our Hearts Should Be Our First Desire

 

Read Also:And When You Pray

Read Also:  When You Pray

Freedom In Jesus Christ

     As we celebrate our country’s freedom, let us rejoice even more in the freedom we have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

John 8: 32 “And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.”

 

II Corinthians 3:17  “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

 

John 8:36  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

 

Romans 6:18 “Being then made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.”

 

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

 

    We are not free to live in sin but to live in holiness and righteousness according to God’s Word. 

 

     If you do not know this type of freedom, then come to Jesus Christ today in repentance and faith.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”  Acts 16:31

 

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

 The Peace, Joy, Victory And Freedom In Jesus Christ Is Much More Precious And Has Eternal Consequences

 We are not free to live in sin but to live in holiness and righteousness according to God’s Word. 

 

 

 

Read Also:  Living Victoriously

Read also:  Rising Up Again