If you woke up this morning, and could see a ceiling above you, you’ve already enjoyed enough blessings to make even the grouchiest say “thank you” to God:  waking up to another day, a place to sleep, a ceiling that’s in place, and the ability to see. And the list goes on with the blessings we could count in every area of our lives if we would reflect on it.

Here are four reasons why we should make it a point to express our thanksgiving to God:

1. ALL GOOD THINGS COME FROM GOD.  If every truly pleasant thing about life on earth should be traced to its origin, we would find God’s love and care behind it all.  James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).  God’s gifts are always good and perfect; no exceptions.

2. GREAT PEOPLE OF FAITH ARE ALSO GRATEFUL.  Scripture contains numerous examples of people who were blessed by God, and who attributed the fullness of their lives to the Almighty.  King David, for example, devoted many of his psalms to extolling the goodness of God:  “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s”  (Psalm 103:2-5).  No matter how high they rose, God’s followers continued to feel indebted to Him because He had arranged their lives.

 3. INGRATITUDE ISN’T PRETTY.  We can often exhibit poor manners (none of us are perfect).  But God’s blessings are so obvious that failing to thank Him for His providence is a serious faux pas.  In Luke 17:11-19, Luke records Jesus’ healing of 10 lepers; and he emphasizes Jesus’ take on only one of the former lepers expressing his gratitude:  “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” (vv. 17-18).  Of course, Jesus wasn’t pouting about the nine who received His healing but didn’t stop to thank Him; He was pointing out how easily those who are blessed by God can forget their good fortune.

4. DESPITE OUR SINS, GOD HAS PROVIDED FOR US.  Perhaps the best reason to continually thank God is that He has been good to us when the ordinary person wouldn’t even consider an act of kindness.  Scripture emphasizes that God is good to the “evil and the good” and the “just and the unjust” (Matt. 5:43-48).  Most amazing:  Under circumstances when a good man would have scarcely done anything for someone else, God sent His son Jesus, and Jesus died for us at Calvary (Rom. 5:6-10).  That’s enough to make anyone with an honest heart praise God for His goodness.

We can know Bible class is important when we LOOK UP. The main textbook for our study is the Word of God, the One who is above all of us (II Tim. 2:15). We show the Lord we have our priorities in the right place when we are regular and responsible in our Bible class participation (Matt. 6:33). The Lord expects us to be committed students of His word (Hosea 4:6; II Peter 3:18).

We recognize Bible class is important when we LOOK BACK. All of us have sins and wrongs we want to overcome. “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). A careful study of God’s word can keep us from repeating our bad history (II Tim. 3:16-17; Psalm 119:11) and will guide us in the way to receive the Lord’s forgiveness (II Tim. 3:15; James 1:21).

We can understand how Bible class is important when we LOOK AHEAD. In the calm of Bible study, we prepare for the storms of life we’ll encounter (Matt. 7:24-25). “There’s a great day coming,” too, and we will be judged by the Word (John 12:48).

When we LOOK WITHIN us, we see the significance of Bible class. Faith in God comes from His word (Rom. 10:17). If your faith is struggling, it can be built up by concentrated study of the Scriptures (Acts 20:32). Greater familiarity with the Bible will also help us make wiser choices (Psalm 119:105) and improve our discernment (Psalm 119:104; Acts 17:11; I John 4:1).

Bible class is important when we LOOK AROUND us, too. We give and receive encouragement by meeting with brothers and sisters in Christ for Bible study (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:24-25). Everyone benefits from serious and thoughtful study and discussion of Scripture, like “iron sharpeneth iron” (Prov. 27:17).

I look forward to seeing you in Bible class.   – – Jay Tidwell

A preacher was teaching a children’s Bible school class and was attempting to illustrate the meaning of “miracle.” “Boys and girls,” he said, “suppose I stood on the roof of a ten-story building, lost my balance and fell off. Then all of a sudden, in midair, a whirlwind swept me up and brought me safely to the ground. Now what word would you use to describe this?” The children thought for a moment, then a boy raised his hand and said, “Luck?”  “Well, that’s true,” said the preacher, “but that’s not the word I wanted. Listen to the story again: There I am on top of the ten-story building again, and I fall. A whirlwind catches me in midair and places me safely on the ground. Think now – what word would describe the situation?” One girl spoke up, “Accident.” “No, no,” answered the minister. “Listen carefully for the third time. I’m on the same building, I fall and am swept to safety by a sudden whirlwind. What word could account for my safely reaching the ground?” All at once the class shouted: “Practice!”

You and I know that still wasn’t the point of his illustration, but what the children saw was important. If we keep working at something, sooner or later we’ll get better at it, even if it’s falling down. The more we practice something, the more we’ll grow in our understanding, ability and confidence.

In order for us to grow in our spiritual lives, we must keep putting into practice the fundamentals of the faith (Heb. 5:12-14; II Pet. 3:18). Of course, we’ll never be flawless (Rom. 3:23; I John 1:6-9), but we can be confident the Lord will be pleased with our progress (II Peter 1:10-11).

