When I first started this post, I had a list of praise & thanks from 2017. Much of it focused on God’s work in my family. As I was walking one morning, God told me to focus on just a few of those items today.
I thank God . . .
. . . that Jesus blood is always greater than my sin!
I grew up in a Christian home & believed Jesus died for my sin at a young age. For over 50 years I’ve “known” Jesus blood cleanses my sin. But this past year I “experienced” the power of Jesus blood. In times of grief & trials, I have reacted in anger & bitterness. I’ve done foolish things & said hurtful words that I wish I could take back. But I can’t.
What I can do is fall on Jesus. Fall on Jesus blood knowing that no sin is too big for Jesus’ blood. As I write it seems so simple. It’s hard to put into words what my heart experiences. My heart is overwhelmed by Jesus blood for the first time in my life. I am thankful that God continues to mold my heart, even though I’m 58 years old.
I thank God . . .
. . . that God’s love is unfailing, steadfast & enduring!
Growing up in Sunday School, I often heard that Jesus loves me. When I was Children’s Director, I looked down on curriculum that only taught God’s love. I thought we should be teaching deeper concepts. “God is love” was too simple. After this year, I realized God’s love is foundational to my relationships. Without God’s love, I would not be saved. I would not be able to love others.
We love because He first loved us. I John 4:19
I’ve always struggled with pride. Deep down inside, I thought “of course God loves me”. In a small way I thought I deserved God’s love because I followed Him. I was a pretty good person. I reached out & sacrificed for others.
Yeah, I was a sinner but my sins weren’t that bad. Actually, I was a Pharisee, thinking my sin wasn’t too bad because I was not a murderer, an adulterer, or swindler. What I realized this year is my pride is one of the worst sins there is. It’s one of the 7 things God hates. In fact, pride is the first one on God’s list.
These six things the Lord hates, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look Proverbs 6:16-17
So, God humbled me this past year. He brought me to my knees through trials & grief.
What’s the result?
A deeper relationship with God because He LOVES me. Intimacy with God that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’d trade those trials, but not the intimacy I have with my Father who loves me dearly.
He loves me even when I am proud. Even when I say hurtful things. Even when I am bitter & angry. He loves me and I will never take that for granted again. I am thankful God loves me.
Question: What do you thank God for this year?? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
