God Gives Good Things
“Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9
Recently, while I was driving home, I pulled up to a stop sign. There, on the far right corner was a lady walking her large pit bull in a harness. The dog was pulling and straining and having fits as she looked across the street. When I looked over, there was a mail carrier on the far left corner, messenger bag and pith helmet in place. I thought, “Oh my, what those poor mail carriers have to contend with…he’s just trying to do his job.”
I wondered if he would cross to the opposite corner before going on his way, but no, he didn’t. That mail carrier stepped into the crosswalk and walked right toward the lady and her dog. The closer he got, the more the dog strained and pulled and then I noticed, the dog was wiggling, wagging her tail and honestly, she smiled. That assumedly “vicious dog” was eager to see her mail carrier friend and he was just as glad to see her!
The mail carrier pulled out a dog treat from his bag and the pup eagerly ate it up. There was no aggression, no fierce bark or growl. The dog knew the mail carrier brought good things and she waited with anticipation until they met and ‘talked’. And here’s the thing, the dog wasn’t at all bothered by how others might view her or the assumptions they held…she only had eyes for that mail carrier. She knew he valued her and she’d be getting a treat as soon as he came near. They trusted one another and enjoyed their impromptu meeting on the corner.
It made me think about we look to Jesus, or rather, how we should look to Him. Do we see Him and get excited to talk to Him because He brings good things? Or are we bothered about what others might think of us, of our affection for and commitment to Jesus. Are we “all in”, knowing all that matters is how God sees us and that He wants fellowship with us? Jesus sees our heart. He knows our value. He embraces us as His beloved child for whom He gave His life. He’s not bothered by those looking on, He only has eyes for us- His beloved. He desires good for us. And He longs that we would be excited to spend time with Him.
God didn’t create us to be ‘religious’, to check the boxes and go through the motions. He created us to enjoy a relationship with Him, to worship and adore Him and to enjoy all the benefits of knowing God personally. He wants us to desire to see Him, talk to Him, move closer and enjoy fellowship. He desires that we would trust Him and rely on Him for those good things.
Oh that our sons and daughters would be excited to wake up and talk to God!! Imagine if their eyes would light up at the mention of Him! Let’s pray that our sons and daughters take time with Jesus today because they’re excited to talk to Him. Pray that they would look for the good things He promises and to respond to Him with joy! Then, let’s lead by example! Spend time enjoying the Presence of your Savior today. Sit with Him, listen, worship, praise His name.
Pray without ceasing.
Thanking God for the Family of Believers
"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" 1 Thessalonians 3:9
The word "thanks" in Greek is "eucharistia" which means more than just gratitude... it is speaking actively grateful language directed to God as an act of worship (1). That's a powerful thank you!
Our children bring us such joy, don’t they? As we watch them grow and mature, we marvel at who they’re becoming and if they’ve committed their life to Jesus, we’re filled with joy that they know the Savior and are walking with Him. And it’s pretty likely we thank God for that frequently. And if they have siblings, we remind them of what a blessing that is. Oh, they may not have shown love and gratitude for one another as kids, but as they grow and mature, we pray they begin to see the blessing of their brothers and sisters.
But when was the last time we genuinely thanked God for the family of believers and encouraged our sons and daughters to do the same? Are we intentionally mindful and grateful for our brothers and sisters in Christ, or are we just 'coexisting'? Do we embrace the fellowship of other believers, or do we act as if we simply want to be an ‘only child’?
Consider what a great blessing it is to have this eternal connection with others because of the blood of Jesus?! We have others who know the joys and sorrows; who can encourage us because of the difficult things they've endured too. As a spiritual family, we endure with hope, because we know this life, this world is not our reward, something so much better is promised! But are we being intentional to encourage and remind our sons and daughters of these things? We should. We must. We will not always be with them, but the family of believers will surround them in ways we cannot. It’s important they not only recognize this, but that they have gratitude toward God for His wonderful provision. It’s true, families can be messy, but there is a bond that goes deep and cannot, should not be broken. Gratitude to God should be ever-present and generously expressed. Eucharistia.
Take time today to intentionally and actively speak words of gratitude to God for His incredible blessing of the family of God. Let your words be an act of worship. If you're holding a grudge, confess it. If someone's blessed you, acknowledge it. And ask Him to show you how you can be a blessing and encouragement to others today.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.
You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of GodFamily of God- Bill and Gloria Gaither (2)
Then, let’s pray that our sons and daughters embrace a spirit of gratitude for their physical family, but even more importantly, for their spiritual family. Pray that they have a strong desire to remain in fellowship with other believers and that they would become an encouragement to others in their faith and their walk with the Lord. And if they’re not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in them a longing for belonging, a craving for a place at God’s table and an insatiable need for fellowship and encouragement from believers. Pray they would become a source of joy for other believers because of their commitment to the Lord.
Eucharistia. Pray without ceasing.
G2169 - eucharistia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2169/niv/mgnt/0-1/
The family of god - Bill Gaither. SongLyrics.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.songlyrics.com/bill-gaither/the-family-of-god-lyrics/
Saturday Review
What a week it’s been!! Praying benedictions over our sons and daughters has been refreshing and encouraging. As we wrestle in prayer, sometimes taking the time to just speak words of affirmation and life over those we love is so needed. It’s a reminder, too, that God desires good for us. His Word is powerful and effective. His promises are glorious and eternal. And His love for us is beyond understanding.
Let’s step through all of the blessings we prayed one more time. The power in these words is divine and able to break down strongholds.
Powerful Hope
Ephesians 1:18-23
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Powerful, All-Encompassing Love
Ephesians 3:14-21
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Sanctification and Strength
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
Protection from Stumbling
Jude 1:24-25
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Fully Equipped
Hebrews 13:20-21
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.