Barbara's Banter

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

To worship God means we admire, adore, esteem, exalt, venerate, honor, glorify, respect, revere, pray to, invoke, supplicate, sanctify, and extol Him.  

Why do we worship God? Is it so God will be pleased with us? Do we feel if we worship God, He will be happy with us and give us favor? Not really, because God has already accepted us.

We worship God because He is our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. We worship out of gratitude for who God is and what He has done. Worship acknowledges God’s greatness, His kingship in our lives, and our willingness to have Him rule over us.

Here are just a few reasons to worship God:

• God is our Creator.
• God is our Sustainer.
• God is our Redeemer.
• God loves us.
• God is with us.
• God will never leave or forsake us.
• God is good.
• God will deal with those who have done us wrong.
• God does not condemn us.
• God is for us.
• God will supply our needs.
• God understands us.
• God hears our prayers.
• God loves us enough to not give us everything we want.
• God answers our prayers.
• God is our Comforter.
• God extends His love and grace to us.
• God is our friend.
• Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.
• Jesus rose from the dead.
• Jesus is our Savior.
• God gave us the gift of salvation.
• God has a plan for us.
• God desires a relationship with us.
• God cares about us.
• God has only our best interests in mind.

With Thanksgiving approaching, meditating on these reasons to praise God becomes even more meaningful because thanking God is another way to worship Him. Thanking God means we are appreciative and grateful for all the things listed above—and so much more!

God desires an intimate relationship with us, so try this little experiment. On Thanksgiving Day, take a little time to repeat the list above to yourself, but put the words “I’m thankful that” in front of each phrase. To really make it personal, replace words like “us,” “we,” and “our” with “me” or “my.” Looks like we have a lot more to be thankful for than just a turkey dinner and football.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Programs like Facebook actually give a false concept of what friendship is all about. Through Facebook, we can now have more friends than people we have met in real life. But imagine getting a notification from Facebook saying: Jesus wants to be your friend. Would you press the accept icon? We should—because Jesus really does want to be our friend.

And what a friend He is! People will always disappoint us. Even our best friends can sometimes let us down, but Jesus never will. Jesus is that friend closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). He’ll never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). 

Jesus told the disciples in John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

The disciples might have been surprised when Jesus called them friends. But that’s how Jesus felt. He walked with them, talked with them, and even washed their feet. He shared intimate details of His own relationship with God the Father and invited them to participate in that relationship. 

In John 15:13, Jesus also said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” I guess He meant it because that’s what He did. He died for His disciples and He died for us, because Jesus is our friend. 

There is no better friend to have than Jesus. Just think about it. He accepts us unconditionally. He loves us when we are unlovable. He wants to spend time with us. He’ll never leave or forsake us. He wants only the best for us. He rejoices with us when we accomplish something. He comforts us when we are weary. He picks us up when we fall. He stays with us when we are frightened. He cries with us when we are sad. He laughs with us when we are happy. That’s what friends do. 

As we travel life’s highway, friends can come and go. Sadly, some BFFs will drift out of our lives and become distant memories. Sometimes they move and it’s hard to stay in contact. Sometimes they get offended and no amount of apologizing can soothe the hurt. Sometimes they change and don’t want to have us in their inner circle any more. However, the friendship with Jesus can remain constant.

Jesus does not change (Hebrews 13:8). If our friendship with Jesus dwindles, it’s because we no longer desire to be friends with Him. And through Jesus, we will always be welcome in that Trinitarian “in-crowd”—that “inner circle” of friends—Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and us.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

 “If only” are two little words that keep us from contentment.

In the family favorite movie The Wizard of Oz, little Dorothy from Kansas longs to fly over the rainbow to escape her problems. In a way, she gets her wish when a tornado propels her house into a mystical land called Oz. Of course, Oz is not without problems, so she longs to go home. To do this she must go see a wizard. On her journey, she is joined by a scarecrow, tin man, and cowardly lion—all wishing to get something from the wizard.

