Good morning,
I pray you have had a great week. We have. It is busy at times but that's the way I like it.
I had the privilage of preaching in a small church last week and I thank God for answered prayers that He allowed me to be there. Yesterday, I had to turn down two pastors that asked me to preach for them the next two weeks, because I am already booked, praise the Lord!
Thank you for your prayers, for your emails and comments, and your financial gifts without these we couldn't go on. You will never know what you mean to us, the encouragement you give us. Thank You.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Two Horses
Author unknown
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop
your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner
has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes
from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.
It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends,
You'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse,
And that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk
To where the other horse is,
Trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns
To the shelter of the barn each evening,
It stops occasionally and looks back,
Making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses,
God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect
Or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
To help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse
Being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.
Good friends are like that ... You may not always see them, but you know they
are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
And remember...
Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....and
Leave the rest to God
With thanks to Catherine Alexander
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Sunday's Coming
It is that time of the week again, time sure flies when your having fun,huh?
I pray all is well with you today. We continue to receive prayer request, so I continue to ask that you lift our friends and their needs to the Lord.
Last week I did a funeral for the husband of a lady we had met while I was the pastor at a local church. There was tension among the family and after the service one daughter told me she was glad her father was gone. This led to a sermon on forgiveness which God was gracious to allow me a place to preach it. The text is Mathew 18:21-35. If you have someone in your life now that you need to forgive or ask them to forgive you, then pray and call or go see them. Don't let it end like this young lady, bitter even to the end. There is no way to say I'm sorry after they are gone.
I want to say thank you, again, to those of you who have given to our ministry again this month. Without you, we could not continue. You are such a part of our ministry. Your emails, phone calls, support and visits encourage us so that we can go on doing what we know God is leading us to do.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
The mother of four young boys often had difficulty curbing their energy, especially in church. But when her minister preached on "turning the other cheek," the boys gave him their undivided attention.
“No matter what others do to us,” he said, “we should never try to ‘get even.’”
That afternoon the youngest boy came into the house crying. Between sobs he said he’d kicked one of his brothers, who then kicked him in return.
"I’m sorry you’re hurt," his mother said. "But you shouldn’t go around kicking people."
Still choking back tears, he replied, "But the preacher said he isn’t supposed to kick me back."
[Jane Vajnar, Tampa, Kansas. "Lite Fare," Christian Reader.]
I pray all is well with you today. We continue to receive prayer request, so I continue to ask that you lift our friends and their needs to the Lord.
Last week I did a funeral for the husband of a lady we had met while I was the pastor at a local church. There was tension among the family and after the service one daughter told me she was glad her father was gone. This led to a sermon on forgiveness which God was gracious to allow me a place to preach it. The text is Mathew 18:21-35. If you have someone in your life now that you need to forgive or ask them to forgive you, then pray and call or go see them. Don't let it end like this young lady, bitter even to the end. There is no way to say I'm sorry after they are gone.
I want to say thank you, again, to those of you who have given to our ministry again this month. Without you, we could not continue. You are such a part of our ministry. Your emails, phone calls, support and visits encourage us so that we can go on doing what we know God is leading us to do.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
The mother of four young boys often had difficulty curbing their energy, especially in church. But when her minister preached on "turning the other cheek," the boys gave him their undivided attention.
“No matter what others do to us,” he said, “we should never try to ‘get even.’”
That afternoon the youngest boy came into the house crying. Between sobs he said he’d kicked one of his brothers, who then kicked him in return.
"I’m sorry you’re hurt," his mother said. "But you shouldn’t go around kicking people."
Still choking back tears, he replied, "But the preacher said he isn’t supposed to kick me back."
[Jane Vajnar, Tampa, Kansas. "Lite Fare," Christian Reader.]
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sunday's Coming
Good morning,
I pray all is well with you today. I have heard from some of you and the summer has been quiet a trial. Let us join together and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ now as the Lord leads. (Pray!)
LaVon's mother had cataract surgery yesterday and did very well. LaVon has been staying with her, so it gets a little lonesome here by myself. Pray for us for this time in our lives.
I have a funeral to do today, so I get to preach for a little bit. It will be outside in 100 degree weather, so please pray for me.
