 Gratitude for Small Things
A TIME FOR THANKS Terry R. Baughman “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God” (2 Corinthians 9:10–11). Typically, we will feel the most grateful when we receive an unexpected or extravagant gift. When you are totally surprised and blessed more than you ever imagined it is easy to be overcome with thanksgiving and effusing in gratitude. On the other hand it is easy to overlook the small everyday blessings we receive, things like clothing, food, safety, and peace. There are so many small blessings that make up a day that it would be impossible to express thankfulness for them all. When our children were small we would always try to pray with them before they went to sleep. Sometimes we would ask them about something for which they were thankful that day. They loved the exercise (perhaps it was just a way to stay awake a little longer). They would often ask, “Are we going to do ‘thankful for’s’ tonight?” I still remember them saying, “I’m thankful for mommy and daddy and ….” The list was endless, and usually what we would consider mundane. They would name the things they ate, their toys, friends, other family members, and pets. We would often have to stop them saying, “That’s enough for tonight.” The lesson we learned from our kids is that we can be truly thankful for everything regardless of how insignificant it may seem. If our children can be thankful for the simple things each day perhaps we can learn to pick out a few small things each day to celebrate. How about a smooth, trouble-free commute to work? How about a beautiful day or a gorgeous sunset? How about counting the friends with whom you associate? How about being thankful for a bill paid, food on the table, and money left over for emergencies? There is much we can be thankful for if we will take inventory of the small things that we normally take for granted. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3–5). He expressed thankfulness for them every time he remembered them and joyfully prayed for them rejoicing because of their connection in the gospel work. This is all the more revealing when it is discovered in the text that Paul is imprisoned and in chains. Rather than bemoaning his fate and crying for sympathy and the prayers of others, he communicated his gratefulness for the wonderful fellowship of believers. Paul’s thanksgiving even extended to his chains and imprisonment. He said, “the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” and because of Paul’s thankful and positive attitude, other believers became increasingly “bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12, 14). May we become more thankful for the good things no matter how insignificant and receive grace to become more aware of God’s blessing even in adversity. Be thankful in everything! Scripture: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  A Place of Rest
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Terry R. Baughman “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). Rest is required for us all. The physiological composition of humanity dictates that all have an appropriate time of rest to replenish and restore after expending energy. Lives are cyclical. There are times of action, exertion, and productivity, but these periods must also be followed by a commensurate time of rest, relaxation, and recuperation. The pattern of creativity and rest was given in the beginning. In six days God made all of creation, then on the seventh day God rested. If one who has all power in heaven and earth would take a break after six days of action, then we should also make rest a priority in our schedule of activity. Under the Law one of the commandments was to observe and keep the Sabbath day. From the pattern of creation we are well-advised to take one day a week to recharge our batteries and fulfill our need for rest. Western culture is sometimes chaotic. Though we have more conveniences and labor saving devices we continue to lead stress-filled lives and experience the compulsion to be active continually. As we experience more and more pressure it seems that we accomplish less and less. Our productivity is diminished by our continual need to appear busy so we claim to be multitasking while only halfway accomplishing many tasks and failing to complete the most important needs. Sometimes we must call a time out and exit the cyclical rat race for a time of respite. Stop the chaos. Cease the chase. Unplug the technology. Soak in the silence. Find rest in the realm of the Spirit. In those times you will find spiritual refreshing. Jesus called us to relationship and in that relationship we will find rest for our souls. “Come to Me,” Jesus said, “all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The Holy Spirit was given that we might enjoy the rest and the refreshing of God in us. The prophet predicted a day of divine deliverance, ecstatic experience, and spiritual rest. “For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, To whom He said, ‘This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,’ And, ‘This is the refreshing’” Isaiah 28:11-12). The greatest relief from our stress-filled lives will be found in the New Birth experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Home should be a place of rest. It takes some effort to create an environment for relaxation. Find the things that bring peace in life and fill the home with them. Play spiritual music. Control the media that is displayed. Establish rules for disagreements. Don’t allow screaming, physical violence, disrespect, and vulgarity in the home. Let home be a refuge from the madness and chaos of culture. Make the threshold at each door the barrier from the spirit of the world, and establish a God zone within the walls of the house. Protect home and family. It is a sanctuary of peace and a safe place of rest! Scripture: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46 NIV).  A Place of Acceptance
