REVOLUTION NOW!
Entering the "Grateful Commission" Can Change Your Life NOW!
Dear Readers,
I’m grateful you are a free subscriber to The Three Tabernacles. Please pass this along to others and invite them to join us in the tavern as well!
Soon we will host a gathering with a larger group to share the good things we have in our lives and encourage each other. Stay tuned!
Taverns are gathering places. Food. Drink. Stories. Friendships. Paul went into The Three Taverns on his way to face Caesar in chains and he was encouraged by other believers there. That’s what this publication is designed to do….encourage you along your journey.
What is one thing you could do right now, TODAY, to improve your entire life physically, mentally, spiritually? And it would also energize someone else immediately? If done daily it is a revolution. See below.
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THE GRATEFUL COMMISSION
Most of us have heard of what we call "The Great Commission," that moment when the risen Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.
I think we need to embrace the "Grateful Commission."
A revolution in our life takes place when we practice gratitude. It changes our entire perspective. It changes our biology. High blood pressure goes down. Stomach relaxes. Heart beats more steadily. Our mind is eased and becomes more joyful.
We live in a very pampered and spoiled age. We would do well to talk to those in their 80’s and 90’s about their lives and what they have endured.
Believe me, it is NOT A HARDSHIP when you crack your smartphone screen. You might do well to crack it for a few days anyway! (smile) But as you talk to those a generation or two before you, their daily life was a struggle! How about when you can't find food or heat your home?
I said the PRACTICE of gratitude because it truly takes practice. We practice law. We practice medicine. We practice oboe or flute or guitar. We practice football or golf. Gratitude doesn't come naturally. It is developed.
We hopefully begin with children teaching them to say, "Thank you" and to genuinely feel happy about an unexpected surprise, or to be thankful even for the ordinary things such as a sandwich placed in front of them at lunch.
But as adults, it is something WE must train ourselves to do. In every situation to PRACTICE gratitude takes thought and purpose.
Recently I was sitting on my back porch meditating, reading scripture, thinking about people who have invested in my life. One person came to mind at that moment, someone quite advanced in years (but not slowing down in life!) and I called him up.
He is often traveling so I was surprised when he answered on ring number two. He was at that moment walking across a parking lot to his car after buying a new battery for his laptop.
After greeting each other I simply said, "I called you because God brought you to my mind. I want to thank you. Thank you for investing in me, encouraging me, opening doors of opportunity, letting me ride your coat-tails, for being my champion. I love you and I wanted you to know I am so grateful to you."
His answer didn't surprise me at all: "I DID ALL THAT?!" We had a laugh and caught up on some other news. It took all of 3 minutes. I don't know what that call did for him, but for me it altered my day and my life to be more like Christ.
Recently some friends we have been reconnecting with invited us to dinner. They paid for everything, for which I was grateful! But during dinner they asked me about some of Emily’s and my journey in life walking with God and at one point I became unable to talk. I was so moved thinking of the people who had invested in our life, those God had supernaturally surrounded us with who loved, encouraged and supported us.
Think of what a revolution it would be if we ALL entered The Grateful Commission.
Practicing gratitude at the gas pump when we fill our car. Yes, even at these prices. At the grocery store when we pay for our cartful of food. At a restaurant that we actually get to relax and enjoy a meal served by someone else. We all need to practice. We absolutely need to teach those younger than us to recognize the life they have been given.
Think of someone you can thank today. On purpose. Not a text; make a phone call. Voice to voice, or even across the table with a cup of coffee. Practice daily. It may be corny, but most nights I will say to my wife Emily, "I'm so glad I get to sleep beside you again." And I mean it. I have been thinking of so many people who have changed my life and thinking of ways to say, "Thank you."
Let's enter The Grateful Commission.
JOINING US IN THE TAVERN THIS WEEK!
If you live in the Mid-TN area feel free to join us at “Tavern Talks”, a morning inspirational spirit-check for your life.
Held each week at 7am at The Mission Cigar and Social, we have dozens of men joining in this hang-out.
This Tuesday, June 11, we will enjoy Daniel Willis telling his story.
Daniel is locally grown from Mount Pleasant, TN. He has been married for nearly 12 years. He has been a police officer nearly 10 years doing various aspects of the job from investigations to SWAT.
He is currently a sergeant on night shift in Spring Hill, TN.
Anyone who has met Daniel enjoys his humility and keen insight into life.
A tavern is a great place to hear people's stories and you will enjoy hearing Daniel's.
Big thanks to The Mission Cigar and Social and Mark, Monte and Willie for enthusiastically making their place available and participating every chance they get.
COMING UP IN "TAVERN TALKS"
June 18- Cactus Moser, musician, producer, cowboy, husband to Wynonna Judd
June 25- Kyle Anson, former catcher for New York Yankees, pastor of a new congregation in Culleoka, TN
Looking Up (Luke 21:28),
Tod Bell
Chief Tavern Host
P.S. Many of you know Shawn Ryan is a friend of mine. I love him and his precious family. His wife Katie is a very special woman and they are raising their young children in the love of the Lord. Shawn is a recent disciple of Jesus. His testimony is powerful and is expanding. He is also still very much the tough-talking, straight-shooting dude that he’s always been. Shawn recently did an interview with Tucker Carlson on his show which ranks as one of the best he has ever done. It’s long, over 3 hours, but I listened to it about 30 minutes at a time and completed it last week. They discuss many things well worth paying attention to and I want to encourage you to spend some time listening to it as well.
Tucker Carlson - Revolution, World War 3, WTC Building 7 and Supernatural Phenomenon | SRS #115 (youtube.com)
P.S.S. Keep trying to play!