You know being on vacation for a few weeks is good but after that I really get bored and need something to do. Since I have no church to pastor it is hard to stay motivated. I read a quote from Zig Ziglar this week.
After a speech one day, Zig Ziglar was approached by someone in the audience who said:
"Zig, it was a great speech, but...motivation doesn't last."
Zig said, "Bathing doesn't either. That's why I recommend it daily!"
I need to be motivated just like everyone else, daily. God sees my need and inspires you to send an email or to phone. Thanks, it gets me going again.
I pray you have a great day and will be motivated today to do something for the Lord. Thanks for your support through your prayers, emails and financial support without any of these we could not stay motivated.
A sister and brother are talking to each other when the little boy gets up and walks over to his Grandpa and says, "Grandpa, please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "No."
The little boy goes on, "Please...please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "No, now go play."
The little boy then says to his sister, "Go tell Grandpa to make a frog noise."
So the little girl goes to her Grandpa and says, "Please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "I just told your brother ’no’ and I’m telling you ’no’."
The little girl says, "Please...please Grandpa Make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "Why do you want me to make a frog noise?"
The little girl replied, "Because mommy said when you croak we can go to Disney World!"
This morning, what motivates us in our day by day living?
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
(Read John 21:15-17)
I pray all is well with you today. I have heard from some of you and the summer has been quiet a trial. Let us join together and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ now as the Lord leads. (Pray!)
LaVon's mother had cataract surgery yesterday and did very well. LaVon has been staying with her, so it gets a little lonesome here by myself. Pray for us for this time in our lives.
I have a funeral to do today, so I get to preach for a little bit. It will be outside in 100 degree weather, so please pray for me.
You know being on vacation for a few weeks is good but after that I really get bored and need something to do. Since I have no church to pastor it is hard to stay motivated. I read a quote from Zig Ziglar this week.
After a speech one day, Zig Ziglar was approached by someone in the audience who said:
"Zig, it was a great speech, but...motivation doesn't last."
Zig said, "Bathing doesn't either. That's why I recommend it daily!"
I need to be motivated just like everyone else, daily. God sees my need and inspires you to send an email or to phone. Thanks, it gets me going again.
I pray you have a great day and will be motivated today to do something for the Lord. Thanks for your support through your prayers, emails and financial support without any of these we could not stay motivated.
A sister and brother are talking to each other when the little boy gets up and walks over to his Grandpa and says, "Grandpa, please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "No."
The little boy goes on, "Please...please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "No, now go play."
The little boy then says to his sister, "Go tell Grandpa to make a frog noise."
So the little girl goes to her Grandpa and says, "Please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "I just told your brother ’no’ and I’m telling you ’no’."
The little girl says, "Please...please Grandpa Make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "Why do you want me to make a frog noise?"
The little girl replied, "Because mommy said when you croak we can go to Disney World!"
This morning, what motivates us in our day by day living?
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
(Read John 21:15-17)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Good morning,
I pray all is well with you today and if it's not and you will share with me, LaVon and I will pray with you. I am still not preaching anywhere and I'm believing God is allowing me to get some much needed rest before our time back in Arizona. I ask that you keep us in your prayers.
We have been busy, even if I am not preaching somewhere. There are still people who need someone to talk and pray with. This week brought a lady that went to my church a few years back. Her husband was dying; she wanted to talk to me. LaVon and I drove to her house just after he had died and prayed with the family. I also prayed with her on the phone the night before. God uses us in many different ways. God is Good!
We are able to do this ministry because of you and your generous support. God has blessed us with some of the sweetest people in the world as ministry partners. So, today I want to say 'thank you' for listening to the Lord: for your prayers, emails and comments you leave on this post, and for your financial support. May God bless you!
Wanted!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” —Luke 9:23-26
MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS.
What do you think? Would you sign up for this? Sir Ernest Shackleton, an Irish-born explorer, reportedly ran this advertisement to recruit men for an expedition across the Antarctic Continent in 1914. With no promise of success, twenty-seven signed up to join Shackleton on this journey.