The scarecrow feels he would be happy “if only” he had a brain. The tin man thinks he would be happy “if only” he had a heart. The cowardly lion would be happy “if only” he had some courage.

How many of us assume we would be happy or content “if only” we had this or that?

That’s how the Israelites felt when they left Egypt. Just read the accounts in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Their journey to the Promised Land was not without hardships. They thought “if only” God would give them what they wanted they would be content and happy.

• “If only” they had food: God gave them manna and they got tired of it. They wanted meat.
• “If only” they had meat: God gave them quail to eat and they got tired of it.
• “If only” they had water to drink: God gave them water, yet they still complained.
• “If only” Moses would speak to them instead of God: Moses spoke to them and they weren’t happy.

Each time, God graciously gave them what they wanted and they still weren’t happy. That’s what “if only” thinking will do for you. Not only does it foster discontentment, but it skews one’s memory.

For example, the Israelites thought that “if only” they were back in Egypt they would have great food to eat (Numbers 11:4-5). They had forgotten how miserable they were in Egypt (Exodus 1). They didn’t have good food to eat. As slaves, they had scraps. The Egyptians made the lives of the Israelites “bitter with hard bondages.” The king even had their first born sons killed. The Israelites, just like us, had a tendency to idealize the past.  

“If only” thinking keeps us from enjoying the moment. We think we would be happy “if only” we had a bigger house, “if only” we had a better job, “if only” we had married our high school sweetheart, “if only” our children were perfect, “if only” we were thinner…if only, if only, if only. Well, there are plenty of people who have all of these things and are not happy.

Paul learned how to be content in all situations (Philippians 11-13). Whether poor or rich, hungry or full, healthy or suffering, living in peace or affliction, Paul knew his relationship with Christ was the only way to achiever true happiness and contentment.

Sometimes we already have what we think we are seeking, but can’t see it.

The scarecrow thought he had to have a physical brain but he already had wisdom. The tin man thought he needed a physical heart but he already had the capacity to love. The cowardly lion was more courageous than he thought when someone he loved was in danger. And Dorothy found out that there is no place like home. She said, “…if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard; because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.”

Where is our backyard, our home? It’s said that home is where the heart is. If our heart is with God, we can be content. “If only” we could learn that lesson, we would all be a lot happier.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Primary colors are colors in their own right. In other words, they cannot be generated through the mixing of other colors. The basic primary colors are considered to be red, yellow, and blue. However, when we look at the world around us we see more colors than these. Amazingly, God has taken these basic colors and created a multicolored, multifaceted world. We have rich, brilliant, dynamic, and vibrant tones mixed with muted, soft, and subdued hues. Light and shadows are added to produce variances. God knew that a limited palette would be boring, so He created contrast.

God in His infinite wisdom also allows contrast in our lives. The range of emotions He has given us adds texture to our existence. Like a fine tapestry, our lives are woven with a mixture of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, happiness and despair, peace and turmoil, jubilation and grief, success and struggle, faith and doubt, and so on. We can’t really appreciate the good times unless we’ve experienced some bad times.

This is true of every aspect of our lives. Food is more delicious if we have known hunger. Sleep is more blissful if we have worked hard. A drink of water is more quenching if we’ve been dehydrated. Friendship is more valued if we’ve been lonely. Dawn is more beautiful if we’ve lived through the darkness. Life is more precious if we’ve seen death.

We come to know God and appreciate Him more fully because we don’t live a one dimensional life filled with just the pleasantries we want. Through adversities, we learn to walk by faith, not by sight. We learn to trust God and rest in Him. We learn to hear God’s voice and feel His presence. We experience the peace that passes understanding and the comfort of God’s love. We come to know that God’s grace is sufficient for us. Only in our weakness can we acknowledge and rely on God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10).

It’s true that we live in a multicolored world full of contrasting hues, tones, and shades. God designed it that way so we could more fully appreciate Him as Creator. I think God also allows contrasts in our lives so we can more fully appreciate Him as our Lord and Savior. 