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Terry R. Baughman “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NIV). One of the most poignant stories of Jesus was the telling of the parable of the lost son, better known as the story of the prodigal. However, the dramatic turnaround and the restoration of the lost son brings joy and hope to any who have experienced such loss and live with prayers and dreams of reconciliation. The son had not left on good terms. He wanted to rush the process, claim the inheritance, and enjoy the pleasures of life while he was still young. The father gave in, said goodbye, and grieved for the vacant seat at the table and the empty hole in his heart. The other brother stayed home and worked. However, he may have harbored resentment at the increased responsibility and duties that now fell on his shoulders. Life was good for the wayward son … for awhile. The imagined fortune gained in the windfall inheritance seemed limitless, but in time it dwindled and disappeared. And so did the friends that always hung around for the free drinks and generosity of the fool-hearted benefactor. When the money dried up there was no more parties and no more fun and no reason to stay around. The devastated son sought employment and found a menial job on a pig farm and found himself eating along with them in desperation. Only at the end of the road and in desperate conditions did he finally think of home. Home is where there is love and acceptance, security and provision, and the certain knowledge of belonging. At home there is no need to be on guard, keep up appearances, or worry about being taken in. A person can be vulnerable, transparent, and authentic when at home. Home is a place of acceptance. The prodigal dreamed of home. A place where the servants were living better than he was. At least they had decent meals, secure lodging, and provision for a future. He had none of that. So with a certain dread of how he might be received he headed down the same road that had taken him away and began the journey back. As he walked he rehearsed his apology, made plans to ask for a servants position in a place he felt he no longer belonged. What he did not know was that each day the father looked down the road toward the sunset and dreamed of the day the lost would return. He planned no revenge, plotted no restitution, or required no penitence. He only longed for the son to return. When he saw the familiar gait and the dejected demeanor of the lost boy, his heart leaped with joy, and he ran to welcome him. The tears were of joy and the occasion demanded a celebration of restoration. He said, “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:23–24 NIV). There is acceptance for every prodigal, welcome for all who’ve strayed. Home is a place of acceptance. Welcome home! Scripture: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46 NIV).  A Place of Welcome
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Terry R. Baughman “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). Home is a place of hospitality. It is a place where the inhabitants can freely live and create a space where they can be themselves; where they can have honest conversation and openly exchange ideas; where people can gather to enjoy fun and laughter, food and games, as they strengthen the connection of friendship. Home is where you retreat to recuperate, rest and recharge. Home is the fort for the family a safe place where boundaries are respected and each member finds security and defense. Even Jesus respected the privacy of home. He is depicted as one standing outside the door respectfully knocking. He awaited the invitation to enter. Jesus is a gentleman, never forcing His way into our lives or our hearts. He awaits outside for us to respond to Him and invite Him inside. “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me,” Jesus said. Hospitality and welcome will prepare one for the gracious guest of the Christ. Communion awaits. Fellowship is available. Unity and spiritual fulfillment are possible when you invite Him in. The Psalmist sang of the blessing of being in His presence, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). There is nothing like sweet communion with Christ. A hymn by Joseph C. Ludgate, published in 1898, expresses this special relationship, “Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine! Oh, what blessed, sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine.” The gift of hospitality was recognized in the New Testament writings. Paul wrote to a young preacher concerning the requirements for a bishop, or an overseer, “He must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined” (Titus 1:8). In another passage he wrote that we should “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). We can be blessed to extend hospitality and exercise our gift generously. We may also experience receiving hospitality from others. Both are a blessing. While Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give that to receive,” it may also be observed that it is a privilege to to be the recipient of another’s welcome (Acts 20:35). It is rewarding to be on the receiving side of someone who welcomes and makes others comfortable in their home, no matter how simple and basic it may be. There is something about a warm welcome that fills a barren space and cheers the guest with the blessing of others. Seek to serve one another. Through sacrifice and giving of ourselves to extend an embrace of welcome, we may also experience the gift of a warm welcome from another. There’s no where like home and no place to better share a welcome! Scripture: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46 NIV).  Believe in the Mission