Reread Luke 9:23-26. Jesus has asked us follow Him on a journey we call the Christian life. What does it mean to pick up your cross? Are you ready to be persecuted, mocked, ridiculed, spit upon? Christians are not promised great rewards on earth…but crowns in heaven. Like Shackleton’s journey, the Christian life rarely pays well, nor does it promise safety. You’ll experience darkness and danger. However, in the end, if you are willing to pick up your cross and persevere throughout the journey, there is eternal glory.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
I pray all is well with you today and if it's not and you will share with me, LaVon and I will pray with you. I am still not preaching anywhere and I'm believing God is allowing me to get some much needed rest before our time back in Arizona. I ask that you keep us in your prayers.
We have been busy, even if I am not preaching somewhere. There are still people who need someone to talk and pray with. This week brought a lady that went to my church a few years back. Her husband was dying; she wanted to talk to me. LaVon and I drove to her house just after he had died and prayed with the family. I also prayed with her on the phone the night before. God uses us in many different ways. God is Good!
We are able to do this ministry because of you and your generous support. God has blessed us with some of the sweetest people in the world as ministry partners. So, today I want to say 'thank you' for listening to the Lord: for your prayers, emails and comments you leave on this post, and for your financial support. May God bless you!
Wanted!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” —Luke 9:23-26
MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS.
What do you think? Would you sign up for this? Sir Ernest Shackleton, an Irish-born explorer, reportedly ran this advertisement to recruit men for an expedition across the Antarctic Continent in 1914. With no promise of success, twenty-seven signed up to join Shackleton on this journey.
Reread Luke 9:23-26. Jesus has asked us follow Him on a journey we call the Christian life. What does it mean to pick up your cross? Are you ready to be persecuted, mocked, ridiculed, spit upon? Christians are not promised great rewards on earth…but crowns in heaven. Like Shackleton’s journey, the Christian life rarely pays well, nor does it promise safety. You’ll experience darkness and danger. However, in the end, if you are willing to pick up your cross and persevere throughout the journey, there is eternal glory.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Good Morning,
It's been a busy week and I didn't take the computer with me so the posting this week is a little late.
Tuesday, I went to Eufaula, Oklahoma to visit the director of CRM medical clincs and also to see the clinic in action. Richard and I had a great time together and it was good to see his passion for what he does. He gave me a tour of God's Helping Hands, which is the food and clothing closet. God's Helping Hands also offers assistance for emergency needs. There are many volunteers that make this ministry happen.
Wednesday night, we went to Home of Hope, the free medical clinic. We had dinner together, furnished by a Sunday School class from the church next door. Richard led the devotional and then we had a time of prayer. Everything was going great until the storm knocked out the electricity. Being very resourceful, everyone opened their cell phones to light the way until candles were brought in. They never skipped a beat. If Satan intended to thwart the efforts, he failed.
As a chaplain, I got to be a part of seeing one of the patients and praying with her. Oh, what a mighty God we serve. I pray these people got to see Jesus in all of us that night and every day of our lives.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - Colossians 1:27
Today, I am passing along a story (author unknown). It asks a powerful question, "Do people see Jesus in you?" After you read it, pray that everyone would see your Lord in and through you everyday!
I Saw Jesus
I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the building we call our church; He was alone and working hard. For just a minute, He looked a little like one of the people who regularly attends our church. But it was Jesus. I could tell by His smile.
I saw Jesus Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn't talk real loud or use long words. But you could tell that He believed what He said. For just a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher. But it was Jesus. I could tell by His loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute He looked like a guy I saw at the worship gathering last week. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the tears in His eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in the kitchen fixing my breakfast and making me a special lunch. For just a minute He looked like my wife. But it was Jesus. I could feel the love from His heart.
I saw Jesus this afternoon. He was cutting the grass in the community where I live. He was smiling and waving at everyone who drove down our street. It made me feel special even if it was for only a moment. For a minute, I thought it was just another person we paid to keep our community clean. But it was Jesus. No one else could have that much joy.
I saw Jesus tonight. He was sitting out in the street looking for someone to help Him. For a minute He looked like just another homeless person. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the look of sincere suffering in His eyes.
I see Jesus everywhere. Taking food to the sick. Welcoming others to His home. Being friendly to someone who needs love. And for just a minute, I think He's someone I know. But it's always Jesus. I can tell by the way He serves.
May someone see Jesus in you today.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don
It's been a busy week and I didn't take the computer with me so the posting this week is a little late.
