Scripture

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

~Philippians 4:6b-7a, NLT

Quote

Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.

~Matthew Henry

While Jack Taylor was serving as pastor, he had a female member to be diagnosed with terminal cancer. The woman was a widow of a few years but not that old. She did not take the bad news well. She became so embittered that no one could stand to be around her. Finally, her friends came to Dr. Taylor and told him the problem; he agreed to pay her a visit. He knocked on her door and she invited him in; for the next hour or so he listened as she poured out her complaints. When she ran out of steam, Dr. Taylor asked: “Have you given thanks to God?” The bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. She erupted with second diatribe…“Give thanks to God, are you crazy. Do you actually expect me to give thanks for cancer?” Dr. Taylor responded, “I did not ask you to thank Him for the cancer; the question is, have you thanked Him for all He has done in the midst of all you are suffering? The bible says, ‘In all things, give thanks’…it does not say, ‘for‘ all things give thanks. Don’t thank Him for the cancer but thank Him for what he has done for you and for your future in heaven.”

Suddenly she saw the truth that is expressed in today’s scripture…Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. According to scripture, once a believer has done these two things, the peace of God that passes all understanding will become a reality. Don’t expect to receive His peace until you are willing to thank Him for what he has done.

Extra

Personally, I have a lot to be thankful for. I woke up Saturday morning and could not say a word: June urged me to call Keith, but I told her I wanted to wait and see if I improved during the day. I was some better Saturday night, but it was during the night that the LORD restored my voice. I didn’t get to sing yesterday, and I had to be a steward of my words, but I got to preach twice and loved every second of it. All I can say is, thank YOU Jesus!

Continue to pray for those who have much greater needs than I do. Lincoln has to go back to St. Jude’s for a week, but then he is scheduled to come back to Huntsville. Gregg was in Bible study yesterday and attended both worship services. What a testimony. If you ask him how he is doings, he says, “Having a big time.” Traci’s cooking is paying off: he looks like he is gaining weight. Pray for all our cancer warriors. Pray for them before you retire and as soon as you get up. Pray for them at lunch too.

Sardis Springs calls last week and extended me another invitation to teach their January Bible Study. I have only two weeks to prepare which is a concern. I am a slow reader and slow learner. The only area where I am swift is in forgetting what I read.

Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.

Pray for the YOUTH as they travel home today.