Thank YOU, JESUS!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #45

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created

by him, and for him:

17 And he is before

all things,

and by him

all things consist.”  Colossians 1:12-17

 This is one of my favorite prayers from the Apostle Paul to the Colossian believers, and it is so apropos for us today, for it is so easy to let the busy-ness of ‘life’ cause us to forget what Jesus has done for us, to forget how loving and amazing our God is who “gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life…”!

So, let’s rehearse some of the blessings and wonders that God has done and is doing for us—all in, through, for, and because of Jesus and HIS sacrifice for our salvation, and forgiveness of our sin!  And my friends, SIN is the issue.  We can pay for our own sin in hell, or receive the gift of God through Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. (See Romans 3:23 & 6:23)

Remember, our salvation was and IS God’s idea, not ours.  GOD calls us to Himself, provides the sacrifice for our forgiveness, which Jesus came to BE, so that we could be “delivered…from the power of darkness…and…. translated…into the kingdom of his dear Son”!  Oh, how grateful I am for God’s truly amazing love and grace and what joy to know that our Redeemer, Savior, and KING is the creator of all things.  May we each take some time today to think on these things and thank God for His amazing gifts of love.  Think on this: Jesus, the Lord of all, the one who sits at the right hand of God The Father, LOVES you and me!  HE died to save us, if we will but come to HIM in repentance of our sin and faith in the sacrifice that HE made our sin, to “save His people from their sin…”.

Yet, we must remember that “today is the day of salvation”, and we have no guarantee of tomorrow, so won’t you call on the Savoir today, and if you are HIS, then remember what HE did and is doing for you and share it as God gives you opportunity!  How glorious to live a life of gratitude, shining an “attitude of gratitude” everywhere we go, and in whatever we may do.

“And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:14-15

May God encourage your heart today with HIS Word, as you ponder His faithful care for us, and for Jesus, the only way!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6 

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent

me draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

A final word from Paul, to remind us of God’s sufficient grace for every need, regardless of the burden or trial!  God can—yes, HE can!  Thank YOU, Jesus for loving me, the unlovely!  Hallelujah!!!

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,

in reproaches, in necessities,

in persecutions, in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Amen and Amen!!!