Christ Centered Lessons
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012 – Our Blessings |
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I have mentioned several times, in previous articles, that Thanksgiving is my favorite of all the holidays. The focus is not on materialism but rather on parades, food, football games and most importantly family. For me, this year will provide many mixed emotions. This will be the last Thanksgiving as a family before my daughter gets married. It will be the last Thanksgiving before my son starts college. It will be my first Thanksgiving without my parents. Things change. Life changes. Thankfully God does not.
Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In Genesis we are told that man is created in "His image." His desire for man to be saved so that an eternal home in heaven can be our final destination is of utmost importance to Him. Consider the following passages:
1 Timothy 2:1-6 - Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.
God’s desire for us is to be saved. These aren’t just words, he put a plan in action for it to be possible.
Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Romans 5:1-11 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
As we examine our lives, these passages demonstrate the core of what we should be thankful for. We give thanks to God for His love, His blessings and the opportunity we have at eternal life through the gift of His son Jesus.
We are also thankful for the day to day blessings we receive. The disciples were a very thankful people for the blessings given to them by God.
1 Thes. 5:16‑18 – Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Christians have the right to pray, and we should never forget to give thanks for all things. Our gratitude is to be continual because our blessings are continual (1 Thes. 5:17).
Eph. 5:20 - giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Our life, our breath, our family, our food, clothes and all other things that sustain us in this world would not be without God. May we always give him the thanks, reverence and praise that is due him.
A life of dedicated to praise and thanksgiving unto God will help you overcome all obstacles placed in your path. And never forget the words of James, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] promised to them that love him.”
We are thankful that our reward has been assured to those that are found faithful:
John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Last, I am thankful for each of you. During the short time this website has been running, it has been viewed by over 99,000 souls in over 180 countries. It is easy at times to think the world has given itself over to Satan but the truth is there are so many people looking for the truth. We can provide it to them.
My prayer is that God continues to bless each of you and your families as you continue to strive to live a life pleasing to Him.