An Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael


Make a joyful shout to the LORD all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness;…
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:1-2a, 4 NKJV)


It is November, the month of Thanksgiving. But as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can be thankful a lot more than one month a year!

Below is an example and model for us as we seek to follow Paul’s instructions to the church in Thessalonica (and the psalmist’s above): Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess. 5:16-18).


The Catholic philosopher and teacher, Alice von Hildebrand, died last year at the age of 98. She and her husband, Dietrich, were well-known as Christian philosophers in a field less friendly to the faith than it once was. A website known as The Hildebrand Project is dedicated to their legacy. Dietrich von Hildebrand (1889- 1977) is described there as “an original philosopher, ardent Christian, fierce foe of Nazism, and fervent champion of beauty.” What an amazing way to be remembered!
In a celebrated talk Alice gave at her 90th birthday celebration, she quoted an axiom that her husband lived by: the key to happiness is gratude. The Hildebrands chose to spend their very long lives living and spreading the simple but profound Biblical message of being thankful.

We can choose each day to say, “Thank you, Lord, for waking me up this morning.” Or we can arise in poor moods and spread negativity rather than genuine cheer. The Apostle Paul was very clear about what happens to human beings who refuse gratitude: Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21).


I am not suggesting that we just grin and bear hard times. In fact, I am personally convicted as I write this. We are not thankful due to life being easy. After all, Jesus said, In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). I simply invite you to join me as I seek to join the psalmists, St. Paul, and the late Hildebrands in saying, “Thank you Lord, we bless your name.”


PRAYER: Dear Lord, at this very moment some of us are happy, others are sad, and others maybe angry or frustrated at the sin and difficulties of life in this world. We thank you, Jesus, for overcoming the world. And we ask you to help us, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to have attitudes of gratitude. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Divine Instruction

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13 ESV)

When I was growing up there were some popular commercials for a successful American stock brokerage firm. In each commercial one person would say to another, “Well, my broker is EF Hutton, and EF Hutton says, …” At that point the camera would pan back as every person in the scene was hushed and would lean in to listen. The voiceover followed: “When EF Hutton talks, people listen.” Our proverb reminds us of an even greater authority then EF Hutton was in the financial world of the 1970s. This proverb is referring to the word of God.

Several Hebrew words for the word of God, specially noted in Psalm 119, are translated by a variety of English terms. For example, law, testimony, way, precept, statute, commandment, instruction, and word, just to name a few. We know that for a human being, the most important response to the word of God is to repent and believe the gospel and be saved by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. But families, communities, nations, and entire cultures also do well to heed God’s word. History recounts the blessings that fall on those who revere and follow God’s law and the problems that immediately ensue as the word of God is rejected or ejected, as it may be. From the individual to the nation, this proverb teaches, whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself. Other English translations can help press this point home for us. The CSB, for example, says, the one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty. And the NLT, people who despise advice are asking for trouble. 

Do you read and meditate on the Bible? Do you attend a church where the word of God preached faithfully and accurately? You know, the Bible was formerly read in public schools and at government-sanctioned events. Do we not see that a restraining grace from God has been removed from our society as God’s word has come to be more and more despised and rejected? I think the evidence is inescapable. Yet still, my main point is to encourage you to read this God-breathed book (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17) for your own edification.

God’s word says of itself that it is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 CSB). It is as if God’s Spirit uses his word to perform needed spiritual surgery on us—for our good, our healing, the perfecting of our faith! And the psalmist, King David, describes the sheer wonder and pleasure of this word. He says it is trustworthy, right, radiant, reliable, and sweet. And he lists some of the rewards that revering the commandments bring: renewal, experience, gladness, enlightenment, and righteousness. (See Psalm 19). Do you desire these qualities and characteristics and outcomes in your life? I do. How about in your spouse or children? Or even in your vocational or business pursuits? Let us return to the word of God. May it again be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths—for God’s glory and our good.

PRAYER – Psalm 19:14: 

May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable to you,

Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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What Does Not Please God?

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith. (Romans 3:27 CSB)

There is no boasting in the Christian life. Well, save in the cross of Christ (cf. Galatians 6:14). In a political and sports culture of brag and swag, we do well to remember that God does no go for this. Paul has just given a summary in Romans 3:21-26 of the gospel for which he is not ashamed, this gospel in which is revealed the power of God and the righteousness of God, to be received by faith alone. All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, all who are saved are saved by grace through faith, and receive a righteousness from outside of ourselves, and are thus declared just before God. This leaves no room for boasting in ourselves. We do not trash talk. The Lord will have none of that. None. So what does not please God? Pride, arrogance, a boastful spirit.

