Thankful That God Is All
1. Praise For All God Is For Me
I always enjoy writing the devotions about giving thanks every year during the month of November. I usually write on various things and people in my life that I thank God for. I went to bed praying last night that God would show me how to begin our Thanksgiving devotions today and He brought to mind a couple verses that I read yesterday. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4) And I felt that instead of writing to thank God for all the things He has given me, I want to devote this month in praise for all that God is for me. I am so thankful that God is all! He is all knowing, all powerful, all sufficient, and as the scriptures above tell us, He is "the God of all comfort." This Thanksgiving I want to thank the Lord for being all!
2. The God Of All Comfort
Let's begin with the verses that God used to speak to my heart. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4) When children get hurt they often run to Mom, or Dad, or someone close, for comfort. As an adult, I also like to have someone to lean on for comfort when I am hurting, whether inside or out. The early church faced a lot of tribulation and the Apostle Paul encourages them that God is "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." I can go to God in prayer and He can bring comfort to my heart and soul, and peace to my mind. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3) Paul also tells us that as God comforts us, we are then able to comfort others. I am thankful that I have a heavenly Father that I can go to when I need comforting.
3. God Is All Knowing And All Powerful
Today I have a very dear prayer request. My granddaughter, Lici, told her mom Friday morning that she had a bump on her neck. Her lymph node was very swollen and Annie took her to the doctor, and then to the hospital for tests. She is scheduled to have a biopsy today. Please pray that God will hear and answer our prayers for little Lici. God knows all about it and He has the power to help her. He is all knowing and all powerful! I am combining these two attributes. If someone knows everything about a situation and has no power to help that situation, then would it do any good? And if someone who is in power and can help does not know the situation, what good does that do? Our God knows everything about us, "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways... I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:1-3 and 14) "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." (I John 3:20) God even knows the number of hairs on our head. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." (Matthew 10:30) So we see that God knows all about us. He knows our needs. And God also has the power to help us in times of trouble. "Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:" (Jeremiah 32:17) Please help me pray for Lici.
4. Giving God All Our Praise
Thank you for all your prayers for my granddaughter, Lici. The doctor said the swelling had gone down from the CT scan last week. He did not feel the biopsy was necessary and prescribed a stronger antibiotic. He wants to see her again in two weeks. I give God all my praise! "I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." (Psalm 86:12) Psalm 67:3 calls all the people to praise our God. "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee." Praise Him from the highest heavens to the lowest deeps. "Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:" (Psalm 148:2, 3, and 7) "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:6) Praise the Lord with Thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100)
5. God Created All Things
It would be a sad existence to think that you were here by chance and everything in your life just happened. How much better it is to believe that God created you in His image and breathed life into you. We didn't come from a big bang, but from the Almighty God. God created all things, just as we read in the very first verse of the Bible. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." From the first book to the last book, God's Word is sure. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11) What peace, and joy, and faith it brings to know that we are created by God and we are His workmanship. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4)
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" (jEphesians 3:9)
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Colossians 1:16)
6. God Owns It All
It's November, and I am celebrating Thanksgiving, praising my wonderful Lord. I am thankful for all that God gives to us. I am thankful for our home, our family, our church, and most of all the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32) The list could go on and on, because each new day is a gift from God. All that we have comes from God. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Actually, it all belongs to God. "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods." (Psalm 24:1-2) "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." (I Corinthians 10:26) God doesn't want us to worry about things, but seek Him and let Him take care of our needs.
"27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:27-32)
7. God Of All Time
Time goes by so fast. It is hard to believe that we will be celebrating Thanksgiving in three weeks, then Christmas shortly after that, and if the Lord tarries we will soon enter into the year 2023. I can remember when the year 2000 was a long way into the future. It seems like a long time for us, but our God is God from everlasting to everlasting. He is God of all time. Our minds can't comprehend how God was, before the beginning of time. "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God... For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." (Psalm 90:1, 2 and 4) Do you remember what God said to Moses from the burning bush? "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14) He is God of the past, the present, and the future. He is God of all time! And when we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sin and save us, He gives us eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) All that trust in Jesus for salvation will live with God in heaven throughout eternity, and time will be no more. But those who don't want anything to do with God, will spend eternity in hell away from the presence of God. "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;" (II Thessalonians 1:8-9)
8. God Is All Sufficient
Recently my Bible reading included II Corinthians 12:9. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." That verse brought back memories of an old song. Mosie Lister wrote "His Grace Is Sufficient For Me" in 1965. The chorus goes as follows...
