One Small Seed Newsletter – Edition #271, November 2023
The word “Thank” in Greek is “charis” or “Grace” and has a variety of applications. The idea is to show respect and gratitude, not only from the mind, but also from the spirit and soul. This doesn’t only pertain to our God, but also to anyone who has shown the attribute of God to us, which is Love. When it comes to God we should show respect to him with piety and obedience. We should honor him in word and deed. We should worship his name with every breath and action. We should esteem him to be worthy, with respect and gratitude. We should honor him as being a part of us and not someone a million miles away. This is his perfect will for us: Christ in us the hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27).
Jesus said in John 17:23: “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and has loved them, as thou hast loved me”. Even though he said these words before his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension and before the coming of the Holy Spirit, the whole purpose of his coming was being verified in what he said. The whole plan of salvation was climaxed at Pentecost and this is one point of the plan that I am truly thankful for. There was no true Christians until the Holy Spirit of God baptized them into the Body of Christ.
Thankfulness is displayed with Peace, Love, and Joy which are emotions and affections stimulated by the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God. These are attributes of God, but also the fruit of the Spirit that we display. The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”. I always thank God for Prophets and Apostles, like Paul, who was never ashamed or fearful of his “to-the-point” approach to truth. He drew the line between right and wrong in this text and I like his approach because I can quote from his writings knowing he was speaking wisdom from God. I don’t doubt him because my soul is in tune to his soul, when he wrote these things, and the Holy Spirit of truth in me is on the same page in understanding.
So in order to be fair to the first part, I’ll quote the negative parts in verses 19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (inciting to lust, wanton, lewd), idolatry, witchcraft, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
We should be thankful for all aspects of God’s love, which covers the whole world. If God’s part wasn’t present the world would destroy itself very quickly, but if God’s way was adhered to, there would be peace, and sin could be eradicated very quickly and the devil would stay in Hell. Where is Hell? Anywhere the devil (the father of lies) is living. The Bible says that the devil is the prince of the air. This doesn’t necessarily mean our natural air, but it does mean the environment of negativity, carnality, and evil. The tribulations of life are a picnic compared to influences of negativity, carnality, and evil. The “air” that the devil is the prince of, is the social, political, religious, and economical agenda of the world. His influence is always anti-God, anti-love, and anti-life. But our thanksgiving is in the Truth that God made a provision for us to be overcomers of the evil influences and the presences of the devil: the liar, the destroyer of minds and hearts, and the most anti-good influence in the world.
God made a way, beginning with Abraham and his unmovable faith. Then there was Moses, who delivered the law to the Jews. These two introduced the most important messages in all of time. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Without faith the Heart will not reach out to God for healing and salvation. Also, God gave the Ten Commandments, which have two basic commands: Love God with all your spirit, soul and mind; and your neighbor as yourself. If we surrender to these two ingredients and let God lead us by his Holy Spirit, we will be cared for by him. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Amen.
From the Amplified Bible Psalms 100:
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!
3 Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His counts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless His name by having respect and awe for Him.
5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving kindness are everlasting. His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.
Praise ye the Lord.
Your friend in Christ,
Rodney Roberts