Barbara's Banter

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

It’s been fifty years since my mom passed away, but I remember her vividly. I was in my early twenties when she went to the doctor for what she thought was a kidney infection and found out she had uterine cancer. Two weeks later she was gone. She was 48. It happened so fast. There were so many things I wished I had told her when I had the chance—so many things I cherish that truly influenced my life.  

I valued her wisdom. Imbued with tons of what we called horse sense in the Midwest, she was a cross between Dr. Laura and Solomon. “There are always three sides to every story: yours, theirs, and what really happened,” she’d say. Her theory was many times we don’t intend to shade the truth but we do see everything from our perspective, which can be skewed.

I loved her serving heart. She lived by the motto of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. If any friend, relative, or neighbor needed help, Mom was there. She brought food to the hungry, nursed the sick, and visited the lonely.

I treasured her insight. She’d say, “Life is not fair so deal with it.” It’s not something an idealistic child wants to hear but I learned at a young age, it isn’t always the most qualified, talented, or deserving person who ends up with the job, position, or first prize.

I beheld her beauty. It’s true that in her younger days, many a stranger stopped Mom to ask if she was a model, but what really made her beautiful was how she genuinely cared for others and her giving heart. Even at Christmastime, everyone got a gift, even the boy who delivered the newspaper. It may have only been a pencil box because we didn’t have much, but whatever we had, Mom was glad to share.

I respected her honesty. “Don’t say anything behind anyone’s back you wouldn’t say to their face,” she’d say. These are words she lived by. I’m not implying she only said nice things about people but whatever she said, she was willing to stand by it.

I admired her hard work. Believe it or not, it took both of my parents working to keep us in the poverty we had grown accustomed to. I was a “latchkey kid” before they even had the term. Neither of my folks had much of a formal education, so they took whatever jobs they could get. Sometimes Mom would hold down a full-time job and take in ironing on the side. Mom never complained and I never went without home cooke- meals or the necessities in life.

I enjoyed her humor. Mom was a cross between Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry, witty and funny. Once at K-Mart my mom accidentally bumped her shopping cart into another woman’s. Mom jokingly said, “Sorry, you almost need a driver’s license to operate one of these things.” The woman was indignant as she replied, “Well, I don’t!” Then the woman turned her cart quickly around and ran into a post. Mom just passed her up, smiled, and replied, “See what I mean!”

I could count on her encouragement. “You can do it,” she’d say. “You can be whatever you want to be. You can do whatever you want to do.” It may not seem like a big thing now, but Mom always wanted a high school diploma. I remember with pride when she got it. She was in her mid-thirties.   

Mom wasn’t quite as feisty after she became Christian, but she never lost her wit, wisdom, or humor as she gained peace and spiritual understanding. When she looked at a flower, she saw the Creator. When she lived life, she saw purpose. I never told her, but in reflection I think her example was the main catalyst that made me want to become a Christian. How blessed I was to have her for my mother! She was a gift from God.

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

Many scriptures refer to God as a rock, a strong tower, our strength, and our refuge (Psalm 18:2). A refuge is a place that provides shelter and protection from danger and distress. God is our refuge. He’s our safe place to go when this world gets us down. Sometimes I forget that and try to muddle through on my own.

In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to set apart six cities as “cities of refuge,” places where people could flee if they unintentionally killed someone—an accidental death (Deuteronomy 19). These cities were easily accessible and open to everyone. The gates were never locked. They could be protected from those seeking vengeance.  

Moses was the first to use the concept of God being a refuge for all His people (Deuteronomy 33:27). King David said God was his stronghold and refuge (2 Samuel 22:2). Psalm 46:1 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in our time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” Psalm 91:4 lets us know we can take refuge “under God’s wings.”

Spiritually speaking, we all need somewhere to flee when we get off track, inadvertently harm others, and make mistakes. A place to cast our cares during dire circumstances (1 Peter 5:7). A place to find rest when we are tired and weary (Matthew 11:28). A place to find solace when we are fodder for the rumor mill or falsely accused. A place to find comfort when we feel hurt or misunderstood. We have such a place. We can flee towards God’s mercy and grace. God is our refuge.