"O, His grace is sufficient for me.
And His love is abundant and free.
And what joy fills my soul,
Just to know, just to know
That His grace is sufficient for me."
I looked up the definition of "sufficient" and it was short and to the point, "enough". I was disappointed with that definition. God's grace is more than enough. God's grace is all sufficient. It is like our example in Exodus 36:7, "For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much." Even when we don't have enough God can take what little we have and make it more than enough. When Jesus asked the disciples about feeding the 5,000, "Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little." Then Andrew said, "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (John 6:7 & 9) Jesus broke the two fish and five loaves of bread and had twelve baskets left over. Many times we fall short and don't have enough; enough supplies, enough strength, enough time, maybe even enough love. But, God is all sufficient and He is more than enough! "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;" (II Corinthians 3:5)
9. God Is More Than Enough
The devotional yesterday has me singing, "He's More Than Enough". I can't find who wrote the song, or when it was written. But, I found a copy of the lyrics. I am thankful that my God is more than enough! We have so much to be thankful for, and it is all through our loving Savior!
"He's More Than Enough"
"Blind Bartimaeus stood by the wayside begging
He cried out to Jesus for he knew the chance he was taking
The crowd said, "Be quiet don't bother him now"
But, the more they pressed him, the louder he'd shout,
"Thou son of David have mercy on me," and today I believe he can see
Chorus
He is more than enough to make the blind man to see
More than enough, to guide you and me
He is more than enough to turn the water into wine
He's more than enough he feeds a family like mine
He's more than enough to heal all disease
More than enough to wash the sin out of me
If he can raise up the dead and give new life
Then Jesus is more than enough
He said to the Lord, "My daughter is dying at home"
Then another man said, "She's dead, leave the master alone"
When he heard what was said his heart was greived
He said, "Be not afraid, but only believe"
Then he spoke to that child, "I say unto thee
Arise", and she came alive"
10. Jesus Is Lord Of All
As reminders were shared to set our clocks back, many remarked that they wanted to set time back to simpler days. We can't go back to the past, but we can do what we can to help our present. Most of all, we can pray. We can pray for our country and pray for our leaders.
"1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (I Timothy 2:1-5)
Another thing we can do is get out and vote for men and women who want to follow the path of God. I hope that you will do your part to help elect those who want to lead us back into the right direction. I don't know how the election will go tomorrow, but I do know that no matter what, Jesus is Lord of All! Moses told the Children of Israel. "For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:" (Deuteromony 10:17) Peter declared it when he carried the gospel to the Gentiles. "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)" (Acts 10:35-36) And the truth will be revealed to all in the last battle. "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16) I am glad that I serve the "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS", and I don't have to worry about the future. Jesus is Lord of all and He reigns in my heart!
11. "All The Way My Savior Leads Me"
I used to say that if God would lead me like He led the Children of Israel through the wilderness, it would be easy to know which way to go. I could follow a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. But, God doesn't choose to lead us that way. "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" (II Corinthians 5:7) There was one who knew better than I, how to walk by faith and not by sight, because she was blind. She could not see physically, but her spiritual sight was so amazing, and she wrote 9,000 hymns. Fanny Crosby grew up needing someone to lead her, and in 1875 she wrote this beautiful hymn, "All The Way My Savior Leads Me". It is one of my favorite hymns. I am so thankful that God leads us... "This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way."
"All The Way My Savior Leads Me"
1 All the way my Savior leads me–
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2 All the way my Savior leads me–
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev'ry trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.
