November 2025 is now posted.
We will be posting the Glorious Gospel articles individually below. A PDF file (large print) can be downloaded under the Archives tab and printed if desired, as well as past editions.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Gratitude?
Gordon Crook, PastorGrace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas
“Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, . . . And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (Please read this entire passage)
What is true gratitude? Where does it come from? Why does it matter?
True gratitude comes from a humility that recognizes that what we have is not of our own accomplishment. Not a single one of us had any hand in our own existence. Only God can give life. When you start here, then you must recognize that everything after that is based on that first fact. I am not capable of accomplishing anything except that God gave me life and further enables me to continue that life. “Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, . . .” Hebrews 1:3.
If indeed everything from the beginning of my life is dependent upon God, then would I not have a sincere sense of gratitude? Our old nature inspired by the culture in which we live would have us show some sense of gratitude for the really “good” things that come in our life. However, we then can complain and murmur about the “bad” things that come in our life.
Perhaps this is exactly why Paul reminds us, in Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good to those that belong to God. We often say that we believe this, but the way we know if we believe it is our attitude when things do not go the way we wanted them to. If we truly believe, then we will be grateful even when things go “wrong.”
We also must recognize that we do not, did not, and will not “deserve” any of what God provides for us. Most people will argue that we do deserve certain things. There are certain things that are “human rights” based on humanist thinking. The truth is that there is nothing that we deserve, except for God’s wrath. I know this is not popular, but it is the truth. This makes me extra grateful for a God that loves me and has, through Christ Jesus, provided all that I need even though I do not deserve it.
Where does this kind of gratitude come from? It comes from the New Creation that is in us. The life of Christ that is transforming our heart from a hard stony heart to a heart that is true to God. This transformation is changing our attitudes every day as we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Paul reminds us of the characteristics of the old nature. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” 2 Timothy 3:2. Notice the “unthankful” which in Greek, is the negative form of “grateful.” While this is the natural attitude of human beings, we who have the life of Christ in us, are being changed and should have different attitude of gratitude.
I was impressed with Jesus, while He lived here on this earth, giving thanks to His Father on several occasions. Luke 10:21, John 11:41, Matthew 15:36, Matthew 26:27 are all examples of this. I think we should recognize that, if Jesus demonstrates an attitude of thankfulness to His Father, we should certainly be following that example.
Why does it matter if we are thankful or not. First of all, what I have already mentioned, that the life of Christ in us will produce this attitude. So, if we say we have Christ, but continue to be unthankful, we are clearly not yielding to that Christ life. This is saddening to our Lord. Remember when Jesus healed in Luke 17:12-19. Only one came back to show gratitude. Jesus questioned as to the other nine. Why did they not turn back to be thankful? Does our attention to ourself and our other interests keep us from expressing our gratitude?
I know that we have a day that we call Thanksgiving, and we all have our own way or tradition for celebrating that. However, maybe we should think about every single day as being a day of thanksgiving. When you wake up in the morning are you thankful for God’s faithfulness? When you eat your meals, are you thankful for God’s provision? Every moment of every day is a great time to express our gratitude to our Father.
Under the Influence
Vicky Moots
Eph. 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Paul, in this verse, is contrasting two different situations in which a person can be found to be “under the influence.” To be “under the influence” of something means to be under its control. The first situation, physical drunkenness, is condemned in the Scripture because it is harmful. Wine is not condemned, but drunkenness is. The second situation mentioned by Paul is one that should be desired by every Christian: to be under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. I am going to explain this in more detail by first describing the way in which alcohol adversely affects our physical bodies and then compare that to the beneficial spiritual effects of being filled with the Spirit.
Drunkenness affects the entire body, but the most visible outward signs are its effects on the speech, the difficulty walking, and the actions of the person involved. When a person is physically intoxicated by alcohol, it is usually obvious to those around him because of these signs. Alcohol affects the brain in different stages. It is quickly absorbed and reaches the brain within five minutes. The first thing that happens is a release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, that makes you more relaxed and talkative, and can even trigger you to desire more of it. As you continue drinking, it affects your cerebral cortex which controls your thinking and judgment. Next, the cerebellum which controls your balance and coordination, is affected resulting in impaired speech and gait. A person who is intoxicated is under the influence of the alcohol and loses control of all of these functions. These impairments will continue until the alcohol has been metabolized by the liver, which requires about one hour per ounce.