But we already knew this. The wise man had told us this long before. The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19) What do you think of when looked upon by arrogant eyes? Other translations help us get the whole picture. Haughty eyes (ESV). Eyes high (YLT). A proud look (KJV). This is not a light matter with our Lord. These things are detestable to him.

So this principle is simply drilled down as we consider our salvation. God saves us in such a way to undercut the temptation that goes all the way back to the garden—pride. Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18). Indeed. Oh how we have known that since Genesis 3! Reflecting on the teaching of his Savior, Peter sums this up for us: All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because

God resists the proud

but gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. (I Pet. 5:5b-7).

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The Greatest Hymn-writer You’ve Never Heard Of

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

My article posted today at The Gospel Coalition. I am thankful for their invitation.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/best-hymn-writer-never-heard/

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What Pleases God?

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:10, 11 ESV)

What does the Lord God take pleasure in? What pleases him? On this earth we are impressed by power and might, or skill and expertise, or eloquence and creative genius. Not so with God. He is certainly the source of such characteristics. Further, he is glorified if these things are wielded rightly. But he is not impressed by them. This psalm does not mention them as giving him pleasure, or gratification or satisfaction.

Rather, the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. God takes special notice as we come before his throne and seek his face with reverence. He does not want us to cower in fear of other people, living in subjection to a culture that would now like to “cancel” those who trust in the Bible and the God of the Bible. His Spirit inhabits the praise of those whose only fear is of the one true God. Yes, we tremble at his awesome holiness. We ought to at least!

In addition, he is pleased by our hoping in his steadfast love, his hesed. This is his love that sticks like glue to his covenant people. God takes pleasure in those who know that he keeps his promises and those who live by them. He is pleased to shower daily mercies on those who say, with Jeremiah, The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; … “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him” (see Lamentations 3:19ff.).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for not only bestowing favor on your people, but for actually taking pleasure in us as we fear you and hope in your steadfast love. Help me to fear the Lord and hope in your promises today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Crystal Clear, No Exceptions, No Qualifications

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Do all things without grumbling or disputing. (Philippians 2:14 NASB)

I think he means don’t grumble about what you have to do unless you are really frustrated. And don’t dispute with your parent, spouse, or supervisor unless you really don’t like what you were told. No, Paul means what he wrote. God means what his word says. Having recently preached, over the course of four Sundays, from Romans 1:18-3:20 I am truly struck by the seriousness of sin and the clarity of commands. Our sinful nature always wants wiggle room. The Bible does not go for that.

Most of these explicit commands and demands are diagnostic tools that reveal flaws in our character. I am told not to grumble about doing what I ought to do, what is right, what is expected of me. Do not dispute (or complain (ESV) or argue (CSB)) with the one who has the authority to give you a task to do that is right and good and expected of you. Rather, do your work as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23); work hard (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:10); and don’t be afraid to know that there is a reward for obedience (Eph. 6:3). Do you have gratitude? Do you know from whom all good things come? Are you willingly under authority?

I am afraid we just do not want to hear what God has to say. We often remain slaves to ourselves, our passions, our desire for ease.  We gloss over the clarity of God’s word as it describes the life and character of the one who has been set free from sin and from the power of sin and the world and the flesh and the devil. Consider a few more of these clear biblical instructions.

Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. (Eph. 5:4 CSB). These kinds of behaviors are not suitable for a Christian. There are things we ought not do or say or even think (or watch!). Rather, have gratitude.

My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. (James 1:19) There are should’s and ought’s in the life of faith. Let us not flee from them, but rather embrace them. How? Ask for help. He gives greater grace. (James 4:6a)

Finally, as we do things without grumbling or complaining, for example, there is an immediate effect, influence, and outcome. So that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. (Phil. 2:15) You benefit in growth in holiness or sanctification, you and your neighbors benefit from your good reputation, and God is glorified as you are his witness to the watching world.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sins of grumbling and disputing. Change me. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank you for the righteousness of Christ, for it is my only hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Hope from Above

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. (Psalm 115:3 NIV (1984))

What verse or passage comes to your mind when you realize: “I need God’s word right now”? My morning Psalm today was Psalm 115. It is an eighteen-verse prayer that brings together God’s sovereignty, his Shepherd’s heart, his wisdom and holiness, and the delight he offers. I needed it today.

I was a student of the late Knox Chamblin. He taught New Testament at Bellhaven College and then Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. I was also assigned to his weekly advisor prayer group. What a blessing! He was a life-time academic and classroom teacher–with a pastor’s heart. He took requests and prayed fervently for students during class. I can still hear those prayers and his voice even now. But it was an even greater privilege to meet with him in a smaller setting on Wednesdays for group prayer.