3 All the way my Savior leads me–
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
12. God Inspired All Scripture
I learned something really interesting while I was looking up the song yesterday, "All The Way My Savior Leads Me." Several different sources said that when Fanny Crosby was 10 years old her grandmother helped her memorize scripture. She encouraged her to memorize 5 chapters each week. By the age of 15 she had memorized the four gospels, the Pentateuch, the Book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many of the Psalms. This puts me to shame. How much more could we do for the Lord if we put such importance on His Word!
"14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:14-17)
13. "He's All I Need"
Singing has always been an enjoyable part of my worship. I remember singing "Silent Night" as a solo in the Christmas Play at church when I was six years old. I sang with my sisters growing up, and then with some of my children when they still lived at home. Now, Michael and I often sing together at church. A song that I really enjoy is "He's All I Need". This song was written by Sammy Eason in 1993. God not only supplies the needs that we can see, food, shelter and clothes, but He also provides our spiritual and emotional needs. He is all I need! "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
"He's All I Need"
He’s all I need when I just
Need someone to talk to.
He’s always there to hear
My prayer each time I call Him.
All my needs He supplies
My thirsty soul He satisfies.
For He’s The Lord of all,
He’s all I need.
Chorus: He comforts me when I’m weary.
He eases every pain.
He fills my deepest longing,
time and time again.
He’s my soul’s inspiration,
My heart’s consolation.
He’s my everything,
He’s all I need.
He’s all I need;
I need not turn to any other.
For He’s a friend
A friend closer than a brother.
On this friend I can rely
To be my strength as life goes by.
For He’s The Lord of all,
He’s all I need.
14. "All I Need"
I like the old hymns. When I researched the stories behind Christmas carols for a play at church years ago, it gave me a deeper love for the old songs we sing. Many of the songs were written while people were going through great trials and hardships. Through their problems, they found a deeper walk with God and many times wrote beautiful and meaningful hymns that are still being sung a century later. "All I Need" was written by Charles P. Jones in 1906. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
"All I Need"
1 Jesus Christ is made to me,
All I need, all I need,
He alone, is all my plea,
He is all I need.
Refrain:
Wisdom, righteousness and pow’r,
Holiness forevermore,
My redemption full and sure,
He is all I need.
2 Jesus is my all in all,
All I need, all I need,
While He keeps I cannot fall,
He is all I need. [Refrain]
3 He redeemed me when He died,
All I need, all I need,
I with Him was crucified,
He is all I need. [Refrain]
4 To My Saviour will I cleave,
All I need, all I need,
He will not His servant leave,
He is all I need. [Refrain]
5 He's the treasure of my soul,
All I need, all I need,
He hath cleansed and made me whole,
He is all I need. [Refrain]
6 Glory, glory to the Lamb,
All I need, all I need,
By His Spirit sealed I am,
He is all I need. [Refrain]
15. Love God With All Your Heart
Lici and Elsa were at the house watching the 1966 version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." I was washing dishes in the kitchen and I said, "Oh, poor Max. Why is he so mean to him?" Lici came running right up to my face and said, "It's because his heart is too small." Then pinching her thumbs and index fingers together she said, "It is only this big." Today someone said something that caused me to feel hurt and sad. I thought, "Why is she so mean to me?" And I remembered little Lici in the background of my mind, "It's because his heart is too small." I wonder how much kinder we would be if our hearts were filled with God's love. Remember what Jesus said when someone asked Him which was the great commandment?
"37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:37-39)
If we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, our hearts will be filled with love, not only to God, but also towards one another.
16. I'm Thankful That God Is Always Faithful
As we continue with our scriptures and thoughts on "Thankful That God Is All", I want to share one that is important to me. Sometimes I make mistakes. Sometimes I fail to accomplish His plans. Many times I get discouraged. But, I am thankful that my God is faithful! He has never failed me! Over and over in the scriptures we read that our God is faithful. And over and over in my life God has been faithful to me.
"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Corinthians 1:9)
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" (Hebrews 10:23)
"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." (II Thessalonians 3:3)
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:23-24)
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13)
"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;" (Deuteronomy 7:9)
17. "He's Been Faithful"
To continue with our thoughts about "God Is Always Faithful" I am sharing a song written by Carol Cymbala, in 1989. She is the director of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and has been through many hardships. I am thankful that I can fully depend on God, because He is faithful! He has been with me through many storms and He has never failed me.
