What Love Is (Part 1 of 2)

Songs can be meaningful and long-lasting. Burt Bacharach wrote meaningful lyrics to a song in 1965 that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. It starts this way:

 *What the world needs now Is love sweet love

It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of 

It goes on to say this love is not just for some but for everyone. I love this upbeat song, but what kind of love are we talking about?

If it’s for everyone, we’re not just talking about romantic love, but something basic to all relationships.

I think that love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This week, let’s consider what love is by comparing the **New Living Translation (NLT) and ***The Message:

LOVE IS:       1.  Patient; never gives up

                    2.  Kind; cares more for others than self

                    3.  Rejoices whenever truth wins out; takes pleasure in the                                       flowering of truth

                    4.  Love never gives up; puts up with anything

                    5.  Never loses faith; trusts God always

                    6.  Is always hopeful; always looks for the best

                    7.  Endures through every circumstance; never looks back

I also enjoyed reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in the Amplified Bible, but it was too much to share here.

You can do an easy comparison of various translations if you have a Bible App on your phone. There are several. (I use the YouVersion.)

This week keep in mind what love IS! Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10. Are there areas where you need to be more loving?

Next week we’ll share what love IS NOT!   

*Lyrics: What the World Needs Now; Google, Ai mode.

**Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible New Living Translation; copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

***Scriptures taken from THE MESSAGE; Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by Permission of NavPress Publishers Group.

*Pixabay:  Love, Romantic, Couple: Pepitasandpepit...

Some Things Never Change

I don't particularly enjoy using a cane, but I never leave home without it. It has its place, and I'm very glad I no longer require a walker.

It blew me away recently to learn I’m part of an ancient tradition. Older translations of a Hebrew scripture say: Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age (Zechariah 8:4). More modern translations say “cane," but I had a good laugh when I read that because everywhere I go, I see people with canes.  

Modern scholars still study ancient cultures (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, or Biblical, to name a few). Latin and Greek are still important to people going into the medical field.

I’m glad to know that in our ever-changing world, some things never change. The psalmist, David, for example, said God’s Word gave him hope, revived him, and comforted him in times of trouble (Psalm 119:49-50).

In Psalm 23:3 he said, “(God) restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness.”  No matter how you look at it, God’s word is a positive source of life.

How familiar are you with these ancient and wise words? 1) The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37); 2) the “Golden Rule” (Mark 12:31; Matthew 19:19); or 3) the Book of Proverbs with its wisdom regarding relationships, debt, character traits, and more.

Wherever we go, we can have God’s word with us. Have you memorized any scripture (Psalm 119:11)? Do you know any scripturally-based songs, hymns, or spiritual songs by heart (Ephesians 5:19-20)? Do you have a *Bible app on your cell phone that you can easily tap into?

Don’t be one of those people who give lip service to God’s word, but reject it by having no intention of obeying it (Matthew 15:8-9).

It’s good that some things never change. Like David, I not only want to read ancient scriptures, but I also want to apply them to my life (Psalm 119:56).

What is your choice?  

*The Bible app I use is the YouVersion.

Pixabay: Bridge, Alcantara, Roman; MemoryCatcher.

The Puzzle of Life

I was never into puzzles. My mom, on the other hand, enjoyed every kind of puzzle that came her way.

I’d have probably avoided puzzles forever had not my sister-in-law urged me to try “just one.” What took her a few hours, took me days, but once completed I had to admit I liked the challenge and the sense of accomplishment.

Thanks to her, I now have a closet full of jigsaw puzzles. She kindly sticks to my request for 300 pieces only, but here’s the best part. She works them first to make sure all the pieces are there. I like that!

Life often seems like a puzzle. Looking forward, I don’t know what pieces I’m missing. Looking backward, I can see how God has fitted all my pieces together, so far.

I’m facing some unexpected challenges and have been encouraging myself in the Lord. First, I asked myself, as David did, “Why am I downcast? Why am I uneasy?”  

It’s good to take time for self-reflection. But then what? I chose to follow David’s example. He said he would continue to put His hope in God and praise Him for the salvation of His presence.” (Psalm 42:5).  

It’s impossible to be both positive and negative at the same time. John 14:27 tells me, “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Letting something happen means we permit it, tolerate it, or allow it to happen.   

The opposite would be to “stop” it ---shut it down, terminate it, or, as some would say, “knock it off!” The thing is, it’s personal, and no one can do that for you but you!

