Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart, that should be manifest every day of our lives, and celebrated at least once a year. Paul reminds us of 5 specific elements of joy as it is related to others. We must remember that life is spent accumulating things, but the only possession that is eternal is relationships. Let me share with you a couple things for you to be grateful for as you prepare for Thanksgiving on Thursday. 1. The joy of Recollection (Philippians 1:3) Having a genuine desire to remember and focus on the goodness, kindness, and successes of others does not involve denying their weaknesses and shortcomings but rather looking past them. The Holy Spirit often prompts us to appreciate other’s love, generosity, and compassion and to forget the rest. 2. The joy of intercession (Philippians 1:4) Possessing God-given joy should lead us not to focus on ourselves, but even in the midst of pain or difficult circumstances we should be focused on those we are grateful for. It is our privilege to pray for those that God has brought into our lives. 3. The joy of Participation (Philippians 1:5) This is not a natural, man-made fellowship but one … READ MORE

The missing ingredient in this country and in the hearts of people is gratitude. You look in the stores, and immediately following Halloween, the marketing people put up the Christmas sales, this week the most anticipated day, is not Thursday, it is Friday’s black Friday’s sales. In the book of Philippians Paul addresses this great concept. Gratitude leads to a joy that should be an unwavering constant in a Spirit filled life, not a transient emotional feeling that comes and goes depending on circumstances. In Philippians 1:3-8 The apostle gives 5 specific elements of his Spirit-engendered joy as it related to other believers. As we prepare for Thanksgiving we need to consider these elements. Let me start by just sharing those elements, and then expound on them the next couple of days. He speaks of the joy of Recollection in verse 3; The joy of Intercession in verse 4; The joy of participation in verse 5; the joy of Anticipation in verse 6; and the joy of Affection in verses 7-8. As we approach Thanksgiving this week perhaps we need to be challenged to think back and be encouraged by the people God has brought into our lives.… READ MORE

What is so devastating about the effects of sin in the world is that the natural man is a willing slave of sin. While most people want to escape the unpleasant and destructive consequences of their sins, they do not want to give up the cherished sins themselves. As Paul continues his discourse on sanctification in the book of Romans, he reminds his readers of their own past enslavement to sin and then reminds them of their new enslavement to righteousness through their trust in Christ. His primary point in Romans 6:14-23 is that believers should live in total subjection to Christ and His righteousness and to fall back into their former sins, which no longer have claim over them. Because we as believers have a new relationship to God we have a new relationship to sin. For the first time we are able not to live sinfully and are able for the first time to live righteously. This is not done by our own power but by the power of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as He applies the Word of God to our hearts. We must learn to rely upon that power.… READ MORE