Ministry of Love

The intention of this blog is to share Biblical messages at least on a weekly basis. Any response is appreciated. I do not expect everyone to agree with my interpretation of Biblical passages. I will try to respond with love and thoughtfulness.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Musings:11/17/09,Thanksgiving Thoughts, by John

Ephesians 5:18 ends with the injunction, "Be filled with the Spirit." The author then told us to speak to one another in music. That makes me wonder why we separate music and other spiritual messages such as preaching and other forms of prophecy. In our own hearts, we are to make music to the Lord. With that music, we are to give thanks to Him for everything. Yep! Everything!

We are free and since we aren't perfect, we enter into activities where we fail and often into activities where we sin against God. God allows it because He made us in His Own image, and we are created free. Our freedom brings us pain and sadness much more often than we think it should, but in spite of that, God expects us to be thankful for everything!

How is it possible? As far as I know, the only solution the Bible offers is found in Romans 8:28; "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Can you believe not that God causes you to make bad decisions, or causes you to sin, but that God does use every event in your life for your good?

In Matthew 7:9,10, Jesus asked His hearers if their child asked for bread would they give him a stone, or if he asked for a fish would they give him a snake. Their obvious response was, of course not! In v. 11, Jesus indicated God only gives good gifts to His children. If you believe the Bible, everything that happens to you good, bad or horrible, God will turn into good for you. I didn't say it would be easy for you. Those who visit personal trainers are used to hearing, "No pain, no gain!" The good may be an improvement in character, strength, intellect, understanding, a closer relationship with the Lord, and the list can go on ad infinitum!

It's right to be obedient. That's the primary way to say thank you to the Lord. Verbal thank you's are good, too. Another way is to say thank you to your brothers and sisters as they share their lives with you. That brings us to Jesus' statement in Matthew 7:12; "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." That's not the "Golden Rule." It is Christ's command to you and me.

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