I’m choosing to calm my heart and mind by focusing on Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:6. Not only do I believe God can work all things together for my good, I believe I can pour out my heartfelt needs to Him. I also find joy in thanking Him for things He has already done!

My life may be a puzzle, but the One who gave it to me knows what the missing pieces are, where they need to go, and when. I’m choosing to hope and wait on Him.

Pixabay: Jigsaw Puzzle Game; OpenClipart-Vectors. 

Three Types of Temptation

“The devil made me do it.” That was a line made famous by Comedian Flip Wilson, but there’s nothing new about the blame game.

Way back in the Garden of Eden, when God confronted Adam and Eve about their disobedience, Adam blamed it on Eve, and Eve blamed it on the serpent. God knew the truth and punished all three of them (Genesis 3:8-24).

The blame game still doesn’t work. The truth is that personal desires tempt, lure, and entice us to evil (James 1:14).

There are endless variations, but three big temptations are: 1) the desires of the flesh, 2) the desires of the eyes, and 3) the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

What the Berean Standard Bible calls “desires,” the New King James Version calls “lust,” and the New Living Translation calls “craving.” No matter which version you choose, the idea is the same.

In our flesh, we crave things for physical pleasure. With our eyes, we see things and sometimes won’t rest until we get them. And it’s easy to take pride in our achievements and possessions.

Satan likes these three types of temptations. He tried them on Eve and Jesus with very different results.

Eve listened to what he said and responded to a craving for good fruit. She considered it very pleasant to look at, and thought it would be great to be wise! (Genesis 3:1-7)

Jesus, on the other hand, refused to be enticed by craving any food, even after fasting. Satan showed Him the kingdoms of this world and Jesus was unmoved. He also refused to take any pride in the fact that if He threw Himself off a pinnacle, angels would rescue Him. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Jesus refuted each of Satan’s temptations by saying, “It is written,” and quoting an appropriate scripture.

Have you been aware of any temptation in these areas?

Have any of them caused you to stray from your intent to live by God’s word?

If so, what have you done about it?

Remember I John 2:16-17:

. . . the desires of the flesh,

the desires of the eyes,

and the pride of life—

is not from the Father

 but from the world.

 

The world is passing away

 along with its desires,

but whoever does the will of God

 remains forever.

Pixabay: Logo, Penrose Triangle; ptra.

Your Roots Are Showing

Many people color their hair, and most are careful to touch up their roots. On a recent TV fashion show, a lovely blonde looked great until there was an overhead shot. Oh, those black roots! It was rather shocking.

I remember mom used to color her hair. One day my brother was giving us a tour of the town when he said, “Mom, when is your hair going to turn gray?” She laughed and said, “When I let it!”

We know roots are important. Without them, we would have no growing things, but we do need to nurture them. In a garden, they need good soil, water, and sunshine. But in our hair, touch-up color is needed at the roots to maintain a pleasant effect.

Now, let’s consider the roots of our personality. Some people can seem quite pious until they get careless and let their roots show. For example, Hebrews 12:15 cautions us to let no root of bitterness spring up to cause trouble and defile people.

There’s nothing pleasant about bitterness. It’s sour, harsh, acidic, and tart, and I don’t just mean on our taste buds. Our words can produce those effects, too.

But, if we become aware of a bitter root, there is a solution. Ephesians 4:31-32 says to get rid of bitterness and the harsh things it produces, and replace it with some positive things: First, choose to be kind, second be tenderhearted, and third, be forgiving toward each other.

Christ is our example, and in The Lord’s Prayer, He taught us to say, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Paul clarified that in Romans 13:8. We are to be indebted to no none, except to love them.

People who care about their spiritual life will pay attention to their roots. There’s an interesting line in Zechariah 4:10 about not despising the day of small things. The small thing there is a plumb line. It’s an unimpressive item, but mighty important to the foundation of a structure.

So, let’s not get careless. Let’s keep our spiritual roots pleasantly colored and healthy through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word, and prayer.  

Pixabay: Scissors, Cutting, Hair; Clker-Free-Vector-Im...

 

Nothing New

Solomon was so right when he said, “There is nothing new under the sun. What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

The Psalms were written centuries before Christ, and we are living centuries after, but the description of the wicked sounds like today’s news.

How about a few examples? Psalm 10 says the wicked consider God a non-essential. They don’t believe He sees, cares, or will call them into accountability (V. 4, 11, 13).

They scheme and catch the needy, ambush the innocent, watch for the helpless, and beat down the lowly even further (V. 2, 8, 9).