I often get overwhelmed and anxious which brings an unpleasant churning sensation inside me. Then I read Psalm 94:18-19: “Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” God is my refuge. Thankfully I can go to Him instead of trying to muddle through life on my own.  

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

I am thankful for the imperfections of godly people mentioned in the Bible. Hebrews 11 commends many for their faith, but not for their perfection—because they were not perfect.   

Noah was a just man who walked with God, but got drunk (Genesis 6:9, 21).

Abraham followed God, but lied about Sarah being his sister (Genesis 20:2).

Sarah bore a son when she was old fulfilling God’s promise, but she laughed at the idea and even lied about laughing (Genesis 18:10-15).

Moses parted the Red Sea and led the children of Israel out of Egypt, but grew weary and angry with them (Numbers 20:10).

Joseph lacked wisdom as a youngster, alienating his brothers. Yet, God allowed him to deliver his family from famine (Genesis 37:1-10; 47:11-12).

Rahab shielded the Israelite spies, but she was a harlot (Joshua 2).

David killed Goliath and was called a man after God’s own heart, but he committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 13:14).

These examples are not written to justify bad behavior or give license to sin. They just show us that all have fallen short—not just you and not just me. One day Elijah was calling fire down from heaven and the next he was running for his life in fear of Jezebel (1 Kings 18:20-38: 1 Kings 19:1-10). Why? Because he was human. Humans are flawed, imperfect beings. That doesn’t mean they can’t be dedicated, sincere followers of God. It just means they aren’t perfect.

We do our best to live for God, but make mistakes. To be brutally honest, our best is not good enough. That’s why we need God.  

The Bible says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). The word “perfect” here is “telios” meaning finished, full grown, mature, lacking nothing, or brought to completeness.  It has nothing to do with making mistakes or not being good enough. When God speaks of perfection, He wants us to “be complete” by being spiritually one with His Son, Jesus Christ.

This kind of perfection is not designed to make us look good or perform flawlessly, but to let Christ’s life be manifest through us. It’s about becoming totally dependent on God and letting Him work through us—in spite of our imperfections.      

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

Thousands of years ago, Job asked a question about death that has continued to plague mankind. “If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14) Science may be able to prolong life but not cheat death. Everyone knows death is inevitable and it’s only natural that people want to know what happens after we die.

Death can be hard to face. The Bible refers to it as our final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). A loved one’s death can fill us with helplessness or if it comes quickly, anger. Facing our own death may have us feeling fearful, uncertain, perhaps defeated. Even those who bail out of life with suicide are hoping for something better.

At this time of year, we are reminded of the One who lived and died for us. Jesus Christ loved us so much He came to earth, lived among us, and freely died for our sins. But death was not the end of the story—for He rose from the dead and is victorious. “…Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54, 55)

The good news is that Christ’s victory over death is ours as well. He fought the battle for us. All we have to do is to choose to partake of this victory in Christ. John 5:24 tells us, “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” This has nothing to do with living a good life or earning salvation. It comes from believing and trusting God.

When we understand this concept, singing old hymns like “Victory in Jesus” have so much more meaning—for His victory is our victory too!

Job’s question can be answered because at death our “perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death doesn’t have to be the end; it can be the beginning. Death is swallowed in victory.

Although I don’t want to rush this victorious process, it’s comforting to know Christ’s resurrection gives us blessed assurance. When the women came to Christ’s tomb they were told, “He is not here; He is risen…” (Matthew 28:6). He is risen and lives today—and because He lives, we shall live also. What better reason is there to give thanks!

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

April brings happy thoughts of spring: birds singing, trees budding, flowers blossoming, romance blooming. Just when we are beginning to enjoy a touch of spring fever, our peaceful mood vanishes once we realize taxes are due. Frantically we dig through that shoebox of receipts we call our filing system and try to meet the deadline.