On the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the 120 believers in the upper room, they all began speaking in other tongues. When the multitude that was in Jerusalem heard them rejoicing and speaking in tongues, some of them mocked, saying, “…These men are full of new wine” (Acts 2:13). They assumed that their joyfulness and altered speech was due to intoxication. However, Peter stood up and declared, in v. 15, “…these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day [9:00 a.m.].”
But those that mocked that day were partially right. The 120 believers were all “under the influence” and control of the Holy Spirit. Just as alcohol controls the tongue, actions and walk of those who are under its influence, so does the Holy Spirit. However, the results are different.
The effects of alcohol’s control over a person are exceedingly harmful, but the Holy Spirit’s control is completely the opposite. He controls our tongue to speak God’s Word. He controls our walk so that we can walk a straight path instead of stumbling or staggering. He controls our actions so that they will glorify God rather than bring shame. The joy of the Holy Spirit is a true joy that lasts.
Unfortunately, many Christians today don’t want to be “under the influence” of the Holy Spirit. They only want to take a little sip, just a little taste. They want to remain in control of their lives, their thoughts, their tongues and their actions.
Back in our verse, Eph. 5:18, the word “filled,” regarding the Holy Spirit, is a continuous action verb in the Greek, so it actually means to be “continually filling” with the Spirit. We are to drink and keep on drinking, so that we remain continually “under the influence.” It is more than a one-time event. We need the Holy Spirit’s influence and control every day in our lives for every circumstance.
HERE AM I
(Jacob)
Joseph down in Egypt said,
“Bring my father here.
God has raised me up this day;
You have no need to fear.”
Jacob took his journey then,
Stopped along the way.
He came unto Beersheba
To worship and to pray.
In the visions of the night,
Dispelling fear and doubt,
Jacob clearly heard God’s voice,
And answered with a shout.
“Here am I,” his eager cry,
Knowing God would hear.
Listening to his Savior’s voice,
His promises were clear.
I will bring you back again,
Greater then before.
Jacob trusted in God’s Word,
He couldn’t ask for more.
Debbie Isenbletter
(Genesis 46:1-5)
SHARING
Praise Report
God’s Faithful Provision
Gordon Crook
I am always amazed at just how faithful God is in His provision for the things we need. My entire life is a testament to God’s faithfulness, even though I have not always been faithful in my life.
We moved out to the country 24 years ago, and when we did, there was a wood burning stove in the house we bought. We had decided we needed to burn firewood as our main source of heat since propane was very expensive. I cannot remember exactly how we acquired the firewood that first year, only that we found some for free.
In the 24 years that we have lived here, we have only had to purchase firewood one year because I was not sure I had enough and was time constrained to try to find some for free.
One year, several years ago, a very large source of free firewood became available to me within a couple of miles of our house. It was piled up with bulldozers, and we worked very hard for several months to get what we could before they burned the rest in a large pile. That lasted us several years.
In the interim, I have been able to find several smaller quantities of firewood, but as we approached this winter, I felt like I has going to barely have enough for this winter, and certainly none that was curing for next winter or beyond.
My son Jonathan, called me on a Monday and told me that he had seen a property where they were cutting down trees and had a large sign that said “free firewood.” I went to check on that, and they were clearing a lot of trees, and even cutting the wood to length and stacking it. The quantity was excessive and I decided to start hauling using the pickup truck.
From that Tuesday until the next Monday I hauled 14 truck loads which will give me firewood for several years. I recognize that this is God’s provision for us. The fact that they were cutting the wood to length and stacking it made my job much easier allowing me to take much more than if I had to cut the wood out of a large bulldozed pile.
I am so grateful for God’s provision. Getting free firewood may seem like a small thing, but it is God’s provision of the small things that reminds me that He is faithful in ALL things.
This year, He has been faithful to allow me to retire from my Engineering job of 37 years. He was faithful to let me keep that job for such a long time with the same company. His faithfulness just continues day after day and always amazes me. Praise the Lord!!!!