That explains their actions, but what about their words? Nothing new there either, just the old mouthfuls of cursing, deceit, violence, and malice (V. 7).

As New Testament believers, we are told to pray about everything. By doing that, we can find peace (Philippians 4:6).

But how do we pray? Do we say simple rote prayers and move on through our day? Or do we take time to read God’s word to learn His desires, then pour out our hearts to Him in all honesty?

Don’t get bogged down in Psalm 10. Move on to Psalm 11 where we find hope! God is righteous and loves justice (V. 7), We can take refuge in the LORD and trust that He is watching from His heavenly throne (V. 1, 4).

There may be nothing new under the sun, but the good news is that includes hope in God. His faithfulness endures to all generations, just like He established the earth and it endures (Psalm 119:90). Praise be to God!

Pixabay:

  

Life on Two Levels

On one level, from birth your heart pumps blood throughout your body. It does this without any input from you; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t take care of it. Smart pro-active people try to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.  

I agree with David who wrote I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). How could such wonderful life-giving systems as the heart and lungs, digestive organs, bones, joints, and muscles just have evolved?

I believe we were designed and created by God, along with the rest of the marvelous things in our Universe (Genesis One).

There’s another level of life called soul. This is often described as our mind, will, and emotions. Who can deny experiencing emotions of various kinds? Or the fact that we can think things through, and make decisions if we want to.

Smart pro-active people on this level live life as victors, not victims.

Jesus recognized two levels of life. He said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul… (Matthew 10:28).

When one of the thieves crucified with Jesus chose to believe in Him, Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise (Luke 23:39-43). He was speaking of the man’s spirit, since when their bodies died, they still had to be buried.

Caring for your soul is personal. No other human can know your inner thoughts and struggles. But scriptures remind us that God looks on the heart. (Consider 1 Samuel 16:7, 10-13, and Acts 1:12-26).

Here’s a scripture to pray if you would like to be right with God and are not sure what to say:

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence; take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

Read the Bible for yourself each day. If you can’t read, listen to it on a Bible app. Also pray, which is just talking to God.

For care on the spiritual level, consider this: Order my steps by Your word; let no sin rule over me (Psalm 119:133).

Pixabay:

  

Why Knowledge is Not Enough

There was a day in my world when a high school diploma carried a lot of weight. These days, at the minimum, it’s more likely to be a Bachelor’s Degree (BA). Some people have earned several degrees, and that’s worthy of respect.

As the world turns, however, every culture and generation has classes of well-educated people. In Jesus’ time, it might have been the Pharisees and Herodians. I mention it because of Mark 12:13-17.

These two groups were asked to go together to test Jesus. Instead of saying, “We have a question for you,” they went on and on about what they knew about Him.

They said: 1) We know that You are honest, 2) You seek favor from no one, 3) You are impartial, and 4) You teach the way of God truthfully. Then, after their wordy introduction, they asked their pre-planned question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? (Mark 12:14)

As citizens under Roman rule, they knew not paying taxes was never an option! But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and knew they were testing Him. He asked for a denarius, then, holding the coin, He asked, “Whose image is this?” (Mark 12:15-16) “Caesar’s,” they said.

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” That was an unexpected answer, and they marveled at Him (Mark 12:17).

Knowledge about Jesus is not enough. Why not?

    l. It must be mixed with faith in Him (Hebrews 4:2, 12:2) 

    2. Faith in Jesus gives us salvation and eternal life (John 3:16-18; Romans 10:13,)

    3. After that, knowledge becomes important to our spiritual growth (2 Peter 1:3-10) 

Faith, Salvation, and Spiritual Growth . . . where do you stand on this spiritual spectrum?

Just remember, your answer has eternal consequences (Hebrews 9:27-28).  

 Pixabay: Diploma, Academy; MarCuesBo.

 

Down But Not Out

Is there anyone who can say, “I’ve never felt hopeless, depressed, or extremely down? That’s when it’s important to be honest with God.

As a shepherd, David enjoyed the great outdoors. But once King Saul knew David was anointed to be king, he and his army pursued David with the intent to kill.

While fleeing for his life, David often ended up hiding in caves. In Psalm 143, he said dwelling in darkness made him feel God was hiding from him (v. 3). Yet by faith, he declared his trust in God and prayed for God to deliver him from his enemies (v. 8-9).

I remember a time of despair in college. I had always felt the presence of God in my daily Bible reading, but now the joy was gone. The words no longer came alive to me, but I kept on reading.

