God
created us in order to share with us His awesome blessings and provision. He
gave us Paradise to enjoy and will once again restore the whole earth to this
euphoric condition (Revelation 20-21).
The
message of the gospel is senseless to those who are lost without Christ as
their Savior. In their pride and rebellion, they condemn themselves with their unbelief
(John 3:18).
However,
for those of us who trust Christ's redemptive work on the cross, it changes our
lives (1 Corinthians 1:18-19). God's love gives us a secure foundation on which
to place our faith (John 3:16-17).
As
we experience and come to understand God's love, we are filled with adoration,
gratitude and love for Him (1 John 4:8). As branches, we are nourished through
the Vine of Christ by His love, which is our foundational roots (John 15:5).
God
inspired the writers of the Bible to relate both the successes and failures of
His Saints. By their examples, we learn hope, reassurance and patience (Romans
15:4).
He
fills us to overflowing with the presence of His Spirit (Ephesians 3:19), which
replaces our carnal nature. We gradually experience His spiritual fruit and
divine nature infiltrating our thoughts, choices and feelings.
We
need not fear the terror of night or the arrow that flies by day (Psalm 91:5;
Ephesians 6:16). In Him we rejoice always, pray continually and see the seed
for a miracle in every adventure through which He leads us (1 Thessalonians
5:16-18).
Prayer:
Father
God, we cannot help but shed tears of overwhelming joy as we sit in Your
presence. Your love encompasses us on every side (Romans 8:35-38). Your wisdom
protects us in every decision (Proverbs 4:5; James 1:5). Your Spirit guides our
thoughts, words and deeds (John 16:13). Your angels carry us so that we do not
even stub our toe (Psalm 91:12).
Thank
You for the fellowship of Your Body and the guidance of Your Word, which
comfort us during this life of affliction. Thank You for making us heirs with
Christ of Your entire Kingdom. Eternity is not long enough for us to have the
time to give You all the praise and gratitude, which You deserve.
Thought
for the Day:
We
are secure in every circumstance as long as we trust God and are tucked safely
under the covering of His wings; even in sickness and death He gives us wisdom,
provision and protection. - Psalm 91:4