1. Bible Study. Study the Scriptures with interest and learn all you can about God’s Book (II Tim. 2:15; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:105). And, be sure to put into practice the principles you learn from Scripture (James 1:21-25). Greater knowledge is the source of growth (I Peter 2:1, 2).

2. Prayer. Those who are new disciples must learn from the Lord how to pray (Luke 11:1). Our prayers are to be an ongoing expression of our complete dependence upon God and need for His strength to enable us to grow (Eph. 6:10; Luke 18:1; I Thess. 5:17).

3. Worship. The primary purpose of our worship is to glorify God (John 4:24). However, each one who participates in worshipping Him sincerely and in the fashion set out in His word is going to be strenthened and edified by it (I Cor. 14:26). If we do not faithfully worship God and involve ourselves in the fellowship of His people, we are going to grow weaker spiritually (Heb. 10:25; cf. I Cor. 11:30).

4. Evangelism. Every Christian ought to see himself as a missionary (Mark 16:15; Acts 8:4). Whether we deliver a message from behind a pulpit, or show kindness to others throughout the day, we should be teaching others by the way we demonstrate our Christianity (Matt. 5:16). The more we practice this, the more we’ll grow.

5. Making good decisions. God created each one of us with the power and freedom to choose our actions (Joshua 24:15). If we merely go along with what most others are thinking and doing around us, without reflecting on whether it’s the wisest way to go, we will still be responsible for our behavior (Matt. 7:13-14).  As we take initiative to live intentionally for God, our decision-making ability and discernment will continue to improve (see Heb. 5:13-14; I Cor. 14:20; I Peter 2:3).

In at least three instances in the New Testament we are told how someone could be religious, but wouldn’t be Christ-like:

► Be zealous but misdirected:

“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” – Galatians 1:13-14

“Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.” – Acts 26:5

► Be unconcerned about the impact of your words:

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” – James 1:26

► Show no compassion to those in need:

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:27

It is vital that both our heart and life matches the plan God has for our lives.

God is so far above us in intelligence, foresight, and power that it should be no surprise that many times we simply don’t understand Him. Isaiah explained, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Isaiah was referring specifically to the Lord’s willingness to show mercy and “abundantly pardon” the sins of His people (55:6-7); this isn’t something that a savvy king should do, most would think – if some are rebellious enough to wrong the king once, wouldn’t you think they would be willing to do it again? But God’s ways are far above ours – He is willing to forgive.

We may not perceive the rationale for God’s actions or directions; what He says and what He does can sometimes feel contradictory to good sense and reason. So how can we deal with God’s sometimes confusing, seemingly foolish, instructions or activities?

1. Acknowledge that sometimes God’s actions or directions don’t have a logical basis from a human standpoint. Look carefully at the following passages: the world-the command to Noah to build an ark (Gen. 6-9); the instructions for the Passover (Exodus 11 & 12); the brazen-serpent prescription (Num. 21:4-9); the battle-plan for conquering Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21); the methodology for cleaning up Jericho’s poisonous water (II Kings 2:19-23); and the prescription for Naaman’s leprosy (II Kings 5:1-14). Then think about several New Testament passages: Jesus’ calling us to deny self (Matt. 16:24-25); Jesus’ technique for catching tremendous amounts of fish (Luke 5:1-11); the manner in which Jesus healed a man of blindness (John 9); Jesus’ waiting to visit his friend Lazarus, who was on his death bed (John 11); Jesus’ teaching that poverty, humility, meekness, and suffering, can bring wealth, fullness, and blessing (Matt. 5:1-12); the method and meaning of baptism (Rom. 6:3-5); and the items and symbolism of the Lord’s supper (I Cor. 11:23-29). Paul pointed out the cross of Christ is “foolishness” to some – but clarified that it only appears that way to “them that perish” (I Cor. 1:18). The point of all of this is that if we reflect on the content of Scripture, we realize that much of what God says and does is “foolishness” by human standards.

2. Recognize that God is wiser than you or me or anyone else we know. Isaiah said that God’s “thoughts” and “ways” are much higher than ours (55:8-9). Paul reminded us that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (I Cor. 1:25). There’s a lot we don’t know.

3. Train yourself to trust what you see or feel, less, and what God says, more. It’s natural to want something concrete. Thomas wanted to see proof of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:25). Peter sank in the water when he saw the storm (Matt. 14:22-33). We must discipline ourselves to have faith and trust in God.

4. Do what God says, all that He says, in the way that He says, and for the purpose He assigned. All great people of faith obey God, even though it may not seem logical to the five senses in the moment (see Heb. 11).

5. Realize that God’s actions and directions always make sense in retrospect. It will be recognized in the end, that God ways are the best. Job experienced the “end of the Lord” – mercy and goodness (James 5:11). God can make all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28). God will provide, if we trust in Him and not ourselves (Prov. 3:5-6).