"He's Been Faithful"
Verse 1:
In my moments of fear
Through every pain every tear
There’s a God who’s been faithful to me
When my strength was all gone
When my heart had no song
Still in love He’s proved faithful to me
Every word He’s promised is true
What I thought was impossible
I’ve see my God do
Chorus:
He’s been faithful, faithful to me,
Looking back, His love and mercy I see
Though in my heart I have questioned,
Even failed to believe
Yet He’s been faithful, faithful to me
Verse 2:
When my heart looked away
The many times I could not pray
Still my God, He was faithful to me
The days I spent so selfishly
Reaching out for what pleased me
Even then God was faithful to me
Every time I come back to Him
He is waiting with open arms
And I see once again
Tag:
Though in my heart I have questioned
I’ve even failed to believe
Yet He’s been faithful, faithful to me!
18. All In The Name Of Jesus
There are many different religions and beliefs about how to be saved and go to heaven. But, there is only one way to be saved. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died to pay for our sin. It's all in the name of Jesus. We are to pray in the name of Jesus. "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13) We are to be thankful for all things in the name of Jesus. "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" (Ephesians 5:20) We are even told to do all that we do in the name of Jesus. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17) It's all in the name of Jesus!
"All In The Name Of Jesus"
by Stephen R. Adams in 1976
Truth, beauty, happiness
All in the name of Jesus
Health, heaven, peace and rest
All in the name of Jesus
Joy and gladness, forgiveness too
Life everlasting and free
All that I've longed for, all I need
All in the name of Jesus
Care and comfort, healing grace
All in the name of Jesus
Welcome pardon, a hiding place
All in the name of Jesus
Warmth and sunshine, friendship true
Fulfillment and blessings untold
Hopе for tomorrow and help for today
All in the name of Jеsus
Jesus, Jesus
He's here and He will show you the way
Jesus, Jesus He's all that you need today
All in the name of Jesus
19. All Will Bow At The Name Of Jesus
I am adding to our post yesterday, "All In The Name Of Jesus." When Jesus was given the mockery of a trial the soldiers bowed to Him. "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29) If they had only known that Jesus would one day be crowned "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" they would have bowed in reverence to Him. The prophet Isaiah foretold it about 700 years before Jesus came.
"21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:21-23)
We are reminded in the New Testament. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11) "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" (Phililppians 2:10) We can choose to humbly bow at the throne of grace. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Or, we can bow at the white throne judgment. It is certain that we will all bow at the name of Jesus.
20. Psalm 139
Pastor Jack Tripp's sermon Wednesday night was about God's attributes. The message was from Psalm 139. I want to share a few notes because it goes along with our title, "Thankful That God Is All."
1. God is All Knowing - He is Omniscient - He knows everything about us, all of our movements, all of our thoughts and words, and all of our ways.
"1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether."
2. God is All Present - He is Omnipresent - There's no where we can go to hide from God. The darkness is just as the light to our God.
"7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."
3. God is All Powerful - He is Omnipotent - God saw us as complete before we were born. God's thoughts of us are more in number than the sand.
"13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
21. Christmas Will Always Be Christ For Me
I was visiting with my sister and her granddaughter recently and I told the young girl that I would get her a nativity set. They are planning to come in for Thanksgiving, so Mom and I went shopping Wednesday to find one for her. We went to seven different stores looking for one, and could not find one with movable pieces like she wanted. I can remember years ago when I would see them in every store at Christmas time. I went shopping in another city Thursday morning and was so glad to find one for her. I knew that only the older Christmas movies mention Jesus or show nativity scenes. And most radio stations only play the secular Christmas songs, but, when I promised Cerenity a nativity to have for her own, I didn't realize that most stores don't sell them. Christmas is the birth of Christ and Christ will always be the center of my Christmas. There are probably some who don't even know the meaning of Christmas. We can let them know. We can send out Christmas cards that have scripture and focus on the meaning of Christmas. We can hand out tracts as we go shopping. People used to have pins that said, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Let's do what we can to keep Christ in our Christmas!