I would point to the scriptures and say, “Lord, I believe this though I don’t feel a thing.”

I can’t tell you when it happened, but I know at some point my despair was gone. I not only had the joy of the Lord but the issue causing my despair was resolved.

James said we show our faith by our actions (James 2:18). David did this by lifting his hands and asking God to hear and answer his prayers (v. 1, 6, 7). I did it by pointing to the scriptures and declaring, “I believe it, though I don’t feel it.”

Whether you want to call our acts perseverance or endurance, the point is both David and I fit the down but not out category.

Have do you act when spiritually or emotionally down? Do you tell yourself to hope in God?

Once again, David sets a fine example with some honest self-talk.

In Psalm 42:5 he says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.”

The next time you’re “down,” tell yourself “I’m not out!” Then follow up with a personal declaration of faith in God.  

Pixabay: Stone, Red Sandstone; makamuki0.

 

The Orange Illustration

Orange is a color, but also a fruit. Growing up in the Midwest, oranges were not plentiful. But when I lived in California, my in-laws had some of the best orange trees ever!

I’m no longer there, so I have to go to my favorite produce store. Before my Goddaughter came to visit, I had gotten some delightfully sweet ones.

On the second day of her visit, I said, “Let’s have one of these oranges. They’re the best ones ever.” I handed her one, only to have her turn it over and hand it back to me. The underside was black.

It was not only surprising but disappointing. We knew the heart of this orange would be no better, so I threw it in the trash.

Once again, a godly principle made an impact. When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint a king, he saw seven possible candidates. But God said, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” (I Samuel 16:1-12)

Perplexed, Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse said, “The youngest one is out tending sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him. We’ll wait.” When David arrived, “God said, “Anoint him, he’s the one.”

The most famous verse in this story is 1 Samuel 16:7 . . . the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.

This is a principle from which God never varies. Jesus taught about people as fruit trees. He said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).

Read further and you see that Jesus refers to fruit as actions (Matthew 7:21-23). If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, that’s good. But how are you living out your faith?

On judgment day, we’ll be called into accountability for both our actions and our words (Matthew 7:21-23, 12:33-37).

We are to be fruit inspectors. First, we must inspect our own lives. Who knows us best? We do!

Next, we need to inspect the lives of those we choose as best friends. Are they bearing good fruit and encouraging us to do the same?

Today's challenge: Aim to be the good fruit-bearing tree, in both actions and words.

Pixabay: Oranges, Fruits, Grove; Hans. 

 

The Torn Veil

A veil can sometimes also be called a curtain. Of course, that puts it in a heavier weight category than a wispy bridal veil.

In celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus, we rarely hear about the miraculous tearing of a temple veil. I recently heard Rick Renner, Bible teacher/author, explain that the torn veil was a hand-breadth thick, taller than any human could simply reach, and 300 priests were needed to install and pull it into place.

I was trying to take notes, but I missed the dimensions. I want the details, so I’ve ordered a copy of his latest book: *Easter: The Rest of the Story. The point is that at the time Jesus gave up His life, a temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Luke 23:45-46). This powerful act of God indicated the transition from the Old to the New Covenant.

Here’s why. The temple had two veils. In the temple Courtyard, the first veil separated it from the Holy Place where the priests could enter to do their assigned duties.

Beyond that, the second veil separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could enter there, and only once a year. On the Day of Atonement, He would enter with the blood of animals as a sacrifice for his sins and those of the people.

That helps us understand these scriptures: Hebrews 9:11-15; 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-6. There we learn that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. With His blood, He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin to God.  

Something else amazes me. We, as believers, are chosen to be a royal priesthood, a people of God with heavenly assignments (1 Peter 2:9).

We are to minister to one another. For example, have you shared the wonderful virtues of God with anyone lately? Have you spurred someone on to love and do good deeds? Are you faithful in meeting together? (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Why not thank God for the torn veil? I say, “Thank you, God, for Jesus, our new and better way. Amen.”

*Easter: The Rest of the Story, Rick Renner, Harvest House Publishers, 2025, available through christianbooks.com, or anywhere books are sold. CB says it will be shipped in May.

Pixabay: Jesus, Crucifixion; GDJ.

  

Be-Attitudes and Blessings

I love reading the Bible, God’s living word. Anyone reading the Bible over a length of time has probably read the same scriptures more than once. You may also have learned something new each time.

That’s what happened to me this week. I’m working my way through the Book of Matthew, re-reading it this time in the *Amplified Version.