Tuesday, I went to Eufaula, Oklahoma to visit the director of CRM medical clincs and also to see the clinic in action. Richard and I had a great time together and it was good to see his passion for what he does. He gave me a tour of God's Helping Hands, which is the food and clothing closet. God's Helping Hands also offers assistance for emergency needs. There are many volunteers that make this ministry happen.
Wednesday night, we went to Home of Hope, the free medical clinic. We had dinner together, furnished by a Sunday School class from the church next door. Richard led the devotional and then we had a time of prayer. Everything was going great until the storm knocked out the electricity. Being very resourceful, everyone opened their cell phones to light the way until candles were brought in. They never skipped a beat. If Satan intended to thwart the efforts, he failed.
As a chaplain, I got to be a part of seeing one of the patients and praying with her. Oh, what a mighty God we serve. I pray these people got to see Jesus in all of us that night and every day of our lives.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - Colossians 1:27
Today, I am passing along a story (author unknown). It asks a powerful question, "Do people see Jesus in you?" After you read it, pray that everyone would see your Lord in and through you everyday!
I Saw Jesus
I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the building we call our church; He was alone and working hard. For just a minute, He looked a little like one of the people who regularly attends our church. But it was Jesus. I could tell by His smile.
I saw Jesus Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn't talk real loud or use long words. But you could tell that He believed what He said. For just a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher. But it was Jesus. I could tell by His loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute He looked like a guy I saw at the worship gathering last week. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the tears in His eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in the kitchen fixing my breakfast and making me a special lunch. For just a minute He looked like my wife. But it was Jesus. I could feel the love from His heart.
I saw Jesus this afternoon. He was cutting the grass in the community where I live. He was smiling and waving at everyone who drove down our street. It made me feel special even if it was for only a moment. For a minute, I thought it was just another person we paid to keep our community clean. But it was Jesus. No one else could have that much joy.
I saw Jesus tonight. He was sitting out in the street looking for someone to help Him. For a minute He looked like just another homeless person. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the look of sincere suffering in His eyes.
I see Jesus everywhere. Taking food to the sick. Welcoming others to His home. Being friendly to someone who needs love. And for just a minute, I think He's someone I know. But it's always Jesus. I can tell by the way He serves.
May someone see Jesus in you today.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Sunday's Coming
Good morning once again,
Time sure flies doesn't it?
We continue staying busy and visiting with family and friends. We went to a church just up the road from us Sunday. It was a good experience. LaVon went back last night to take a women's class that I am sure she will share at Sunscape this winter.
Thank you for your emails, phone calls, visits and your financial support. Sunday nite we went to a church fellowship and Bible study; food and study were both great. The study was "How do you Handle Worry". I was asked how I handle worry. My reply was to trust God. He takes care of us by giving us not only what is good but what is best for us. This summer we are trusting God for our needs since right now we have no extra income to meet our expenses. God, through his great love for us, sees fit to bless some of you by encouraging you to give to our ministry. I can't say thank you enough, you are special to us.
This morning my heart is heavy for many of you, for your loss of loved ones, for the trials and health issues you are going through. Know we pray for you often and I know God is listening and He wants what's best for you as well. I read this devotional today that speaks to this or it did to me.
Beauty for Ashes
Thank you for your emails, phone calls, visits and your financial support. Sunday nite we went to a church fellowship and Bible study; food and study were both great. The study was "How do you Handle Worry". I was asked how I handle worry. My reply was to trust God. He takes care of us by giving us not only what is good but what is best for us. This summer we are trusting God for our needs since right now we have no extra income to meet our expenses. God, through his great love for us, sees fit to bless some of you by encouraging you to give to our ministry. I can't say thank you enough, you are special to us.
This morning my heart is heavy for many of you, for your loss of loved ones, for the trials and health issues you are going through. Know we pray for you often and I know God is listening and He wants what's best for you as well. I read this devotional today that speaks to this or it did to me.
Beauty for Ashes
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
"…and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." —Isaiah 61:3
A friend of mine was asked by a young couple to perform a memorial at sea for their stillborn child. The three of them planned to spread the baby’s ashes at sea. The morning they chose was overcast and glum, reflecting their feelings of loss. They huddled together on deck, praying through swollen, tear-stained eyes while they pulled away from the shore. When the time drew near to spread the ashes, the young couple did not want to remove the ashes from the small satin box, but instead intended to throw the box overboard. The captain explained to them that it was better to open the box and release the ashes to the waves. With reservation and tears, the couple stood at the railing, releasing their baby’s ashes over the sea. They stood together watching the ashes float away and spread across the rolling sea.
