Reflections on Being Grateful! January 22, 2024
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.
Who is this Father God, and what are His attributes? The first three describe the awesomeness of our God. Omniscient (Knows everything), Omnipotent (All powerful), and Omnipresent (Always present everywhere).
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Omniscient.
Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth, I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 61:1-3. Omnipotent, The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalms 121:1-4. (Omnipresent).
At three, I remember supper didn’t begin until my brothers said the prayer our parents taught us! It was brief. For all we eat, for all we wear, For all we have, we thank you Father–Amen. Then one day I read these verses: Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33. How many times have you been nudged as a child when given a gift from someone to say thank you? There is no end to the gifts God has given us we enjoy each day–the breath in our lungs, the height of the mountains, the streams of water that flow through the country, filled with fish and other sea creatures. Then there are the wondrous crops that provide the food that we eat. Those things we can see physically.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17.
Our Father in Heaven also gives our hearts and minds spiritual blessings. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:5-6.
Mother had us memorize scripture when we were young, I still can quote this scripture that describes facets of who God is! I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:1-4.
The various designs, colors, and sounds of the animals, the birds in the air, and the sea creatures God spoke into being tell of His power, might and love of beauty. When God spoke to Job, He asked him questions that reveal the majesty and power of God. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7.
What does Isaiah write about the glory of God? “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the peoples, proclaim that His name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 12:4-6.
When John baptized Jesus…And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3 16-17.
Jesus followed the will of God, for they were united in purpose and love for all people. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. Colossians 1:15-18. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1.