In the midst of our various challenges and struggles as students, he once had us turn to Psalm 115:3. He read, Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. We were reminded that day that God is in control. He is powerful. He is good. He knows the number of the hairs on our heads and the falling of each sparrow. He is never taken by surprise. And he does whatever pleases him. He is the artist who knits the tapestry of the lives of each of his children. You may be looking at the back of that piece of fabric right now and you see a large knot and seemingly jumbled threads. But God is always at work. If you have received the Spirit of adoption and call God Abba, Father (Romans 8:15), then wait on him. He will renew your strength. He has not finished his work of art. But like Paul, I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippian 1:6).

Dr. Chamblin completed his work on earth in 2012, but his influence upon me continues. Perhaps in some small measure I have passed it on to you. We will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 115:18). Amen.

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Why is he not ashamed of the Gospel?

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16b CSB)

Paul clearly wanted the reader to know that he is not ashamed of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Why? Because this good news is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. The power of God. That is, his omnipotence. God has all power—infinite power—and it is sufficient and efficient for the salvation of all who believe it. For salvation. That is, being saved from our sins; from ourselves; from the world, the flesh, and the devil; from God’s righteous wrath upon sin; and from an eternity in hell. That is a wondrous salvation! To everyone who believes. To all who place their faith in the name of Jesus. To all who forsake their sins, turning away from them to God, believing that Jesus took your sins upon himself on the cross and credits you with his perfect righteousness. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. (Proverbs 18:10) There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe! Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Joel 2:32) If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:9, 10). Amen and Amen.

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What about You?

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

For I am not ashamed of the gospel. (Romans 1:16a CSB)

What is the gospel? It is good news. What is the news? Here is one way the Apostle Paul presented it: Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

Let’s hone in on the specific news: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Before launching into his most extensive exposition of that news, Paul lets the readers know that he is not ashamed of the news, of the good news. He must have considered the possibility that he or we might be tempted to be ashamed of this news, so he makes his powerful statement that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Well, we worship a Savior who died as a convicted criminal on a Roman cross. He was placed in a tomb. But he rose again from the dead. He was once dead, but now is alive. That is some remarkable (perhaps crazy?) news! And good.

Again it was Paul who told this news to the cultural and intellectual elites of Athens, Greece. He told them about a man whom God had given the authority to judge all humanity at an appointed time. Then Paul added, “He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31b). At this point the tone of some of the listeners changed: When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him, but others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this” (v. 32). Ridicule. The ESV says some mocked him. Paul had a similar experience when testifying to his conversion to the gospel and to Christ before Felix and Agrippa. Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” (Acts 26:24)

And so it goes. But I believe Paul also knew what Jesus had said about these things. He told us it would be like this. “You will be hated because of my name,” said Jesus (Luke 21:17). Yet, he said, “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:11, 12). But also: For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. (Luke 9:26).

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16ab) What about you?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for the good news. I believe. Lord help my unbelief. Your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never come to an end. Praise the Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Older and Still at It

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

God, you have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim your wondrous works. Even while I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, while I proclaim your power to another generation, your strength to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:17, 18 CSB)

“Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives.” So spoke Macdonald Carey, a.k.a., Dr. Tom Horton, as my mother’s “story” would begin.[i] I watched it with my family as a youth. My grandmother had switched by then to the “stories” on CBS. Well, Dr. H was right. The sands drop through the hour glass. They seem to speed up with the years. Moses put it like this in the only psalm attributed to him: Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away (90:10). Indeed.

At age fifty-two with a wife of almost three decades, six sons, and being thankful each day for God’s provision of our daily bread, these are verses that I do not just read, but experience acutely. ( Perhaps you can relate.) God has taught me from my youth. I remember learning Psalms 23 and 100 in fourth grade Sunday School with Mrs. Rickard. And, by God’s grace, 42 years later I have the privilege of reciting those psalms from behind a pulpit and to hospital and hospice patients who are receptive of pastoral care, and at home.

I only have a few gray hairs so far (probably a sign I still have a good deal of wisdom to gain). But I agree whole-heartedly with the psalmist: Even while I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, while I proclaim your power to another generation. Please, God, I must. And while I would not have expected life to be like it is right now, like Jeremiah I try to throw in the towel, but I am compelled to keep speaking this word. With the prophet I say, “I won’t mention him or speak any longer in his name.” But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail (Jeremiah 20:9). But Moses was right about our days: even the best of them are struggle and sorrow. So what to do? Flee? No, yet I also join Peter, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, to whom can I turn but you? I thank you for your steadfast love that never ceases and your mercies that never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[i] However, Socrates was apparently the original source of this quote.

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