Simple Things, Simple Thanks

November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving didn’t originate with man. Long before we were born, God set in motion a reason–and an opportunity–to give thanks. Throughout the Bible, God instructed His people to bring a “thanks” offering. Why give thanks? 1 Chronicles 16:24 says, Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

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Should We Apologize for Our Blessings?

November 22, 2011

Good News Is Hard to Keep Quiet

On facebook last week I shared a “Day-votional Truth for the Day”: “Good news is hard to keep quiet.” I quoted the response of Peter and John after they had been asked by some Jewish religious leaders not to speak of Jesus again: “”Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20, NLT).

One of the facebook comments about my post brought up an interesting perspective, and maybe even a different issue altogether–about feeling guilty when sharing with others what God has done for us.  But maybe we can tie the two thoughts together. I promised to address it in today’s blog.

Should We Apologize for Our Blessings?

Do you ever feel guilty about speaking of God’s personal blessings to you, especially around an unbeliever or someone less fortunate? Do you ever feel like Jacob’s favored son, Joseph, sporting his coat of many colors and almost bragging about his God-given dreams about his brothers (Genesis 37)? Should you apologize for your blessings? Should you keep quiet about them? Read more

When God Gives Unexpected Blessings

November 22, 2010

 

Most of us count our blessings–the usual ones. But what if God decides to send some rather, um, unexpected blessings?

For the last few years, my husband and I have been systematically sorting through every closet, every drawer, and every space in our home. (Actually it seems like we’ve been “re-organizing” all our married lives). I have been trying to fulfill a long-time promise to him to de-clutter and organize our home more efficiently. And that’s a hard task for a sentimental collector like me.

My usual objections always rise to the surface: It’s a waste of good, creative time. I’m not skilled at organizing. It’s too hard to decide what stays and what goes. I just don’t have time to do it. When would I write?

But love has a way of breaking down your defenses, and God has a way of reminding you of your promises. It means putting other things on hold to accomplish the task. Adding “redecorating” to the process always helps. Ah, creativity!

Still, there have been times when I wanted to give up. The task seemed endless. Read more