One day this week, I read Matthew Five. Even though I’ve read it many times, I read it again the next day. I made some notes while I looked at it as a whole, instead of single verses.

Let’s look at the rewards first. Those who practice the “Be-Attitudes” will find:
1.    The kingdom of heaven is theirs; they shall be comforted, and inherit the earth.
2.    They will be filled with righteousness, obtain mercy, and see God.
3.    They shall be called the sons of God, and in the kingdom of heaven, they will have great reward.

Do you see anything undesirable there? I don’t. From the Amplified Version let’s consider how to obtain these blessings:

1.        First, we need to be poor in spirit (humble ourselves before God).
2.          If we mourn, we will be comforted by God’s matchless grace.
3.          The meek (the patient and long-suffering) will enjoy God’s favor regardless of outward conditions.
4.          Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, as born-again children of God, will enjoy His favor and salvation.
5.          The merciful will find satisfaction in God’s favor, regardless of outward circumstances.
6.          The pure in heart will enjoy happiness produced by God’s favor and the revelation of His grace.
7.          The makers and maintainers of peace will be spiritually prosperous with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor.
8.          Those persecuted for righteousness’ sake (being and doing right) will prosper in spirit as born-again children of God.
9.          When people persecute you (saying false things against you because you serve Jesus) be glad and remain joyful, for your reward is in heaven.

These “be-attitudes” and blessings are Jesus' teachings. But if you read John 12:44-50, you will find they are also the words of His Father in heaven. 

I hope today’s post inspires you to take your Bible and review Matthew 5:3-12.  Ask yourself: How do I measure up?

*The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer: Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures in The Everyday Life Bible is taken from The Amplified Bible (AMP) and is used by permission of the Lockman Foundation and the Zondervan Corporation. Additional text copyright 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Amplified Bible copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation.

*Pixabay: Winner, Champion; Conmongt.

  

Who Cares

A lot of people care. I see it in friends and family, co-workers, and leaders of various kinds. Who would argue with the idea that the world is a better place because of people who care?

This week I was talking with someone whose life is taking an unexpected turn. He is close to retirement, but due to his wife’s health, he is becoming a caregiver.

As we talked, I was reminded of the daily challenges in my care-giving days. I had been retired one year when Dad needed help because he could no longer drive.

To this day I’m grateful my husband agreed and was willing to make necessary life adjustments to also help Dad. A few years later, I became a caregiver for my husband.

A caregiver’s life becomes the life of the cared for. As a widower, Dad was used to getting up and going to Denny’s for breakfast every day. I always enjoyed breakfast at home, so that was just one of my adjustments.

There were also challenges with all the doctor appointments and calls to the insurance company. Except for my bout with breast cancer, I’d been healthy and doctor visits were not ongoing.

When hospice was needed, they were a big help to me as well as Dad. It was a relief to be able to call his nurse if I had a question. But home health aides, the chaplain, and the social worker were also supportive and encouraging.

To me, caregiving was “tiring.” But in the conversation this week I heard the word “draining.” I think that’s a better word for it. After all, the person giving care is on tap 24/7.

Who cares? I’m hoping you do.

First a word for Caregivers: Love is expressed, said Jesus, by being willing to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:12-13). I’m sure this also applies to love in acts of service to family members.

Now a word to Non-Caregivers: The challenge this week is to consider how you can encourage a caregiver by showing them that YOU CARE!

Pixabay: Hands, Arms, Reading; GDJ. 

  

If Jesus Came To Your House

Do you ever have drop-ins? You know, friends or family who just happen to be in the neighborhood . . . on their way somewhere when you came to mind.

Jesus was a drop-in many times because there was no way to call or text ahead. Today we’re looking at just such a visit by Jesus to the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:5, Luke 10:38-42).

Are you always ready for company? I know I’m not. But if I get a drop-in, I also know that’s not the time to clean house.

Perhaps Martha knew Mary always tried to learn from Jesus. So, she just kept on with her housekeeping. But then she decided it was time for Jesus to tell Mary to get to work.

I wonder if Martha was surprised when Jesus said her name twice. He understood she was worried and upset about many things. Not that they didn’t need to get done, but it was a matter of priorities.

Jesus commended Mary’s choice. Why? Because she took time to learn spiritual truths. Perhaps she was familiar with Psalm 119:162 NKJV: I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. 

Scriptural teaching in the home has great value. God’s truth is for everyday life, not just Sunday. Did you know parents are to be the “first responders” in their children’s spiritual education? (Deuteronomy 11:18-21)

I always loved hearing missionaries and evangelists share their stories and personal testimonies around our table. As ministers, Dad and Mom hosted many.