"7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:7-11)
22. "Exceeding Abundantly Above All That We Ask Or Think"
I enjoy giving! Every year at Christmas I try to find gifts that my family will enjoy. This year I began to get a little stressed about what to get the grandchildren, who range in age from 1 year to 16 years. So, I started praying that the Lord would show me what to get for them. Mom called me Friday morning and said that she was at a certain store on Thursday and they had a large assortment of toys. She came over in the afternoon and in a couple hours I had almost all of the gifts for my grands. I am so thankful. I thought of Ephesians 3:20-21. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." God is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" And I am praising Him today!
"14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)
23. Jesus Died For All
Time goes by so quickly. It does not seem possible that we are coming up to Thanksgiving this week. Today I am thankful that Jesus died for all, and that includes me! II Corinthians 5:15 tells us "... that he died for all, ..." We all have sinned and Jesus does not exclude anyone in His gift of salvation. "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:22-23) The Lord is preparing a place in heaven for those who believe in Him. He died for you. Please put your faith in Him before it is too late.
"16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18)
"4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:4-6)
"9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (II Peter 3:9-10)
24. We All Should Give Thanks
Pastor Jack Tripp's sermon Sunday morning was, "Let Me Be The One." He spoke on the healing of the ten lepers. Of the ten, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. All ten asked Jesus to help them, so it seems that they all had some faith, yet only one gave Him thanks. How often do we pray to the Lord for help, and forget to give Him thanks for answering our prayers? Also, they all had some religion because they all went on their way to the priest to be declared clean, but only one gave thanks. The one who was thankful was made whole!
Did you know that being unthankful is listed among the sins of the last days? "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;" (II Timothy 3:2-4) Let's be the one and be thankful! "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands... Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:1 & 4)
"11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." (Luke 17:11-19)
25. I'm Thankful That God Is All My Assurance And Security For Life Everlasting
It is cold outside, so I built a fire in the woodstove. I like to make sure it is burning before closing the doors, so I sat and watched the small flames. It began to burn brighter and my face got hot, so I backed away, and I closed the doors. Every time I watch the fire I am thankful. I think about sitting in church with my Grandmother when I was about 8 years old. My Grandpa Moyer Beasley was preaching about Lazarus and the rich man. When Lazarus died he was carried by the angels to paradise. I started crying when Grandpa was telling about the eternal fire in hell, and the pain and suffering of the rich man. I didn't want to go to hell. That Sunday morning I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sin and save me. When I see the flames in the woodstove I think about how God is all my hope and security for life everlasting. I don't worry about burning in hell through eternity. And I think about the people who have died that are lost. When I hear that someone died, my first thought is always, "I hope he was saved." I just read the book of Jude and I want to share the last few verses. Following them are the scriptures from Luke 16 about Lazarus and the rich man who was lost. If you have never put your trust in Jesus, please believe and ask Him to save you before it is too late.
"21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude)
"19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31)
26. Thankful For All Things
Michael had devotions at school Wednesday, and I am thankful that he agreed to share with us...
The word "Thanksgiving" is used close to twenty times in the Bible, with several mentions in the Psalms. Most people remember the phrase in Psalm 100:4, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. But the verse that says the most to me about giving thanks is Ephesians 5:20: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" The problem for me is the phrase "always for all things." I do not know about you, but thanking God all the time for every thing that happens is a hard thing to do.
However, if we put this verse beside Romans 8:28, the task becomes much easier. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I heard the preacher Bob Doom explain this verse almost forty years ago like this:
The Certainty of God's Providence: "And we know..." This is a fact of which we can be sure. We do not have to compare a lot of different verses to see that all things work together for good. It is clearly stated here.
The Circumference of God's Providence: "that all things". Every thing that happens to us is a part of God's wonderful plan for our lives. We may not see that at the time, but God's goodness is all-compassing.
The Motion of God's Providence: "work". God can make things move or stop. He can part the Red Sea, or make a simple ax-head float.
The Collectiveness of God's Providence: "together". Do not isolate one event. That event might not seem good at all. But God has things that work together. Preacher Jack Tripp compares it to the ingredients in a cake. It would not be good to taste a spoonful of each of the ingredients--butter, oil, flour, baking powder, etc. But put them together in a cake and the result can be quite good.
