“If you believe one-tenth of what you say you believe you should be ten times more excited than you are.” And I ask myself the question: Where and why do we fall short? Maybe it’s this . . . – We fail to remember that being called “believers” means we “believe.” – We fail to remember what it is we believe. – And we fail to give thanks. We believe that God gave. And we received. And when we receive a gift, what should be our natural response? Thanksgiving. God has given us numerous gifts for which we can be eternally grateful. Here are TEN to start out with. #1 – God’s Son “Our Savior Jesus Christ. . . gave himself for us.” (Titus 2:14) God’s Son wasn’t forced into being our Savior. Jesus Christ gave Himself freely. Why? #2 – Forgiveness of Sins “. . . that [we] might receive forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 26:18) Each of us deserves the worst punishment imaginable for the filth of our sins. Christ took it on Himself that we might receive forgiveness in its place. #3 – Family Status “As many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God.” (John 1:12) We have received the right to be called the children of God. We have the same family status as God’s own Son. #4 – Grace “. . . grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (2 Timothy 1:9) God’s favor when we didn’t deserve it – when we deserves His DIS-favor – was so certain to be ours that He gave it to us long before He brought anything into existence. #5 – the Holy Spirit “. . . ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) The Spirit of truth indwells us, fills us, rebukes us, seals us, and produces His fruit through us. #6 – Peace “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” (John 14:27) Christ left us His peace. It is ours – available and apart from any peace we could achieve from any other source. #7 – Wisdom “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . . and it shall be given.” (James 1:5) When we need wisdom, we can ask for it. And He will give it willingly. Again and again. #8 – Victory over death. “Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) Because Christ rose from the dead, death will not have victory over us. #9 – An Inheritance “. . . that they may . . . receive an inheritance.” (Acts 26:18) This inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, does not fade away, and is reserved in heaven for us. We’re “joint heirs” with God’s own Son. #10 – Everlasting Life “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.” (John 3:16) Since we believe what we say we believe, let’s be more excited, more joyful . . . more grateful. Ten times more. |
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