Praise Report
Oliver Combs was born on November 27, 2018. Oliver is our beloved son born to Kristen and Adam Combes and little brother to Jacob 14 and Charleigh 12. Ollie was a kindergartener at Overbrook attendance center. Ollies joy for life has been in his curiosity, kindness, and unstoppable energy.
In early October 2024 we received life-changing news. After a few days of extreme leg pain, and a visit to our pediatrician led to x-rays, scans and a biopsy that reveled Oliver has osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
We had our faith in God and lots of people praying for Oliver. We had just started building our new house as we were living in our camper on our land. The devil was sure trying our faith. But we knew God is always with us and would see us through.
The tumor was located on his right distal femur. We began navigating the path of treatment and recovery. Despite the challenges, Oliver has faced every step saying, “Jesus has me.” He has showed remarkable courage and strength. Oliver began chemotherapy in October. Praise the Lord our jobs worked with us so one of us could always be in Children’s Mercy with him. Praise the Lord my sister lives 4 miles from the hospital so we could go there and rest.
The treatment was intense, but praise the Lord the tumor shrunk. The doctors were shocked how fast it shrunk….we know it was God. Ollie bravely endured long sessions of medication, his strength and belief kept us going.
January 15, 2025 Oliver underwent a specialized procedure called rotationplasty, which involved removing the tumor and part of his leg while preserving his mobility. This innovative surgery will allow Oliver to run, jump, and play with the help of a prosthetic. The doctors couldn’t believe how well the bone graph took so fast and how fast the incision with the nerves and blood vessels were healing. We do it was our Lord. God has helped ollie excel in physical therapy, learning to hop using a walker and navigate life with his unstoppable determination.
After 17 more rounds of chemotherapy Oliver was diagnosed cancer free on June 15th. Praise our holy Lord Jesus Christ. Oliver’s journey is far from over, and the road ahead will requite ongoing therapies and adjustments, the financial burden of medical expenses and travel for treatments, and specialized prosthetics is significant. Oliver’s bright spirit continues to shine through even on his darkest days.
We are dealing with insurance issues right now about his physical therapy and he does have to take kindergarten over again because he missed so much. But we know our Lord has his hand in all of it. Thank the Lord for the support our community did on August 9 at the 5K run walk. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support.
October 6 Praise the Lord Ollie got his new leg today. Doctors were surprised how well the bone graft healed.
A Special Blessing From The Lord
Earlene Davis
I want to share a blessing from the Lord that I received in the form of an e-mail. I was so blessed and encouraged by it, and I believe you will be also. The e-mail came from a man named Paul who lives in Missouri.
Paul said in the e-mail, “I found a couple of copies of your wonderful magazine at a hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO, and was wondering if it is still being printed. If so, how can I get more copies sent my way? Even back issues. I have July and August 2024. I would like to hear back from you, as I am a 71 year-old disabled man who is caregiver to a wheelchair-bound wife. Good reading material is very welcome in my home.”
I just praise the Lord for blessing me so, and also to know that someone passed along the magazine in faith by leaving it in that hospital. The Lord saw to it that it landed in the hands of just the right person. Paul is now on our mailing list and I am sending him a few past copies that were still left over at church.
Just think, I was blessed and Paul was blessed and also the magazines may have been read by others during all those days it was available. I hope more saints when finished with their monthly copy of Glorious Gospel magazine, pass it on to someone or leave it where it is available to others – instead of throwing it away.
HAPPY PEOPLE
Jack Davis
“HAPPY IS HE THAT HATH THE GOD OF JACOB FOR HIS HELP, WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD HIS GOD.” Ps. 146:5
Is any body happy? What does it take to make a person truly, lastingly happy? One might say, “Oh if I just had this certain thing, or if I could gain that, or if I could accomplish something else.
“HAPPY IS HE”
Wherein Are We Happy? I believe that only God is able to make us come to or realize the greatest possible happiness. Is a happy person one who is satisfied, being blessed with the fulness of favor from God? I believe this is the essence of the Word in the Old Testament.
Jesus when speaking to His disciples, expressed such marvelous love and wisdom. He asked them if they understood what He had just done in washing their feet. Then He said; “if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Jn. 13:17. Knowing God’s will, obeying His Word is indeed a great promoter of real happiness. In Proverbs 3:13,18 we read of the happiness enjoyed in finding and retaining wisdom.