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Jesus tells us that He came so we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). What is this more abundant life Jesus spoke of? Is it having robust health? Is it materialism and wealth? Is it success, power, and prestige? After all, aren’t these the things most people yearn for and naturally associate with an abundant life? Well, that might be our interpretation, but our view and God’s view could be vastly different (Isaiah 55:9).

Many think the more abundant life refers to great prosperity. They measure faith by how much God blesses us materially. But do new cars, million dollar homes, plasma TVs, diamonds, rubies, private air planes, or bags of money really draw us closer to God? Contrary to popular opinion, God is not some big sugar daddy in the sky eager to give us everything we ask for.

Most know the primary focus of the Christian life should not be on getting things. It would be difficult to find scriptures that focus on Christians “getting” instead of “giving.” The Bible leans more towards contentment than wanting more, more, more (1 Timothy 6:8-9; Philippians 4:1-3; Hebrews 13:5). In fact, Jesus said that a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of the things he might possess (Luke 12:15).  

I’m not saying an abundant life precludes wealth, health, or worldly success, but it does not depend on it either. Paul knew this better than anyone. He knew how to be abased or exalted, have a full tummy or an empty one, and abound or suffer—and through it all, be content and give thanks (Philippians 4:11-13; Ephesians 5:20). He knew what the abundant life was all about. 

The life referred to in John 10:10 is eternal life, everlasting life, and life without fear of death. The phrase “more abundantly” is the Greek word “perissos” meaning “beyond, more, and above measure.” It refers back to the word “life.” Not only did Jesus come to give us eternal life, but even more than that, He lives His life within us right now. His very presence in us adds something immeasurable to our existence. He is what makes our life abundant and worth living.

Man views abundance in terms of physical possessions. God has a different perspective. His abundant life is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control, compassion, humility, character, wisdom, enthusiasm, dignity, optimism, confidence, honesty, and a relationship with Him. In other words, the more abundant life is full of all the things money can’t buy. The more we open our hearts to God, the more abundant our lives will be.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Being a Christian does not exempt us from trials and troubles. We may try to avoid the raging rivers in life, but sooner or later they catch up with us. We don’t all go through the same troubled waters. Some may face poverty, ill health, or discrimination while others deal with abuse, handicaps, or loss. But let’s face it, all God’s children got stuff to deal with.

Our lives will always be filled with mountains to climb and rivers to cross. At times we may feel like we can’t cross. Our faith is weak. Perhaps sorrow and grief seem greater than we can bear. The challenges we face have depleted our strength. And if we are indeed relying on our own strength, chances are we might not make it. However, God has promised to “pass through the waters” with us.

When the people of Ancient Israel were going through distressing times, God had words of comfort and hope to offer them through the prophet Isaiah. “…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you…” (Isaiah 43:1-2).

The Israelites had been dispersed and scattered by the Assyrians. Judah was being taken captive by Babylon. Yet even though these overwhelming events were happening, God told them He would be with them. When they had to “pass through” difficult times, God would be with them. This was His promise to them—and to us—and God keeps all His promises (1 Kings 8:56).

How can we be sure that God will “pass through” with us? Because God says, “Fear not! I have redeemed you! I have called you by name and you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). We are God’s. He has purchased our eternal salvation. We are precious to God. And while it’s true we must “pass through” the water, God is always with us.

Sometimes God parts the water and we go through on dry land like he did for Moses. However, sometimes we have to actually step in the water first. When Joshua was faced with crossing the overflowing Jordan River into Jericho, God told the Israelites to break camp, form a line, and actually step into the river before it would be opened (Joshua 3:7-17). They had to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). They were told to “set foot into the Jordan”—not to wait for it to open (Joshua 3:13).

