Just a few thoughts

 I've come across a few passages from the two books that I have been reading that I would like to share in this space today.

The first three come from 

I have heard a few times recently that this following quote is credited to Alistair Begg, but in this book written jointly by him and his dear friend Sinclair Ferguson, it is stated that as boys in Sunday School their teachers reminded them constantly that the Bible is a book all about Jesus.  The principle that was taught is:

"In the Old Testament Jesus is predicted.

 In the Gospels Jesus is revealed.

In the Acts of the Apostles Jesus is preached.

 In the Letters Jesus is explained.

 In the book of Revelation Jesus is expected." 

 

Another quote from the same book is, "As Christians we must learn to think properly, biblically.  Then we may watch CNN or BBC News, or read the New York Times, or make our way through the Wall Stree Journal without joining the ranks of the gloomy or singing in the choir of the fearful.  To be in Christ is mind stretching and life transforming.  It is a mind-altering experience to bow before the authority of what is said concerning this cosmic Christ, who reigns over all.  It changes our perspective on everything."

And one more from the same book is, "We may learn to begin the day affirming that "Christ is King, Jesus is Lord!" It is important to develop the practice of affirming central gospel truths as we waken to the new day, saying to ouorselves, "The Lord God omnipotent reigns.  This is the (whatever day it is); today the Lord God omnipotent reigns.  Yes, I saw the New York Times before I went to sleep last night.  I did look at the BBC report before I went to bed last night.  I saw all about Gaza.  I saw so much to disturb and distress.  But Christ reigns from the beginning of the day to its end - every single day of my life."  I thought that quote was so good in light of all of the news we are bombarded with during these times, whether it be fake news or real news.

And then just a few thoughts from

I have read some books about having a thankful heart that I've put back on the shelf because they were basically a one, two, three step process that focused on the outward thing we were thankful for without really taking us back to the Giver of the things.  This book does not fall into this category.  While it does have a "Put into Practice" at the end of each chapter, it builds on the previous and it always takes us back to God who is the Giver of all good things.

In Chapter Three, Thanksgiving: An Anchor Through the Storm such emotions as anxiety, discontentment and disappointment, discouragement and weakness, distance from God, and joylessness are addressed.

"A quick scroll through social media can leave us stuck in the pit of discontement...  If discontement has its list of disappointments we feel, create a separate list of what we believe to be true by faith.  Thank God for the blessing we do have, for His good and wise plan, His timing in releasing His grace and gifts, and His faithfulness in every season....When in doubt, list them out."

"Whatever you're walking through, God has not changed.  He is still our helper and strength.  By giving thanks for who He is, and reviving our weary soul by recalling God's faithfulness, thanks leads the way to trust and trust leads the way to hope." 

 

And then in the same chapter under A defensive and offensive weapon comes the last quote that I share today.

"By finding reasons to give thanks, we uproot lingering discontentment.  As we connect blessings to God as the source, our faith is fueled by knowing He's present and active.  By expressing thanksgiving, it allows time for gratitude to deepen and push out grumbling from our heart.  And as we reflect on God through thanksgiving, we know Him better." 

"Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good, for His lovingkindness endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:34