Thank You Jesus

Praise is the key to overcoming faith.

When prayer rises to heaven and then seems to return as nothing to your heart, begin to praise Jesus.

The demonic presence despises praise to Jesus, for this Jesus conquered the demonic at the cross, the tomb, and the presence of Roman militia. Jesus then has already proven Himself to be the Omega of all circumstances.

Therefore, praise this Jesus no matter what--cancer, poverty, threatenings, lies and hate. Say, "Thank you, Jesus," and go on. Jesus will lead you into the uncharted, non-programmed future.

If you continue forward "in the flesh"--that is, calculating your own tomorrows--then you will forever waste away in the "faint" of mortal fragility.  But if you go into the unknown with "Thank you, Jesus" upon your heart and lips, then you ARE winning--PRESENT TENSE--all the time, regardless of outward appearances.

Outward appearances--Jesus drooped upon the tree, Pharisees laughing up their sleeves that Friday night, Judas hanging from the limb, Peter sulking in his tears, cowardly disciples running for cover--are not the whole story.

The Jesus Story always ends in overcoming the enemy. Always. Then appropriate that overcoming-yet-to-be in the present tense by exclaiming "Thank you, Jesus."

This is most practically done when facing whatever the trial is before you this moment. Your emotions are flattened, your head spinning and your nerves taut. You want justice, truth and righteousness to reign in your little world; but they are far flung into some other happier sphere than yours.

Nevertheless, sitting with Joseph in prison, hunching with Job on the ash heap, keeping vigil with Jesus at Calvary, exclaim with what strength left within your frail nature: THANK YOU, JESUS, and go on. Believe THANK YOU, JESUS, even if it is but a whisper--the size of a mustard seed sigh.

This is what Paul thrust upon us with "Rejoice in all things--evermore."

Therefore, say now to heaven, hell and earth--"Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus"--even midst tears and anguish, even when nighttime threatens to do in the last brain cell flickering.

Everlasting truth is on your side, believer--even in martyrdom. Ask John the Baptist.

Therefore, you must overcome, you DO overcome. That is an eternal given which cannot renege. It is as solid as His "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Consequently, lean on all of that promise with every "Thank you, Jesus" within your weakness.

In due time, in HIS time, head will clear, heart will sing and you will experience the promise realized.

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus.

Remember to say 'Thanks'

Our company left.

My wife sat across the dining table from me. I looked at her and said, "Thank you. That was a most delicious meal."

We both laughed. Why the laugh?

Because somebody had to say it: "Thank you."

Our company had eaten heartily but never once gave any indication that they were thankful for the meal or the work that went into its delivery.

There was a gracious place setting for each. There were candles lit. There were the garnishes as well as the main course. There were the cloth napkins. There was also the background music still playing.

But not even a hint of "Thank you" from our dinner guests.

How can this happen? It's beyond me. I don't get it.

When Ollie and Elsie served the most delicious cuisine in their New York home, I can still remember spying their guests arriving from King's College.

Friends walked through their front door with tidy gifts in hand. It was always a kind gesture to arrive with some present, not expensive, just thoughtful.

There was such a genuine friendship feeling in the air. Smiles. Greetings. Sometimes an embrace. Pleasant exchanges all. Forget the crabby selfish world outside; we were safe while at Ollie and Elsie's.

Throughout the meal there were sincere gestures of appreciation extended to host and hostess. Those expressions were as bright bows tying up heartfelt words offered to the two presenting their welcoming table.

Has all that been lost in the hurry and self-centeredness of our times? Could be.

But my memories are intact. I will sometimes just sit on an evening, watching the sun go down over Lake Sebago, to think back to Ollie and Elsie's lovely home. What made it lovely was not just their relaxing furnishings but the thoughtful people who knew them best.

When the evenings closed out with farewells, everyone there could look back over an enriching exchange. It never failed. Ollie and Elsie obviously knew how to choose cultured, well-mannered friends.

Last evening we had a meal at Debbie and Steve's home. The salad plate was a work of art. The fruit platter likewise. The main course was set forth with flair.

There was our favorite background music playing throughout. Debbie is thoughtful that way.

My wife and I have entertained enough over half a century to know full well what goes into making guests feel comfortable and happy. At least we have tried our best. So we knew the preparation that went into Debbie's set-forth.

Therefore, throughout the meal I mentioned several times how tasty this item was, how scrumptious that item was. My wife did the same. We meant it from the heart; this was no mechanical stimulus-response network.

And at the finish, we looked Debbie in the eye to genuinely express our gratitude for everything-and we meant everything for Debbie had thought through everything. That's her style.

Does it really take that much effort to say "Thank you" in a variety of ways? Seemingly for some it does.

Thank God there are those who offset the stale space occupied by the thoughtless. And to those who know how to be polite in such a manner, many thanks.

J. Grant Swank Jr.
--
Read: http://jgrantswankjr.blogspot.com/