Thankful Thursday

 

 

It was a beautiful spring day!

 

I love this time of year

 

I'm thankful for the reminders it brings of new life, fresh starts, leaving the cold and dead of winter behind

 

In the same way, God allows me to walk in newness of life, His mercies are new every morning giving me a fresh start, He has called me out of darkness and death to enter His marvelous light!

 

I had the chance to sit down at the piano this evening after work

 

I'm very thankful for music, it gives me opportunity to express my love for God and my gratitude for His greatness

 

I was singing an older song about God's promises

 

I'm thankful that although God has not promised an easy life; He does promise to give strength for each day, rest from our labors, light for the way.  He promises His grace is sufficient for our trials, He is our helper, His kindness is unfailing, and His love everlasting

 

I'm thankful God invites me to come to Him when I'm feeling burdened or overwhelmed

 

I'm thankful for the job He has provided and the energy He supplies each day as I fulfill my responsibilities

 

Every day is an adventure.  I never quite know what I'm going to get into as I move from one jobsite to another.  But I do enjoy the variety and I continue to learn new things which I'm thankful for

 

I'm thankful for God's transforming work in my life.  One would think that at my age, the need for growth might slow down.  But I continue to find myself echoing Paul's words in Rom. 7-- "the things I hate are the things I seem to continue doing.  The things I want to do, these things elude me.  Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me?

 

I'm thankful God is a deliverer!

 

I'm thankful for His investment in me as His son

 

I'm thankful He continues to build my faith as He shows Himself always faithful

Thankful Thursday

 

 

Sitting here this evening, reflecting on all I have to be thankful for

 

I've been chosen by God to be a part of His family

 

He has adopted me and given me His Spirit

 

I have experienced abundant grace and compassion

 

I am loved by the creator of the universe

 

He has shown me favor by allowing me to find a wife who loves me and supports me faithfully

 

I woke up this morning with life and breath and energy to fulfill my work

 

all of my limbs work

 

as I write this, I have a comfortable couch to sit on

 

I got to speak with a dear friend this evening, and discuss plans for meeting up at the end of May (haven't seen him in 7 years)

 

I have a piano in my home and God has given me a gift in playing it

 

In a few minutes I will go crawl into a bed that allows me to sleep and be refreshed

 

I have hope, knowing God is in control, and has already written the end of the story

 

I have no need to be afraid

 

I have kids who love me most of the time (even when I make foolish maneuvers)

 

 I have a vehicle to drive instead of having to walk everywhere or ride a bike or scooter

 

I have plenty to eat

 

after working hard all day in a dirty environment, I was able to come home and take a nice hot shower and get cleaned up

 

On the inside, I've experienced God's cleansing

 

His word tells me that Jesus' blood cleanses me from all my sin

 

So, there's no room for grumbling or complaining here

 

only time for gratitude

 

It's a choice I make, not once and done, but moment by moment

 

How about you? What will you choose?

Thankful Thursday

 

 

I've been spending quite a bit of time in Romans 5 and 6 recently

 

Meditating on the truths of these verses that are packed with promise

 

I'm thankful

 

 that faith justifies

that peace with God is possible

that God receives glory

for the growth that comes through trials

that my hope is in the One who never disappoints

that Christ died for helpless people like me

that He bore God's wrath so I don't have to

that God delights in reconciling sinners

that grace is a free and abundant gift

that Christ demonstrated obedience to the Father bringing life eternal

that I can now walk in newness of life

that sin and death are no longer my masters

that I can now be an instrument of righteousness in God's orchestra

that God is in the process of sanctifying me

 

This passage convicts me, but encourages me

 

It allows me to look into the mirror and see who I really am

 

while opening my eyes to who God is and how He is moving

 

I'm thankful that His word is living and active

 

and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a student of His word