Many times we are hesitant to go forward because we want all barriers removed before we proceed. However, God does not usually provide help before help is needed. He doesn’t remove obstacles out of our way before we need them moved. God does everything step by step. That’s why we need to walk with Him. If we are walking with God, we will never have to “pass through the waters” alone.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

When people say, “trust me,” I visualize red flags popping up out of their heads with words like beware, avoid, and caution written across them. I, like so many others, have become jaded by society. Honesty may be the best policy but it seems almost nonexistent today. We have been continually misled by politicians, leaders, media, banks, news commentators, corporations, doctors, reporters, lawyers, and so on. Was there really ever any truth in advertising? Just how long can one store have a “going out of business” sale?

People try to reassure of us of certain things, but more than likely the check is not in the mail, that used car is not in good running condition, the repairman can’t make it just like new, the dog really does bite, your secret will be told, and a Novocain shot hurts more than just a little. No wonder we have trust issues!

Truth be told, we can’t even trust ourselves. We are influenced by emotions and feelings which can be manipulated and misleading. Perhaps that’s why God tells us not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). 

In this world of mistrust, we sometimes forget there is One we can always count on. In good times or bad, God can always be trusted to take care of us and look out for our best interests. We are His children and He loves us (1 John 3:1). Circumstances change but God remains constant (Hebrews 13:8). God is good, and blessed are those who trust Him (Jeremiah 17:7). Christians forget that trust is a choice (Psalm 31:14).  

Most of our choices or decisions are habitual responses, many times governed by our feelings and emotions. Trusting God must be a conscious, moment-by-moment choice. God is with us every step of every day whether we feel it or not. Daily disruptions are opportunities to trust God. Sometimes just whispering “I choose to trust you, Lord” can give us perspective. This trust relinquishes control to God.

When we trust God our happiness does not depend on our circumstances (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Trusting God helps us stop complaining, resenting, and comparing ourselves to others. Often we waste precious time wishing things were different rather than looking for God where we are. God can lift us above our circumstances.

When it comes to God, we don’t need to have trust issues or get discouraged. Corrie ten Boom once said, “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” Trusting God is how we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

We all know the story of Joshua and Caleb. When the Israelites reached the edge of the land God

promised them, Moses was instructed to send twelve men to spy out the land and report on what they saw. All twelve men saw the same thing. The land was indeed lovely and bountiful, but the cities were fortified and the inhabitants huge and powerful.

Ten spies gave discouraging reports and said it was too difficult to take the land. However, Joshua and Caleb knew it could be done. Why? Because they kept God in the picture! Odds can be against us and obstacles insurmountable, but with God, all things are possible.

Did you know that Caleb’s name actually means faithful, devoted, and wholehearted? Following God wholeheartedly does have its benefits. The disbelieving Israelites would not be able to enter the Promised Land but Caleb and Joshua would. God said that Caleb “had a different spirit in him and has followed Me wholeheartedly” (Numbers 14:24 NIV).

Only Joshua and Caleb would enter because they “wholeheartedly followed the Lord” (Numbers 32:11-12 NIV; Deuteronomy 1:36 NIV). Not only would Caleb enter the Promised Land, but at age 85 he was able to drive out the Anakins and receive a rich inheritance because he “wholeheartedly followed the Lord” (Joshua 14:8-14 NIV).

I wonder what it means to wholeheartedly follow God. What did Caleb and Joshua have that others didn’t? Personally, I think it was unwavering faith in a mighty God. This is not the same as blind faith which is faith for no apparent reason. Caleb and Joshua had seen the miracles God had performed and internalized them. They didn’t have to rely on their abilities because they were confident God would do what He promised. So if God said, “Take the land,” then they should take the land. Their God was bigger than any obstacle in their pathway.

It reminds me of David. David was a flawed individual and made lots of mistakes. Yet he’s called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). What did David have that others didn’t? Unabashed faith in a mighty God!

When just a shepherd boy, he defeated Goliath. He remembered how God had delivered him from a lion and a bear to protect the sheep under his care (1 Samuel 17:37). So when soldiers cowered away from Goliath he said, “Who is this Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). David warned Goliath that he had no idea who he was messing with. To defy the living God is a dangerous thing. David didn’t need a sword or spear to defeat Goliath because this battle belonged to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45-47).    

