ON THANKSGIVING, MY THANKS GO TO GOD

Without a doubt, I have so much to be thankful for. It seems that God has blessed me and then He has blessed me again. Dead in my sins and trespasses, by His grace and mercy He made me alive in Christ. He brought a young woman into my life who has now been my wife for more than thirty years. He gave me a daughter and a son whom I love dearly and I am so proud of them both. That each one loves the Lord Jesus is a blessing that I can rest and rejoice in each day. He has blessed me with my daughter in-law who I would gladly call my own and my son in-law who knows the importance of Christ and His word. What a joy it is to know that they both share the faith and hope of my children. And He has blessed me with two beautiful granddaughters who simply light up my life. There are times when it is almost impossible to express the joy that these two little girls give. And God has blessed me with a job that He has graciously allowed me to have for more than 25 years now. I have a wonderful church, a great pastor, the privilege to serve, family and friends, etc.. Yes, I have much to be thankful for and my thanks go to God!

It's Not Just a Name That I'm Called

I greatly appreciate the words that God inspired the Apostle John to write in 1 John 3:1. It is here that we read, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are". I just love those words! Yes indeed, we are called the children of God and such a privilege is indicative of the great love He has bestowed upon us. God appears to emphasize the importance of our knowing that it isn't just something we are called, but something that we are. This truth inspired me to write the following that I've titled, "Not Just a Name":

“Believer”, is a name that we have been called for some time

Believed the gospel, trusted in Christ and since then that name has been mine, yes since then that name has been mine

It’s not just a name that I’m called but a name that by calling I am, yes a name that by calling I am

Called those of “The Way” and oh how much it is true

It’s one of the names that Jesus did claim, it was good for His followers too, yes good for His followers too

It’s not just a name that I’m called but a name that by calling I am, yes a name that by calling I am

 

“Christians” first in Antioch, is the name they were called

Now all around the world today, were “Christians” one and all, yes “Christians” one and all

It’s not just a name that I’m called but a name that by calling I am, yes a name that by calling I am

“Saints” we are called the Bible does say, Heaven are home one day

Not a “Saint” because of the things we have done but a “Saint” because of His name, yes a “Saint” because of His name

It’s not just a name that I’m called, but a name that by calling I am, yes a name that by calling I am

“Children of God” what a glorious name, but they’re not just words from afar

It’s a real name, the grandest of names, He wants us to know who we are, yes He wants us to know who we are

It’s not just a name that I’m called but a name that by calling I am, yes a name that by calling I am

Yes, it’s not just a name that I’m called, but a name that by calling I am.

Greg

Blessed Be the Blessor

In Ephesians 1:3 the Apostle Paul was inspired to write the following wonderful words of praise and truth regarding our gracious God. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ". The entire chapter is a detailed account of the many things that our loving God has done on our behalf in Christ. Oh, how blessed the believer is as His child. Chosen, predestined according to His purpose, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, lavished with His grace, granted knowledge of the mystery of His will, beneficiaries of an inheritance, afforded hope in Christ and sealed in Him by the Holy Spirit of promise. Furthermore we are told that these blessings have been given to us freely and are according to His love, His purpose, and the kind intention and counsel of His will.

A few months ago, this great chapter of scripture prompted me to write the following song which I pray might be a blessing to others. I guess to others it is more of a poem although I wrote it with a melody in mind.

Blessed Be the Blessor 

Blessed be the Blessor

He’s blessed me this I know

By grace I am His child

By grace He loves me so

Blessed be the Blessor

Predestined in His love

Trespasses all forgiven

In kindness from God above

Blessed be the Blessor

Spiritual blessings in Christ are mine

And in this life He’s given

Each one of them divine

Blessed be the Blessor

The One who comforts me

In all my woes and worries

His loving care is what I see

Blessed be the Blessor

In Christ my hope is sure

The Spirit is my promise

In Christ sealed and secure

Yes, Blessed be the Blessor

Joy and peace He gives

Honor, glory, praise are due Him

Each creation wonder His

Blessed be the Blessor

Through Christ He strengthens me

To serve Him and serve others

In grace and humility

Blessed be the Blessor

One day He will come again

His Church, the dead and living

Forevermore to be with Him

Blessed be the Blessor

One day His face I’ll see

Yes blessed be the Blessor

The One who died for me

Yes, blessed be the Blessor

Oh, truly can it be

That I will dwell with Him one day

For all eternity

Yes, I will dwell with Him one day

For all eternity

Greg