come back

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

- Colossians 3:16

 

I like this verse, because it makes me feel like I am doing the right thing, sharing His word and finding all the song references!

This verse specifically led me to the song Freedom by Jesus Culture – here is a snippet of the lyrics:

Step out of the shadows, step out of the grave

Break into the wild and don't be afraid

Run into wide open spaces, grace is waiting for you

Dance like the weight has been lifted, grace is waiting

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Come out of the dark just as you are

Into the fullness of His love

For the Spirit is here, let there be freedom

Let there be freedom

Bring all of your burdens, bring all of your scars

Come back to communion, come back to the start

Run into wide open spaces, grace is waiting for you

Dance like the weight has been lifted, grace is waiting

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is freedom, there is freedom

I have had many people ask me things like what do I get out of “relationship” with God, or what can religion do for them, and my all time favorite, how can my God help them?

My response is come! 

If you’ve never been to church, come!

If you have not been to church in a long time, come back!

Friends, there is true freedom in knowing God, He loves you so much, and He will never stop loving you or pursuing you. 

He gave you a Book, that tells you how much He loves you, yeah it is a big book, and kind of intimidating if you don’t like to read, so come, let me introduce you to Amazing Grace! 

Oh, that is another song!

devoted

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

- Colossians 4:2

 

Thanksgiving 2020 is over and there are still some people out there that are going to be holiday shopping today (shudder).

Don’t forget to pray (I would have to pray for sanity before going into any store today!)

Watch what you say and do, be sure that you are out there with Jesus on your mind.

If everyone does that, perhaps there will be less road rage and less fighting over the hottest gift of the season, and maybe just maybe there will be “goodwill to men”.

thanks

Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.

- 1 Chronicles 29:13

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope that everyone can enjoy a meal, maybe watch the parades or some football.

In the middle of the food and fun, remember to give thanks to God.

We wouldn’t have anything to celebrate if it weren’t for Him.

 

hungry?

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

 

Are you hungry yet?

Tomorrow most people will be having traditional Thanksgiving dinners, with turkey or ham, potatoes and stuffing and all the yumminess that comes with this holiday.

But don’t forget to feed your soul.

Take time to be with God, giving thanks and praying for others. 

Feeding your soul is just as important and nourishing your body.

 

always

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

I see a lot of “30 days of thankful” posts on social media right now, and have seen it every year for at least the last 10 that I have been on social media.

It’s great to call out the 30 things that you are most grateful for, but don’t forget that after November, we still need to be thankful.

There is so much craziness in the world right now, taking time to pray and be thankful for even the little things may change your outlook.

everything

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

- 1 Timothy 4:4-5

 

Everything God created is good.

Pretty powerful, isn’t it?

But what about that mean guy down the street. He’s not good at all!

God created him good, it was the devil’s influence that turned him bad.

Receive everything with a grateful heart, even the hard stuff, because it is going to be used for good somehow.

God does some pretty incredible things.

careful

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

- Ephesians 5:15-17

 

Sometimes I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.

I am always rushing to get things done, I fill up my calendar so fast, even when I try not to do that, I look and I have no time for me.

I often feel like there are not enough hours in the day.

This week I read a pretty profound statement: “at the end of the day, there is one reality we must remember: we have time for what we make time for.”

Oh dang.

For me, I think I need to step back and look at what I am filling my time, and prioritize what is going to help me make the most of my life.

I am pretty sure I will find the answer in spending less time on meaningless tasks and more time with God.