There’s something ironic about filing taxes in April, since virtually all the money we make from January through April goes to the government. Now don’t get me wrong. I know we are to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s (Mark 12:17), but I do think our Caesar takes a little more than a fair share. This is nothing new. In biblical times, tax collectors (today we might call them the IRS) didn’t have a great reputation either. Take for example a certain tax man from Jericho named Zacchaeus (Luke 19). 

In those days, there were only two major highways in Israel. One went right through Jericho, so Jericho was a hub of activity. It had a custom-like toll station where thousands traveled and had to pay taxes on every cow, calf, camel, or anything else breathing that came through. Since it was Passover time, there were tens of thousands of Jews going to Jerusalem on this road. There was quite a crowd—and in this crowd was Jesus.

Now word of Jesus and His miracles had spread. All of these people passing through Jericho wanted to see him. Zacchaeus was no exception, but he did have a disadvantage. He was short—very short—but clever. He ran ahead of the crowd, climbed a sycamore tree near the road which allowed him to easily see above the crowd, and waited. He could see Jesus approaching. Then Jesus stopped near the tree and said, “Zacchaeus! Come down. I’m going to your house today.”

Zacchaeus was shocked, but probably somewhat pleased. After all, Jesus was a bit of a celebrity. The people were shocked as well, but not pleased. Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Even worse, he was the chief tax collector—considered a crook protected by the Roman government and despised by the people. They couldn’t understand why Jesus would choose Zacchaeus to befriend.

We aren’t privy to the conversation between Jesus and Zacchaeus during their time together. All we know is that when Zacchaeus came out to address the murmuring crowd, he was a changed man. “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

I’m sure many thought, “Yeah, right! I’ll believe it when I see it.” That’s what I’d say if the IRS suddenly got religion. Yet Jesus said, “This day salvation has come to this house…For the Son of man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Perhaps His arm was resting on Zacchaeus’s shoulder when He said it, because I’m sure a bond formed between the two for such a transformation to take place. Zacchaeus was no longer lost.

Many valid lessons can be drawn from this biblical account: stewardship, redemption, repentance, reconciliation, salvation, and grace. This list is endless. When I read these scriptures I see love. In spite of Zacchaeus being an unlovable sinner, Jesus loved him.

Love by itself can change so many things. Love can alter how we view others. It can create highs and lows of emotions. Romantic love can make the sky seem bluer, the grass greener. A mother’s love can be unselfish and enduring. A father’s love can be strong and courageous. A friend’s love can be compassionate and understanding. However, the love Jesus has for the unlovable transforms lives. As one of the unlovable ones in life, I’m truly thankful.

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

The Bible says to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15 KJV). Some preachers use this verse to encourage us to study our Bibles so we’ll know the answers to biblical trivia questions. Others think it means we need to be intentionally leading people to Christ. Both concepts may have some merit.

However, perhaps the intent of this passage is that when others see Christians go through trials they are amazed at how well they handle what life throws at them. The reason for this is hope. Christian hope has a positive, encouraging energy that others can’t quite understand. This hope is attractive to a hurting world. This hope gives a peace that passes understanding even in the worst situations (Philippians 4:7). It’s natural that others would be curious and ask where that hope comes from. The answer is simple. It comes from Jesus.

Jesus is the answer to all the problems in this world. When people have questions, Jesus is the answer—and I shouldn’t be afraid to share personal examples of my life to show this if someone asks. Is someone sick? Jesus is the healer and great physician. Is someone seeking knowledge? Jesus is the great teacher. Is someone weary? Jesus gives us rest and comfort. Is someone worried? Jesus gives us peace. Does someone think nobody cares? I care and more importantly, Jesus cares. Does someone feel like a loser? The world may think we are losers but Jesus does not. His life in ours makes us winners regardless of circumstances.