HIS MISSION, OUR CO-MISSION Terry R. Baughman “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:15–17). Faith is an essential element of salvation and vital to the work of the ministry Jesus called us to complete. We are commissioned to go into all the world and preach to every creature and in every culture. The required response to the gospel message is always the same: Believe! Faith is necessary for every petition and essential for every prayer. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Our faith is in the One who made every promise and through Him the mission is possible. Faith always leads to action. James taught, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). He went on to say, “The body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). There must be an active response to faith. Mark stated, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Acting on faith will lead to obedience to the Word of God and the plan of salvation. When the convicted crowd cried out to Peter, “What shall we do?” His response was without hesitation, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37–38). Salvation is freely offered and easily obtained. It is a matter of faith and obedience. Simply believe and simply follow the instruction of His Word. Mark continued with the necessary conclusion, “He who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). The condemnation for those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ is the loss of an opportunity for salvation and an eternity separated from God. It cannot be any simpler and it cannot be any more stringent. We must believe! To believe in God is to also embrace His mission. Jesus came, “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When we receive His Spirit we will also be empowered to fulfill His mission. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me … to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We cannot claim to have faith and not be consumed with the commission. He has called us to complete what only He can do, and working with us and through us He will be able to complete it. What a privilege to find ourselves in conjunction with Jesus Christ and partnered with Him in His mission to reach the world. The world will never be reached without a preacher, a spokesman to share the everlasting gospel. They must hear before they can believe. They must believe that they might be saved. We must follow Christ and believe in the mission! Scripture: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14)  Mission of the Spirit
HIS MISSION, OUR CO-MISSION Terry R. Baughman "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The outpouring of the Spirit was intentional and purposeful. It was so important that the first order of business after Jesus ascended into heaven was for believers to return to Jerusalem and await the promise of the Father, “Tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). The same requirement was emphasized in Acts, “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). Power accompanied the outpouring, and the gift empowered recipients with ability. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” The end result of the promise was not the experience but the empowerment. The purpose for the gift was for disciples to become evangelists for the message of the Gospel and missionaries to every nation. “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). When the promise was fulfilled and the Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost the fulfillment of the commission became the imperative, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Jesus must have ingrained that aspect of the Kingdom message among His followers. The Gospel writers caught it and recorded it for the posterity of the Church Age. Matthew’s account has been dubbed The Great Commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them …, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The imperative of evangelism includes the instruction to teach. Discipleship includes doctrine, and doctrine must be taught. The message of the mission is essential. The Name of Jesus, the rite of baptism, and the works of the Holy Spirit in lives of believers is all important in the message. Luke wrote that “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The result of evangelism and teaching the life-changing message of Jesus Christ is a demonstration of powerful signs. “These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17). The disciples obeyed the commission and pursued the mission, but they were not alone. God was with them. Mark concluded his Gospel with this summary, “They went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20). Believe it, receive it, and share it with the world. That is our message and our mission. Scripture: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14)  Mission Possible
HIS MISSION, OUR CO-MISSION Terry R. Baughman So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 10:21). Jesus made His mission known from His early ministry in the synagogue at Nazareth to the day of His death in response before Pilate. He came with a defined purpose. In each of the synoptic gospels Jesus said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32). Before Pilate’s questioning Jesus revealed, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37). Throughout the ministry of Jesus He gave expression to His purpose for coming, His mission during His ministry, and His vision to accomplish His ultimate goal of bringing everlasting life to all who believe. He said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus most thoroughly outlined His ministry mission when He read from the scroll of Isaiah in Nazareth. He had returned to His home town for the first time after beginning His ministry. The news had spread that Jesus had begun teaching and explaining the Scriptures. Perhaps they thought He was coming of age and would become a new rabbi. They asked Him to read the selected passage for their Sabbath reading. As He took His place in Moses’ seat He opened the book and found the prescribed verses and began reading, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Isaiah 61:1-2). When Jesus read this far in the passage He suddenly stopped and declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Before He finished speaking that day the crowd was incensed and angered to the point of attempting to cast Him off of a cliff to His death. No doubt they perceived His comments were blasphemous, but He spoke the truth. Before His ministry was completed a few years later, Jesus left His believers with instructions to fulfill His mission. It is often referred to as the Great Commission. Matthew recorded that Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them …, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Luke revealed that, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:47–49). When we act in obedience to His Word and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others we are fulfilling the commission and helping to complete the mission He set out to accomplish. Our mission is possible! Scripture: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:15-16).  