1 Thessalonians 5:18

                                  In every thing give thanks:
              for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

                                      1 Thessalonians 5:18

At this Thanksgiving time, it is especially important that we view all of life through the lens of Scripture. We know, from this verse, that God expects His redeemed children to give thanks in everything. Does this not shed new light on the variety of "reasons" we often give for a heart of ungratefulness and a spirit of discontent?

We know that God has promised ...

- to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)

- to supply His all-sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)

- to never withhold anything good from us (Psalm 84:11) -

to work all things together unto Christlikeness (Romans 8:28-29)

- to supply all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

Therefore, we must take a fresh look at our own hearts, to be sure that we not only KNOW the promises, but that we have APPLIED them, as well.

May God help each of us to do so today!

(C) 1993 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

Discouragement is an emotion that we might say is fairly common to our everyday lives. In most cases, specific circumstances and events are often cited as being the "triggers" for it. At first glance, we may receive acceptability of it from our family or peers, "under the circumstances". When taking a closer look at it, however, The downhill spiral seems very clear, and so I have to ask myself some questions as to where it falls in the plan of God for those who are the redeemed followers of Christ.

What is discouragement? What is its cause? Where will it lead?

Discouragement can be described as the sad, down-heartedness occurring in the face of unfulfilled expectations. It is a slippery slope that can quickly lead into deeper struggles with lack of peace, joy, and hope. In pretty short order, questions may arise about such things as validity and purpose of one's life, or even one's ministry.

What is God's counsel in regards to our expectations and affections? What is His mind concerning hope and the grace of God?

In the matter of our expectations, it is of utmost importance that we recall that God's ways are perfect (Psalm 18:30), with His thoughts being higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8). On that absolute Truth, we can place ALL of our expectations from Him (Psalm 62:5). Any departure in our thinking places us on a dangerous position for disappointment, leading downward toward discouragement.

As to our affections, in Colossians 3:2, we are given clear teaching to set our deepest longings and desires on things of an eternal nature rather than of a temporal or earthly one. Often, we tend to hold onto and cherish God's gifts more dearly than the Giver Who gave them. We forget to remember that He gives, removes and withholds in completely righteous ways for the purpose of His eternal glory and our eternal good. (Keyword: ETERNAL, necessitating that kind of perspective.)

Regarding hope, we know that it first presents itself when one believes in Jesus Christ (Romans 15:13a), and overflows in the life of that one who lives in obedience to the Word of God, by the ministry of the Spirit of God (Romans 15:13b). True biblical hope is always as secure as the infallible, eternal promises of the Word of God. In the matter of grace, God's Word declares it to be absolutely and completely all- sufficient for every need (2 Corinthians 12:9) to the degree that we actually are called to glory in our infirmities and give thanks for God's marvelous working in our lives (Romans 8:28-29) (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Psalms 43:5 brings us to God's hear on this matter "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

May God help us today to hope in God, and praise Him!

(C) 1993 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy

There seems to be so much peer pressure these days, to measure and compare our abilities, appearance, and successes by the level of those things in the loves of others. More often than not, when we do so, we end the day in misery and discouragement, because "someone else" appears to rank higher or better than we do. May I submit, from a biblical perspective, that our misery is not caused by the assumed better state of others, nor by the assumed lesser state of ourselves....but by our own violation of the heart, mind, will and purpose of God.

He teaches us in 2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

We know, from Romans 8:28-29, that God's goal and purpose for all things in our lives is that we be conformed to Christlikeness, thus accomplishing that ultimate goal of His glory. That knowledge brings clarity in understanding to the the subsequent obedience in comparing ourselves to the attitudes, behaviors, and communications of our Saviour.

In 1 Peter 1:15, we read "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation"; In Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."; In Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

We are to measure ourselves by Christ...not ourselves, not others. What glorious freedom! What liberating power! Phil 4:13 says it so clearly "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".

I trust God will continue to help each of us today in this area of spiritual growth.

(C) 1993 N.A.Collins. Limited copy permission for one personal file copy