At this moment, something unexpected happened. The clouds parted enough to let a beam of sunlight shine down where the ashes drifted. For an instant, the ash began to sparkle in the sunlight. As my friend shared her story with me, she described the moment as surreal. For what she saw in that moment was beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning and praise for despair. She understood a deep truth about the Lord.
Each of us hides pain inside. Whether it is a shameful past, a break-up, losing a loved one or bad decisions, we all have “ashes” hidden in a box. We try to cover our loss with a beautiful exterior, attempting to make what resides inside less painful than it is. Yet, to experience healing, we need to let those hidden things go. God sees our deepest parts and inmost thoughts. He wants to turn our mourning to praise and give us hope, but we can prevent this healing process from taking place if we hold on too tightly to our pain.
Like the young couple on the boat, we too need to be willing to scatter our pain into the Lord’s hands so He can make beauty of our ashes.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sunday's Coming
Good morning again,
I pray all is well with you today. I have heard from many of you who are having trials in your life or your family. Thanks for sharing and know we are praying for each request.
We continue to seek God's direction for the summer months and we ask you to keep us in your prayers. Thanks again for your encouraging words by phone calls, emails or in person. I also want to say thanks to those of you who help us financially. Your gift, I know, is from the direction of God who knows our needs.
This morning, as I was reading, this caught my attention since the title of my blog is Count it All Joy:
Joy in Everything (by David Jeremiah)
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." James 1:2
Recommended Reading1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
No small amount of harm has been done by well-intentioned Christians who misquote a particular Bible verse when attempting to comfort the grieving: "Don't forget that Scripture says to, ‘Give thanks for all things.'" Actually, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 doesn't say, "For everything give thanks;" it says, "In everything give thanks." And there is a world of difference between those two small words.
The Bible doesn't say we should rejoice and give thanks for the event that has caused our grief, suffering, or impatience—a lost job, the death of a loved one, or an unmet expectation. But it does say we should give thanks in (in the midst of) that situation. And why should we do that? Because giving thanks to God is an expression of our confident faith that He is aware of our situation and our need. The Bible is filled with expressions and promises that give us reason to trust God in the midst of trials and tribulations (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 11:11-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19).
Joy and thanksgiving in the midst of troubles are not normal in this world. But that is why we are exhorted to express them. Joy in the midst of trials is another sign that we are in, but not of, this world.
"Joy is the serious business of heaven." ( C. S. Lewis)
Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don
Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
I pray all is well with you today. I have heard from many of you who are having trials in your life or your family. Thanks for sharing and know we are praying for each request.
We continue to seek God's direction for the summer months and we ask you to keep us in your prayers. Thanks again for your encouraging words by phone calls, emails or in person. I also want to say thanks to those of you who help us financially. Your gift, I know, is from the direction of God who knows our needs.
This morning, as I was reading, this caught my attention since the title of my blog is Count it All Joy:
Joy in Everything (by David Jeremiah)
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." James 1:2
Recommended Reading1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
No small amount of harm has been done by well-intentioned Christians who misquote a particular Bible verse when attempting to comfort the grieving: "Don't forget that Scripture says to, ‘Give thanks for all things.'" Actually, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 doesn't say, "For everything give thanks;" it says, "In everything give thanks." And there is a world of difference between those two small words.
The Bible doesn't say we should rejoice and give thanks for the event that has caused our grief, suffering, or impatience—a lost job, the death of a loved one, or an unmet expectation. But it does say we should give thanks in (in the midst of) that situation. And why should we do that? Because giving thanks to God is an expression of our confident faith that He is aware of our situation and our need. The Bible is filled with expressions and promises that give us reason to trust God in the midst of trials and tribulations (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 11:11-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19).
Joy and thanksgiving in the midst of troubles are not normal in this world. But that is why we are exhorted to express them. Joy in the midst of trials is another sign that we are in, but not of, this world.
"Joy is the serious business of heaven." ( C. S. Lewis)
Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don
Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
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