Count Your Blessings
 
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm.100:4).


Of all the hymns in our songbooks, none expresses the joy of thanksgiving better than “Count Your Blessings”. With its true to life lyrics and up-beat tempo (It is NOT to be sung slowly), it is difficult to sing the words without thinking upon the countless blessings we have received from our loving, caring, and benevolent God.
 
The first verse describes a life filled with trials; a life tossed about by the tempests of this world. Such difficulties may leave us tired, disheartened and discouraged. The lyrics then offer a tried-and-true remedy: “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Doing so will not only help us realize how much we are blessed by God, but will lift our spirits, as well.
 
The second stanza speaks of heavy burdens and the cross we may have to bear. But cross bearing is part of discipleship (Luke 9:23). Yet God will not only provide strength to hold us up, He has also blessed us with supportive brethren to help bear our burdens (Gal. 6:2).


The third verse mentions observing the wealthy of the world who seem to have it all. However, as Christians we have something of far greater value than fleeting  riches - everlasting treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21).
 
The final section describes a God who is in control of all things (Dan. 2:21). This knowledge is a great source of comfort and encouragement in this seemingly chaotic world. Regardless of what is occurring around us, God’s presence, promises, help and blessings cannot help but sustain us with courage and hope.
 
Above all, the reunions and glorious mansions awaiting us in heaven should fill out hearts with perpetual thanksgiving!
 
“Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

United We Stand!
 
Following the most tumultuous election in recent memory, some Christians have suggested that if Americans would apply several scriptural directives, our nation will become stronger and more united than ever. Scriptures frequently cited include:
 
 
·    SPEAK EVIL of no one – Tit. 3:2.
 
·    DO NOT RETURN EVIL for evil – 1 Pet. 3:9.
 
·    HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, let him cast the first stone… John 8:7. 
 
·    BE PEACEABLE, gentle, showing humility to all men - Tit. 3:2.
 
·    WORK HARD to maintain unity - Eph. 4:3.
 
·    TREAT others as if they are superior to you - Phil. 2:3.
 
·    BE PATIENT with the failings of others - Eph. 4:2.
 
·    FORGIVE as you have been forgiven - Col. 3:13.
 
·    BE WILLING to sacrifice your personal rights for the sake of unity – Rom. 14:21.
 
·    PRAY for each other – Jam. 5:16.
 
·    PRAY for our leaders, regardless of who they are – 1 Tim. 2:1-2.
 
·    LOVE as brothers, be tenderhearted and courteous - 1 Pet 3:8.
 
Who can dispute that compliance with even half of the aforementioned scriptures would make a significant impact in bringing Americans together, regardless of party affiliation?
 
In addition, the same commands will also aid in unifying the Lord’s church. Are you aware that discord and friction between members has caused more congregations to struggle, decline and even close down than virtually all other reasons? Although disagreements between Christians sometimes occur, failure to deal with them with love, patience and humility often leads to resentment and animosity. Division frequently follows. Jesus warned, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation: and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" (Matt. 12:25).
 
That said, reread the 12 scriptures cited above. Make it a point to apply them to your interactions with others in the church. Doing so will have a significant impact in increasing and preserving the unity of the body of Christ.
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis

​Is Lunch TOO Important?
 
There is a question that sometimes distracts Christians during the Sunday morning worship service. “Where shall we go for lunch?” As the service continues, some members think about possible options: Arby’s, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Pizza, KFC, Kroger’s fried chicken, leftovers, etc.
 
Should you walk into any given restaurant at noon on a Sunday, you’ll likely see “church folks” answering the question (that may have been on their minds during worship). They might be seen feasting on roast beef sandwiches, tacos, burgers, fries or fried chicken, while sipping soft drinks or iced tea.
 
Before proceeding, let it be known that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a meal at a restaurant subsequent to church services. However, this is a suitable opportunity to consider three salient points.
 
1. None of us (the preacher included), is immune to being distracted as we worship God. Nevertheless, if we notice that our minds are increasingly straying at church services, we need to examine our priorities (2 Cor. 13:5). Being easily distracted is a sign that our focus is faulty. Whether we are worshipping God or doing virtually anything else, we must heed Paul’s directive to “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).
 
2. Our concentration must be especially focused when we partake of the Lord’s Supper. “For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Cor. 11:29).
 
3. I recall hearing a waitress comment, “I am glad that many Christians eat out on Sundays. If they didn’t, we’d be forced to close every Sunday.” Think that over for a moment. Would that be a bad thing? Some of us remember a time when the vast majority of stores were closed on Sundays. It was considered “Church Day”. In time, however, increasing numbers of people (including Christians) clamored for stores to open up on Sundays. Due to this, some Christians are now obligated to work on Sunday.
 
Remember – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
 
Live for the Lord in 2024!
 
Dennis