I’m so thankful I don’t have to memorize the whole Bible to be an effective witness for Christ. I’m so thankful that someone’s salvation isn’t dependent on my ineptitude. When someone asks me a question about Christianity all I need to do is pray about it, be available, and gently point them to Jesus. Jesus is the answer!

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

I’ve always been fascinated by the whole pregnancy/childbirth process. Having gone through it three times myself, I can think of no other experience that has reinforced the existence of God to me as much as feeling life inside my body and bringing a baby into the world. I marvel how anyone can think such a miracle is the product of evolution.

There are many arguments in today’s society for not having children. Movies make babies look all cute and cuddly, but the first few months can be grueling. Endless diaper changes, feedings, and sleepless nights take a lot of emotional and physical energy, which can intensify if a baby has health problems or the colic. Children change marriage dynamics. Priorities rearrange as spouses defer to the inconvenience of a helpless infant. Free time becomes a thing of the past.

As children grow, parents realize what a huge commitment and responsibility they are. Children do not make for an orderly lifestyle. They’re messy. They make mistakes. Parents make mistakes. It costs a lot of money to raise a child. It also takes a lot of hard work, energy, and time. Parents try various methods to communicate, educate, teach, and impart spiritual and moral values. They worry about them and hurt for them. Parents struggle watching children make choices they wouldn’t make—not always wrong choices, but different because they are not little robot versions of us. Parents wrestle with how tightly to hold on, how soon to let go.

These are valid arguments for not bringing a child into an overpopulated, evil world. In biblical times, children were considered a blessing (Psalm 127:3 NLT). Today they are considered an inconvenience—because they are. So I can understand why people choose not to have or adopt children.  

Yet, for me, I think God used my children to teach me some of the most valuable lessons of life. In spite of the sleepless nights, I thought every sigh, smile, laugh, and move they made was adorable. They opened my eyes to the creation around me by forcing me to look at sunsets, butterflies, trees, bugs, and flowers. I learned to cope with worry, doubt, frustration, and the realization that “my” way wasn’t always the best for them. I shared their joy and shared their pain. I found out there was something more important in the universe than “me.” I learned to “let go and let God!”

God calls us His children (1 John 3:1) What a bountiful blessing to be called a child of God! How thankful I am that God is willing to love and care for me in spite of how messy and inconvenient I am!  

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

I’m thankful for Thomas. He’s one person in the Bible I truly identify with.

Although there’s not a lot mentioned about Thomas in the Bible, I think I would like him. Also known as Didymus, meaning “twin,” he was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He has been given the dubious nickname “Doubting Thomas,” but I often wonder if this wasn’t because he was the guy who said what everyone else was thinking. Here are a few examples of what I mean.

When the disciples got the word that Jesus’s dear friend Lazarus was very ill, Jesus decided to go to Judea to visit him. Some disciples tried to convince Jesus this wasn’t a good idea because the Jews there wanted to kill Him. However, Thomas said, “Let us also go so we may die with Him” (John 11:16). In other words, “Jesus is determined to go so I guess this is as good a day as any to die. Let’s follow Jesus!”

At the Last Supper, Jesus had an intimate discussion with the disciples to give them edification for the future. He spoke of preparing a place for them and said, “Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas replied, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) You can’t convince me all the other disciples fully understood everything, but Thomas had the guts to say, “Hey, I don’t think I’m totally getting this.”     

In the evening of the day Christ rose from the dead, Jesus came to the disciples. He showed them His nail scarred hands and His pierced side. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn’t there (John 20:19-23). When the disciples told Thomas that Christ had risen and they had seen Him, Thomas said, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:24-25). Jesus had already revealed His scars to the others, but not to Thomas. Personally, I’m not all that sure some of those other disciples wouldn’t have thought the same thing if they hadn’t seen Jesus with their own eyes.

Eight days later when all the disciples, including Thomas, were together, Jesus came to them again. Jesus told Thomas to touch His scars and “be not faithless, but believe.” Thomas humbly responded with, “My Lord and my God.” In fact, Thomas is the first disciple to refer to Jesus as both Lord and GOD. Jesus replied, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:26-29). I don’t think this was a rebuke or disparagement of Thomas’s faith. I see it as Jesus using an opportunity to teach a life lesson, which He so often did.