The queen of Sheba was highly impressed when she had seen evidence of King Solomon’s wisdom, glory, and wealth. She exclaimed in amazement, “The half was not told me.” Then she exclaimed, “happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.” I Kings 10:7-8. What then could we say of our dear Lord? It is stated in Job 5:17, “Happy is the man whom God correcteth…” Are you receptive to such? We are often prone to despise the instrument He uses.
The context of our text begins with, or is introduced by saying, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” Ps. 146:1-2. Let praise be the high activity of the spiritually happy. Have you noticed that praise-worship of the Lord and holy happiness work together? They feed off each other. It reaches up to God for His delight. It reaches down to the discouraged to lift expectation for his deliverance. The outreach of praise enables others to see the joy of the Lord in us, and causes them to desire Him also.
“My soul rejoices.” “Bless the LORD O my soul.” Such expressions show that this praise comes from within the heart. Praise proclaims a positive attitude, an optimistic outlook. This is how we may express a victorious up look accompanied with the increase of faith, hope, and love.
A happy people are those that have good expectation. The Holy Spirit is doing such a marvelous work in the lives of God’s people today. By making the Word of God a reality to us, we are made a serious, very sincere people. We are made sober and yet sublimely serene. We are most happy when we are satisfied and yet ever seeking His highest and best. Thus we are made a gloriously happy people even in the face of serious suffering. See I Pet. 3:12-19 and 4:12-14.
“HE THAT HATH”
What (who) Do You Have? Those having something belonging to them personally, especially that which they consider most worthy, enjoyable, or beneficial, are usually considered happy. We believe that those things entered into by faith in God’s unerring promises produces such. What have you laid hold of that’s real, lasting, and cheers your heart? What has been given to you that you are appropriating and appreciating as your own? Is there anything that can afford you everlasting happiness? The best we can have is that which has us. We have redemption through His blood, and are glad we belong to Him. “Happy art thou…who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.” Deut. 33:29.
Why shouldn’t we be happy enjoying God’s salvation, with Him being the shield of our help, and the sword by which we may excel unto his glory and honour. Who could find greater deliverance, or better protection? We certainly have adversity. We often meet with great difficulty as we press on in the will of God. We never lack the enemies opposition that would try to rob us of the joy of our salvation. The accuser of the brethren is always on the job. But, Glory to God, with our foot dipped in oil, walking in the Spirit; and our shoes of iron and brass; (strength and judgment) and as our days so shall our strength be. We are thus enabled to trample the enemy under feet taking by faith our God-given high places. Rom. 16:20.
“THE GOD OF JACOB FOR HIS HELP”
By whom are we helped? This Psalm somewhat describes the God that we have for our help in verses six through ten. “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: Which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.”
What a God we have, that has put Himself at the disposal of our faith! Knowing and trusting ourselves unto Him, frees us unto a course of life without covetousness, and produces in us an attitude of contentment founded on what He has spoken in His precious Word. “For he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Heb. 13:5-6. Our God has so richly provided for us that there truly need be no complaining in our streets. Ps. 144:14-15.
By way of contrast, verse three and four of our Psalm 146; indicates the necessity to avoid the course to certain unhappiness. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Isa. 2:22; gives sound advise, “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” consider well the contrast given in Jer. 17:5-7.
Oh yes, many grievous disappointments come our way when we put our hope in human help. These have, does, and will fail us. Misplaced expectations can really get us down, make us despondent and have us talking to ourselves. We do well to encourage ourselves in the Lord. We might say to our selves “Adjust your focus.” “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Ps. 42:5. There is much foolish teaching on self help today, and promoting self confidence. If God helps them that are able to help themselves; What can He do for the helpless? How about, exceeding, abundantly, above, all we ask or think?
“WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE lord”
In whom do you hope? All those who are fully trusting in Him, are to be cheerfully expectant of coming good. He gladly gives the greatest and the best even to pleasantly, presently anticipate. He cannot fail His promise. He also has given us wonderful examples and instruction in His Word on how to abound in hope. Of course we know that all God our Father has given us to expect is wrapped in the Lord Jesus Christ. The God of hope causes us to abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost, as we simply yieldingly believe. Rom. 15:13.
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