What I learned in my home impacted what I learned in church, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and youth camps.

Jesus comes to your house every day. He said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 BSB). Paul said, “Nothing can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38-39).

Are Jesus’ teachings and words important to you? Revelation 3:20 says He’s knocking at your spiritual heart’s door. Invite Him in . . . make Him a priority.

Rest assured all those other things you are concerned about will get done (Ecclesiastes 3:1 BSB.

Pixabay: Old door, Arc, beauty; makamuki0

 

I'm Giving Thanks

I know it’s not Thanksgiving Day, but why wait? We give thanks to people every day.

When someone holds the door open, we say, “Thank you.” Or, when a friend treats us to lunch, gives us a ride, or listens to us with compassion while we share a personal struggle, then offers to pray with us or give an encouraging word.

We’re to give thanks to God, too. It couldn’t be made any simpler than three short verses in First Thessalonians 5:16-18 (BSB): Rejoice at all times; Pray without ceasing; Give thanks in every circumstance.

That last one is more of a challenge than the rest.

Why am I focused on thanks today? It’s because of something that happened a year ago. On March 21, 2024, I fell and broke the ball off my right femur. That required a partial hip replacement.

One of the caregivers at the rehab facility had a funny comeback. I said, “I was eighty before I took my first fall.” He said, “Why’d you wait so long?” I said, “I could have waited longer (which in my mind was NEVER!).

I would love to wipe that day out of my mind, but I can’t, for several reasons. A best friend and caregiver, reminds me I need to be thankful for all the good things God has done for me this past year. She’s right!

So . . . I’ve been counting my blessings: (1) No pain while waiting for medical transport . . . I was probably in shock, (2) a good surgeon, (3) friends who came to ER, (4) good hospital care, (5) helpful rehab therapy, (6) friends and family scheduled 24/7 for three weeks of home care, (7) rides for six weeks of therapy, and (8) consistent encouragement and prayer from my church, family, and friends.

Furthermore, I’m thankful I can drive, and I only need a cane when I leave the house.

My two Goddaughters and Best Friend often tell me how good I’m doing. I take them seriously because they saw me at my worst, before surgery and during recovery.

Giving thanks is part of my chosen lifestyle. God is good and so are His people.

James 5:13 says if we’re happy, we should sing. I do! But I also say, “Thank you, God, for Your excellent provision and the way You met my needs during recovery this past year. Amen.” 

Pixabay: Thank You Note, Message; Maklay62.

A Very Personal Choice

Have you ever felt that life makes about as much sense as a Fiddler on the Roof? Having recently watched a DVD of MGM’s 1971 major movie production, it’s still on my mind.

I googled the actor known as “Topol,” who plays Tevye the dairy farmer, father of three girls, and a man sincere about his faith. Topol played Tevye on stage and screen for several decades and figured he played him 3,500 times!

Why is Tevye in my thoughts today? It has to do with the way he pondered how to act in answer to hard questions. He’d stare off into space and say, “On the one hand (this),” but then, “On the other hand (that).”

While reading Lamentations 3, I thought of Tevye as Jeremiah pondered the pros and cons of his hard times vs. hope in God. I was reading the *AMP Bible, but I also read it in the *NLT, and *BSB.

Choose your favorite translation, and read it for yourself. Here’s what I drew from it:

Jeremiah lists the hard things first (v 1-20):

• He has health problems (v. 4)
• God seems far away (v. 2, 8)
• He’s unsure of what to do (v. 9)
• People consider him a joke (v. 14)
• He has no peace or happiness (v 17)

BUT (YET) he begins to hope in God . . . in the character of God! (v. 21-36).

• God is merciful and faithful (v. 22-23)
• He responds to those who seek Him (v. 25)        
• It's good to wait on God (v. 26, 31)
• In our grief, God has compassion (v. 32-33)
• God answers prayer (v. 53-56)

·    Now the choice is ours. In Lamentations 3:40-41, Jeremiah says we need to carefully examine (consider) our ways and turn to God, lifting not only our hands but our hearts to Him.

Yes, it requires time, but what doesn't? Serving the Lord is a very personal choice and deserves our careful consideration.

 *AMP, The Amplified Version of the Bible, NLT, The New Living Translation, BSB, Berean Standard Bible.

 Pixabay: Violinist, Band, Bandsman; OpenClipart-Vectors.