Making a thankful list…

Today is American Thanksgiving. Interesting that many celebrate it with food, traditionally turkey and pumpkin pie, and lots to eat. While Canadians celebrated this holiday last month, it is a good idea to be thankful every day (without all that food)!

The news is filled with sadness. A fire in Hong Kong with hundreds still missing. Murders. Accidents. Political decisions that harm many. Yet these three chapters in Romans are filled with things for which I am thankful.

I am no longer a condemned sinner. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set me free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in me, as I walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” 

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? It is giving up and saying no to selfish and sinful ‘I-wants’ and doing what God wants. It is setting my mind on the things of God and being filled with His peace, without any hostility toward Him and knowing that if I insist on doing what the old me wants, I cannot please God nor submit to His law. (Romans 8:1–8)

This is not slavery by force but by choice. He has shown me that putting to death all fleshy thoughts and actions, I not only live but live without fear. I can call Him “Abba! Father” and know that I am His child, His heir, even when suffering happens. He helps me in my weakness even when I don’t know what to pray because He intercedes for me according to His will. His prayers are always answered. (Romans 8:12–27)

I don’t know why He has shown mercy to me, but just as He raised up Pharaoh to show His power, He had mercy on me that I might fit into His plans. It makes no sense to resist this merciful God. (Romans 9:15–18)

I want others to be saved, and realize this is God’s desire because I didn’t care about anyone else in that way before Jesus came into my life. I realize many are still ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own through so-called ‘good works’ yet I am certain that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1–4)

I also know the simplicity of the gospel. My part was to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead. With faith in my heart, I am justified (God considers me just as I had never sinned) and saying it is really important. I know this is true for all Christians. All who believe in Him are saved and He bestows His riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9–13)

PRAY: Lord, I’ve been blessed in many ways, but my stuff and even all great experiences do not last. Eternal life with You is by far at the top of my thankful list. You have blessed me: peace with God and the peace of God. Trials come and I have days filled with angst and challenges, but You never leave me or fail me. Just thinking of You gives me great joy. Thank You!