Ants are tiny insects that teach big lessons by their examples of industriousness and initiative. Solomon prodded us to become more active by pointing out the little critter’s diligence and dedication:

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8, ESV).

Being self-starters with regard to our responsibilities in personal, health, financial and spiritual matters will ensure we aren’t caught short-handed. Paul explained that Christians should be “[n]ot slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). Motivation will follow action once we take the first steps to do what we should do when we should do it, whether or not we’re in the mood.

In our culture, Sunday has lost some of its luster. The first day of the week is now popularly viewed as the “extra Saturday” of the weekend.

Christians recognize Sunday as a special day of fellowship and worship. Here are a few things that make it unique:

1. Jesus rose from the grave on a Sunday.

Jesus Christ was crucified on the Friday of Passover weekend, and on Sunday, the tomb where they laid Him was empty. The Bible says, “And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:2-6).

The most remarkable event in human history took place on that Sunday morning. From the day of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples began to treat Sundays differently from the old Sabbath day (Saturday), and viewed it as a special day for His followers.

2. The church began on a Sunday.

About fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem and the Jewish feast of Pentecost was being observed. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles with power (as Jesus had foretold, see Mark 9:1 and Luke 24: 49), and the gospel of Christ was preached in its fullness for the first time. The details of this day are recounted in Acts 2, one of the pivotal chapters in Bible history. That Sunday was the day the Lord began adding “to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Seeing that one of the greatest institutions known to man began on a Sunday, it should be no surprise that it would be observed as a day of spiritual significance.

3. The early Christians gathered to worship every Sunday.

The Bible describes how “upon the first day of the week, … the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). And the apostles gave specific instructions about how to worship when they were assembled. Paul wrote: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (I Cor. 16:1-2). Just as the Old Testament Sabbath day had been observed every seventh day (Saturday) (see Exodus 20:8), they set apart every first day of the week to honor Jesus Christ.

4. The first-century Christians looked forward to their times of fellowship every Sunday.

Because the day was special, the early Christians encouraged one another to attend the weekly assemblies as each Sunday drew closer. The Bible says: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25). They spurred one another on.

Perhaps the greatest reason Sundays are special is because Jesus is present in spirit with His disciples. He said: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). We can be sure Jesus is with us on Sundays, if we assemble with His people for worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

The biggest book in the Bible is Psalms. It has 150 chapters (each one is called a “psalm”) of poetic devotional material. It can take a bit of effort to become accustomed to reading from that book because most of them were originally lyrics for songs to be sung by God’s people in Old Testament times, the Israelites. It’s also challenging to keep the rhythm and rhyme intact when translating from one language, like Hebrew, to another, for us English, so we don’t get the same tone and timing that is in the original language. We can still pick up on the sentiment though – each writer was praising God for His greatness, or calling upon Him for His goodness and help.

Just like Jesus announced a series of “beatitudes” for His followers in Matthew 5:3-12, the book of Psalms also has a series of “Blessed” passages. If we “listen to the lyrics” of these Old Testament beatitudes, we can pick up on some important concepts for having a joyful life with God. Here are a few of them:

CHOICE OF FRIENDS: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). That’s the opening verse of the Book of Psalms – it sets the tone for the next 149 chapters with the word “Blessed” – an “interjection, how happy!” (Olive Tree Enhanced Strong’s Dict.). Then it immediately unfolds one of the ways we can enjoy that kind of gladness with God – we learn the importance of recognizing problem-people before they entrap us in something too hard for us to get out of. Paul gave a similar bit of warning to the church at Corinth: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’” (1 Cor. 15:33, ESV). This doesn’t mean we can go around being unfriendly, but that we understand when we may need to “un-friend” someone we’ve gotten close to.

GLADNESS IN WORSHIP: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of Thy countenance” (Psalm 89:15). The “festal shout” (ESV) refers to the atmosphere emanating from their gatherings to worship God. Of course, they wrestled with problems in that area – Malachi said many of them in his day had the attitude that it was “weariness” (Mal. 1:13) – but those who were “Blessed” were those who had the right outlook (e.g., John 4:24).

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT: “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times” (Psalm 106:3). This principle is older than the saying “Honesty is the best policy” and is likely one of the reasons that proverb came about. It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but it is always best. Our attitude about our own integrity is so fragile that once it’s broken it’s difficult to repair. Live as if someone is watching every move you make – because Someone is.

CONFIDENCE FROM FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE: A dominant theme is Psalms is how glad we’ll be that we’ve founded our faith and life on Scripture: “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that fears the LORD, that delights greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1); “Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in His ways” (128:1); and the first verse of the Bible’s longest chapter  – “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord” (119:1). “Have a” Bible, and “Have the Bible” (see John 17:17; I Peter 4:11)

PEACE FROM FORGIVENESS: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Psalm 32:1). Until we are convicted of the debt and darkness of sin, we cannot fully understand what this passage means. Jesus bring peace and joy for sinners (Rom. 5:1-2; 8:1).