I’m thankful for Thomas. I consider him a kindred spirit. He may not have always been totally sure what Jesus was talking about, but that didn’t stop him from following. At times, he needed a little more convincing; sometimes he didn’t. I don’t know about you, but that describes my Christian journey.

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

Today starts Daylight Saving Time. We move our clocks forward so we can have more hours of daylight. Some parts of the world call it Summer Time and it’s not a new concept. Benjamin Franklin suggested doing it in 1784 to conserve candle use. Although it would take many, many years for a proposal to take root, today we enjoy it—or endure it—depending on your point of view.  

You wouldn’t think that one hour this way or that would be such a volatile issue but people have very definite opinions about whether it’s a good thing or bad. Arizona and Hawaii don’t observe the time change, but the rest of us have to adapt. All in all, most people like having a little more sunshine time during the day.  

Did you know that time is a gift from God—but a limited one? We don’t know how much time we have to live (James 4:14, Psalm 39:4-5). Therefore, time is a valuable commodity (Psalm 90:12). So we are admonished to make the most of it (Colossians 4:5, Ephesians 5:15-17).

God has also appointed a time for everything in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “To everything there is a season. And a time for every purpose under heaven.” Just like God put the sun and moon in the heavens to mark seasons (Genesis 8:23, Psalm 104:19), He has given us various seasons or times in our lives (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8). There’s a time to be born and a time to die. There is a time to plant and a time to reap…and so on.

God understands the experiences, emotions, and transitions we encounter during our time here on earth and in His wisdom, He gives us time to process them. Life is a balancing act. We won’t always be happy. We won’t always be sad. It’s okay to jump for joy and it’s okay to mourn. We have beginnings and endings. We have highs and lows. God is with us through it all and has reasons for the events in our lives.

God controls time. It doesn’t matter what time zone we’re in or if it’s Daylight Saving Time.  I’m so thankful that my time is in God’s loving hands (Psalm 31:16). And no matter what happens, God makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

I rarely watch or listen to the news anymore. It’s too depressing and often misleading. Disease, distress, and disappointment abound. So do turmoil, fake news, financial setbacks, finger-pointing, and misrepresentation. Sometimes the media is not there to inform, but to promote controversy. So they sensationalize everything that happens.

Yes, it is good to know what’s going on in the world, but to feed on murder, injustice, politics, hate, and health crises 24/7 is not healthy. Neither is looking for conspiracy theories which, if they do exist, we can do nothing about. Constantly filling our minds with bad news gives us no room for anything else. It allows negativity to creep into our lives and consume us.

Yet, in the midst of all this bad news, there is good news if we look for it! The gospel is good news!

The Greek word for gospel is euaggelion which means “good news” or sometimes “God’s good news.”  (See Strong’s Concordance #2027 and #2028.) New Testament authors used this word regarding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. That’s why the first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John gave us various eye witness accounts of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection (Mark 1:1).

Each of these gospels was written from that particular author’s point of view. That’s why there are things one author might mention but another might not. However, that does not weaken the message of the gospel, but reinforces it. If each of us shared our “good news” about Jesus with others, it would vary depending on our experiences but the message would remain the same.

When Christ was born the angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Paul embraced Jesus’s gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24). Jesus came to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:41). Jesus brought the gospel of salvation, a free gift for all who believe (Romans 1:16). The disciples were told to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15).

Now here’s some good news: Jesus came to earth. Jesus dwelt among people. Jesus loved us while we were sinners. Jesus died for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus lives in us. His life, death, and resurrection gives us victory over death (I Corinthians 15:55-57). The good news is that Christ gives us hope in a hopeless world.

I’m so thankful that no matter how bad today’s news is, Christ brings us good news—and that’s the gospel truth!  

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)