Tag: grateful

The Butterfly Song

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you

If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

(Written and composed by Brian M. Howard 1980)

Don’t Forget…

Deuteronomy 8

Can you remember a time, when you were guilty of being ungrateful for the good someone had done for you? Maybe you had a single mother who sacrificed all she desired, so that you could have a good life. Unfortunately, you never really appreciated her, and acted as if her good wasn’t good enough. Or, maybe you were the product of the ideal family, where dad and mom raised you in the fear of God, never lacking anything good. But, you took advantage of their kindness and chose to live without healthy restraints. In our text, God had worked miraculous wonders in the lives of the children of Israel. When they were bound to serve as slaves to the Egyptians, and oppressed beyond measure, God delivered them, then set them on a path to the land of promise. God had a given the people a number of commandments and admonitions, to prepare them before they entered the land of plenty, but despite all God had already done for Israel, they seemingly forgot, and found themselves murmuring and complaining more often than not. God knew, if the hearts of the people were not properly conditioned before entering Canaan, then all their increase would spoil them rotten, and cause their hearts to become filled with pride. Oftentimes, when God blesses us, we allow those same blessings to cause us to forget the One who gave them to us in the first place. Unlike the children of Israel, who failed to appreciate the awesome works of God in their lives, we should also be mindful not to forget how merciful God has been to us. In addition, we must be very careful not to allow our increase to cause our hearts to become prideful, for this is when we will easily forget God. When we forget God, we align ourselves on the path that leads to destruction.

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

You Are Alive!

Psalm 106:1-6, 16-22

Why do you think you’re still alive? Why is it, out of all the people who’ve died this year, God continues to spare your life? Have you ever considered what a blessing it is, to simply see another day? There are people who wake up with murmuring and complaining on their lips, without considering that their first words should be to give God thanks and praise for another day on the earth. Could it be, those who refuse to acknowledge that the breath of life could easily be removed from them, have their minds fixed on earthly pleasures and treasures? Or, perhaps those who are ungrateful for God’s mercy have yet to taste and see how good a life in service to the Father really is. Whatever the case, God has everlasting mercy, and He has spared our lives for such a time as this.

We are living out the days of prophecy, when the pages of Scripture are being fulfilled. Whether we are in the will of God or not, the Bible will indeed fulfill itself. While we yet live, it’s crucial that we learn what is expected of us from the Father, and diligently carry it out. Why live on the earth going through hell, then die and spend eternity in unending hell?

Every man and woman created by God has a purpose, and a role to play in fulfilling His will. Regardless of what God has proposed for you to do in this life, you must do it wholeheartedly, and with a mind set on pleasing God. When God is pleased with our lives, He’ll grant us blessings in the earth, then can benefit our lives, and the lives of those around us.

The state of the world looks miserable, and the church seems to have lost its strength, but this is the time for the body of Christ, to join together in union, and reignite their passion for holiness. You are alive, because God is not done with you. You are alive, because you have work left to do in the earth. You are alive, because many people are depending on you to be strong, so they can continue to gain strength from your consistent faith. You are alive, because you know that you are special in God’s eyes, and you want to prove to Him, no matter what comes your way, you will not give up, nor give in to the pressures of life. You are AMAZING! You are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made! You are SPECIAL! You are CHOSEN! You are a CONQUEROR! You are a WINNER! You are ALIVE, so appreciate every breath you breath, because you never know when those breaths will run out.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

The Prayer Of Faith

James 5:13-20

One of the most sound words of advice acknowledged by Luke in the New Testament says “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” These words were mentioned right before Jesus began to teach the parable of the “Unjust Judge”. If you’re not familiar with this story, it can be found in Luke 18:1-8. Christ understood, keeping in constant communication with the Father, was essential to maintaining the right balance of natural, and holy living. God knows all, created all, and understands all, so the more we come to Him with whatever issue, the better we’ll understand His purpose for allowing it, and how to handle it.

Our text also gives a powerful word of wise counsel, as it states, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (vs. 16b). While prayer involves communicating with God, in order for God to hear, or even acknowledge your words, a couple of things must first be dealt with. First of all, we should always approach God with a pure heart, and good intentions. If there is any sin in our hearts, we should confess our faults, and the Lord will save us. Second, when we pray, it must be done in faith. Praying without faith is, praying amiss, and God doesn’t acknowledge unfaithful requests. Many times, people come before God with doubt, fear, unbelief, or discouragement, but these things must be put aside, so that one won’t lose heart when seeking to receive an answer from the Father.

Because of Christ, we have a right to approach God, despite with the enemy says or does to convince us otherwise. Prayer is powerful and super effective, and when it becomes a customary pattern, the life of those who pray will become increasingly focused, and appealing in the eyes of God.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Everyone invited to the great dinner

Luke 14:15-24

The parable of the Great Supper, gives a vivid description of how many people take for granted God’s offer to accept salvation. Jesus spoke this parable immediately after teaching a lesson in humility to a Pharisee who invited Him to eat in his home. Jesus emphasized the importance of charity to the poor, and how it should always take precedence over hospitality to the rich, and those who lack nothing.

In His story, Jesus describes how a certain individual had made a big meal, and invited many to join him. But all those who were invited, linked together and made excuses as to why they couldn’t stay for dinner. I’m not certain whether these men were lying or not, but their excuses seemed legitimate. But, if their reasons for leaving were more important than joining their friend for dinner, then they should have denied the request altogether.

Maybe those awaiting the great meal didn’t like the aroma coming from the kitchen, or possibly felt they were waiting too long to eat, but when supper time came, no one who was invited, decided to stay. So the man became angry, and instructed his servant to hurry and find many who were poor, maimed, blind, cripple, and lame, and bring them to his place to share the meal he had prepared. It was necessary that the servant move with haste, due to the fact that the food was hot, and ready to be served.

The man of the house extended his charity to those who would appreciate his sacrifice, instead of those privileged, yet made excuses. The children of Israel were once offered first, the Gospel. But as a nation, they rejected it, so God provided it to the Gentiles, who have shown appreciation for it then, even until today.

Salvation is offered, and freely given to all who ask for it. God knows the exact events after this life, and how important it is to surrender our lives today, so that we can expect only good things on the other side.

We were all invited to have supper with the Lord, but many, as in the story today, will make excuses as to why they can’t attend. We may only have a glimpse of what Heaven will be like, but that limited information of eternity with God is more valuable more than anything in this present world.

Accept God’s invitation to supper, and I hope to see you at the table.

Seek peace,

Ell