WOW! That’s how I want to think of God. Great! Mighty! Powerful! Bigger than any problem I face. Fully capable of handling any situation! I want a spirit in me that believes and follows God wholeheartedly.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

An epistle is a letter. The epistles of Paul are actual letters he wrote to various areas. In one letter he wrote to the Corinthians, he mentions that followers of Christ are actual living letters that all who see can read.

2 Corinthians 3:1-3: “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men, manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

Being compared to letters may not seem significant in a society that rarely writes them, but years ago letter writing was almost an art form. With no phones or e-mail, it was a major genre of communication. People spent a great deal of time and put a lot of thought into each of these compositions. Much of what we have learned from history can be found in letters exchanged between friends and loved ones.

In the early church, it was the custom for some teachers to bring letters of introduction or commendation from a well-known Christian leader or another church to validate their ministry. Some were authentic; some were not. Some questioned Paul’s authority to preach because he had no such letters. However, Paul felt his teaching about Christ and the lives impacted by it would serve as his “letter.”

Paul had no better recommendation than the changed lives of the Corinthian believers themselves. These believers lived in one of the worst cities in the ancient world. So evil was its reputation, the phrase “Corinthianize” meant to corrupt. Yet in the midst of this licentiousness lived Christians who were a living testimony of the power of Christ to transform lives. These Corinthian believers were an open letter for all to read—and so are we.

Just like the Corinthian believers, our spiritual letters are not written on paper with pen and ink, but on our hearts by the Spirit of God. We are living letters and all who enter our lives, whether casually or intimately, can read every word written.

Fortunately, we can let God do the writing because we are His epistles. Signed, sealed, and delivered—we are His!

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

I’m sure you’ve heard the story about an old Cherokee teaching his grandson about life, but it is worth repeating. The old man said, “There is a fight going on inside of me between two wolves. One is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He goes on to say, “The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight goes on inside of everyone, even you.”

The young boy thought a moment, then asked, “Which wolf will win?”

The grandfather replied, “The one you feed.”

This same battle goes on inside of all of us. Unfortunately, too many people today have chosen to feed the wrong wolf. The result is uncontrolled hatred and anger which makes for difficult relationships.

Uncontrolled hatred can lead to blind rage. Uncontrolled anger can cause us to take our frustrations out on others. Arguing becomes all about wanting others to believe we are right,  whether we are or not. Debating is all about winning, not about truth. Finding two people with different points of view who can dialogue or have a give-and-take conversation with respect is rare indeed. Our approach depends on which of our inner wolves we are feeding. 

I must admit that I think the world would be a much better place if everyone just agreed with me and did things my way, but they don’t. How does this make me feel? Angry? Bitter? Upset?

God created us to be different. We have different eyes and hair, shapes and sizes, backgrounds and environments, likes and dislikes. It would be reasonable to assume that we have different points of view and opinions. That’s why God deals with us as individuals. However, we must always remember that what God thinks is more important than what we think. So we must constantly feed on His Word to win our inward battle.

Our very being needs to be filled with God’s love. People guided with God’s love speak gently and with kindness. They say, “There but for the grace of God go I,” instead of adopting an “I’m holier than you” attitude.

God’s Spirit is one of cooperation not division. Those filled with God’s Spirit want to be a part of the solution, not just point out the problem. They want to work for the betterment of the whole, not just for what pleases them.

Therefore, we must feed on…

• …compassion and kindness (1 Peter 3:8).
• …humility and patience (Ephesians 4:1-3).
• …peace, encouragement, and edification (Romans 14:19).
• …avoiding strife and respecting others (Philippians 2:1-5).

God’s Word is full of tasty morsels to help win the battle waged inside us for our soul. Our relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the best soul food we can have to face the challenges of each new day.   

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)