1.} I'm thankful for God's love. Almost sounds trite, doesn't it? But its not. There is much I could say about God's love, but I'll just sum it up by quoting the key verse of the whole Bible, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." And I need to add the words of the most sung (my idea) children's song - "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
2.} I'm thankful for the hope I have in Jesus. Again the scripture says that without hope we are of all people most miserable. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in this world without the hope of Jesus' return and the ensuing inheritance He has planned for all who follow Him in this life. The words of a hymn pretty much say it all -- "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."
3.} I'm thankful for the everyday presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. God's presence in me and with me is beyond my understanding, but I know He's there. He leads me, comforts me, encourages me, and convicts me when I do not follow His ways as I should. He is also my intercessor, pleading my case before the Father. How can I ever thank Him enough?
The Holy Trinity is past my (our) understanding [Father, Son, Holy Spirit]. Jesus prayed to the Father, and following His ascension, sent the Holy Spirit to live with all believers. That truth surpasses the reasoning of the human mind. Only by faith can we accept such concepts. "For it is by faith that we are saved, not of works lest any one should boast.
I close this post with the benediction I used most when closing a worship service: "Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our savior be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever more. Amen."
Pilgrim on the way
1 comment:
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Your blog caught my eye this morning because of the reference to Edward Mote's fine hymn, "The Solid Rock." (Today is the 135th anniversary of his death.)
With you, I am thankful for the "living hope" I have in Christ. In fact, He Himself is "the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope" (I Tim. 1:1).
God bless you and your wife. If you enjoy reading a bit about the background of our hymns, I invite you to check out my daily blog on the subject, Wordwise Hymns.
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