The Culmination of God's Providence: "for good". God's providence is not for our prosperity of our happiness; but it is for our holiness. Verse 29 shows what the good is: "to be conformed to the image of His Son."
The Children of God's Providence: "to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." The promise in Romans 8:28 is only for the children of God. God has a wonderful plan for each of His children, young or old. If you have never been saved, then Satan has a plan for your life, and it includes the eternal death of your soul.
So when we consider Romans 8:28, it is easier to understand Ephesians 5:20. Although I may not understand it in times of difficult circumstances, I can be thankful that "all things" are a part of God's plan for me, and be assured that "all things" are working for my good. And even when my mood or disposition is not so positive, by faith I can thank God "always" that He is in control, even if circumstances seem out of control. What an amazing God and Father we have! So let's thank Him!
27. Happy Thanksgiving
Each November I try to write the devotionals on things I am thankful for, such as the people in my life, the provisions from the Lord, and also his protection and loving care. Most of all, I am thankful for Jesus who died on the cross and saved me from my sin. This year, my focus, "Thankful That God Is All" was not on what God does for me, but on who God is. This series has been a special blessing for me and I am feeling thankfulness in my heart even more on this Thanksgiving Day. Instead of looking at the things God provides for me, I have been looking at who God is. He is all I need! He is all knowing, all powerful. He is always with me and will never fail me. "All that I have is Jesus, all that I claim is Jesus, all that I want, all that I need, all that I plead is Jesus!" ("My Plea" by J. L. Baker, written in 1989.)
"My Plea"
1. Should I at the gates of heaven appear,
To answer the challenge, "What claim hast thou here
What hast thou to offer, yea what is thy plea?
With blessed assurance, my answer would be.
Chorus
All that I have is Jesus,
All that I claim is Jesus,
All that I want, all that I need,
All that I plead is Jesus.
2. My sins they are many, my virtues are few,
The blood of my Savior will carry me through
When Christ in my place, died on Calvary's tree,
Hallelujah that opened God's heaven for me.
Chorus
All that I have is Jesus,
All that I claim is Jesus,
All that I want, all that I need,
All that I plead is Jesus.
28. Thank You, Lord
A Bible verse and a chorus to share the blessings in my heart... written by Seth and Bessie Sykes. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (II Corinthians 9:15)
"Thank You Lord For Saving My Soul,
Thank You Lord For Making Me Whole,
Thank You Lord For Giving To Me,
Thy Great Salvation So Rich And Free."
29. "All To Jesus I Surrender"
To close this chapter, "Thankful That God Is All" I want to ask the question, "How do we do our part?" We give our all to Him. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) This old hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896.
"All To Jesus I Surrender"
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live
All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus take me now
I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Saviour
I surrender all
All to Jesus I surrender
Make me Saviour wholly Thine
Let me feel the Holy Spirit
Truly know that Thou art mine
All to Jesus I surrender
Lord I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessings fall on me
1. Praise For All God Is For Me
2. The God Of All Comfort
3. God Is All Knowing And All Powerful
4. Giving God All Our Praise
5. God Created It All
6. God Owns It All
7. God Of All Time
8. God Is All Sufficient
9. God Is More Than Enough
10. Jesus Is Lord Of All
11. "All The Way My Savior Leads Me"
12. God Inspired All Scripture
13. "He's All I Need"
14. "All I Need"
15. Love God With All Your Heart
16. I'm Thankful That God Is Always Faithful
17. "He's Been Faithful"
18. "All In The Name Of Jesus"
19. All Will Bow At The Name Of Jesus
20. Psalm 139
21. Christmas Will Always Be Christ For Me
22. "Exceeding Abundantly Above All That We Ask Or Think"
23. Jesus Died For All
24. We All Should Give Thanks
25. I'm Thankful That God Is All My Assurance And Security For Life Everlasting
26. Thankful For All Things
27. Happy Thanksgiving
28. "Thank You, Lord"
29. "All To Jesus I Surrender"