Receive
IF MY PEOPLE … Terry R. Baughman “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). God’s character assures us of His expected response. He is a caring and concerned God who is attentive to our prayers. God has promised, “And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious” (Exodus 22:27). The conditions were clearly outlined to Solomon and God’s response was equally detailed, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). There is a three part response offered to those who identify with God, submit to Him, forsake their sins, and seek His presence. 1) God will hear. We have an assurance that when we pray there is a God in heaven who is listening. He is not just hearing but He has a ready response. It is one thing for God to hear, but he has also given us His Word, “I will answer.” Many passages of Scripture give us confidence of His unfailing love and His listening ear. Jesus said,“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). God said, “I will hear from heaven.” It doesn’t matter how far away He seems to be we are assure of His ability to hear even from heaven. In our text He said “Before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” We are never out of earshot, even when He is out of our sight. When we pray God will hear! 2) God will forgive. God is the one who said, “I am He who blots out your transgressions … and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). We can petition on the grounds of His mercy for forgiveness and appropriate His grace to remove the stain of our sins. When we call out to Him in sincere repentance we have every confidence that He will forgive us. John assured us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 3) God will heal. Healing is a part of God’s provision and restoration is a part of God’s plan. Both physical and spiritual healing is in God’s plan for us. Isaiah prophesied that the Servant’s mistreatment was a sacrificial offering for our benefit, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The effect of our prayer has a ready response. God will hear us, He will forgive our sins, and He will heal. His healing will bring reconciliation to our estrangement, restoration to our brokenness, and wholeness to our infirmity. Pray with expectation. The miracle is waiting. Get ready to receive! Scripture: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).  Repent
IF MY PEOPLE … Terry R. Baughman “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Sin separates from God and drives a wedge in our relationship with Him. The original sin drove Adam and Eve from the Garden and denied them the blissful association they once enjoyed walking with God in the cool of the day. The cherubim and a flaming sword insured they were unable to return to the tree of life and forever be condemned to live in rebellion to God. God’s plan was not intended to be permanent separation from His created beings, but to provide a plan of redemption and restoration from the awful curse of sin and death. Where sin caused separation and death, Jesus came to offer restoration of relationship and eternal life with Him. There was no surprise in the first rebellion. The One who knows the end from the beginning was present and fully aware of the rejection of His creation. More than that He also had a plan for redemption and the necessary provision for propitiation. Jesus Christ was the sinless sacrifice to atone for our sins. Through His death on the cross the blood of Christ provides power to overcome sin. This was in His plan before the Creation. “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:18–20). The price was paid but it is always our decision whether or not we will accept the provision of His sacrifice. Repentance is recognition of our sinful nature, our debased behavior, and our numerous transgressions. Repentance is the initiation of a desire to forsake sin and to pursue God and His righteousness. To repent is to turn around, change directions, and purposefully commit our ways to God’s path. The promise of Scripture is conditional, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways …” (2 Chronicles 7:14). To “turn from their wicked ways” is true repentance. We must recognize our propensity to sin and commit ourselves totally to His grace to save us. To approve God in any other way than to humbly repent is vanity. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Overcome by their sinful actions the crowd that gathered on the Day of Pentecost called out the question, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s answer came without hesitation and was inspired of the Spirit, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus came to bring life; but eternal life begins with a turning toward God in repentance. Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:32). We can gain His attention and His favor, and receive answers to our prayers, if we will repent! Scripture: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). |
AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Categories |
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