James 1:14–A Note On Temptation

James 1:13-14–"Let no one say when he is tempted: 'I am being tempted by God.' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."

It is a common misconception to think that it is God Himself who tempts us in order to 'test' us.  To be sure, this is a perverse misunderstanding both of God's holiness and also of His character, too.  God's holiness demands that He is absolutely pure, meaning that He cannot and would not taint Himself. Additionally, God's character is one of love, grace, mercy, and compassion.  Because of His loving character He could not and would not tempt people out of His great love.  We should never, not ever forget this truth, but we should let it stir and bind our hearts in adoration and exaltation of God!

Psalm 19:14–A Prayer

Psalm 19:14–"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

This is a simple but profoundly sincere prayer.  It is a request for devotion, as if the psalmist is actually asking that God would direct his heart and mouth towards a posture of praise and worship.  But the psalmist is requesting more than a mere "attitude adjustment."  Instead, the writer is asking for a complete internal transformation.  But this is more than a verse, it is a plea, an earnest prayer for faith. Let it become our own prayer too!

1 Chronicles 16:8–Give Thanks to the Lord!

1 Chronicles 16:8–"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people! Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wondrous works!"

One of my favorite hymns goes like this:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all peoples here below!
Praise Him above ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Today, this day, is a great day for praise!  Get at it!

James 1:17–Every Good Gift is From Above

James 1:17–"Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Turkey day arrives.  And, like all the years before, it is on this day that people gather around tables to feast with friends or family.  We mix giving thanks between forks full of mashed potatoes and fit gratitude somewhere between the turkey and the stuffing.  But this year, while engage in those well-worn family traditions, I pray that we might consider the great faithfulness of God.  In the end, this should always be our praise as we consider the awesome things that God has done for us.  So let us keep thankfulness at the forefront of our minds this Thanksgiving, giving thanks for all the greatness of God!

Hebrews 12:28-29–Let Us Be Grateful and Worship!

Hebrews 12:28-29–"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

How many of us can say that we are truly grateful?  Or even more so, how many of us have responded to that gratefulness by offering an acceptable worship to God?

Additionally, to consider God a consuming fire should inspire only reverence and awe.  But how often do we think of Him this way?

As Thanksgiving week continues on and the quest for turkey draws near, I urge you to take this passage to heart.  Dwell on it.  Let it rest in your mind and in your heart.  My prayer is that I would see God as He is and offer up sincere praise that is thankful and reverence.  Let us all strive for a prayer as this!

Colossians 3:17–Whatever You Do, Give Thanks To God

Colossians 3:17–"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, give thanks to God the Father through Him."

In case you, like I did, read over this verse without taking it in, let me point to the important part: whatever you do...do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Consider the ramifications of such a comprehensive proposition.  There is not supposed to be anything, not a single aspect of our lives that is not to be done for Jesus.  Additionally, this is to be done with thankfulness.  Let us make this verse foundational to our lives as we strive to live out our Christianity with sincerity and effort!

Colossians 2:6-7–Walking In Him

Colossians 2:6-7–"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

This is a call for Christians live a life committed to Christ, and to always remember whose we are.  We belong to Christ; He has purchased us with His blood.  It is this singular truth which rests the whole of Christianity.  Because of this, not only is it vital that Christians would remember who we are as children of the heavenly Father but, even more so, we need to live a life that corresponds in faith to that lineage. This is what this passage is about, challenging us to actually be the children of God that He has called us to be.  Let us, then, make this foundational to how we would live and who we will be in Christ!