Dear Friends,
I keep a paper calendar – I suppose that is rare these days. Marking off the ‘yesterdays’ I ponder, “Did I use that day to bring glory to God? Were my efforts of eternal consequence? Were my words kind, compassionate, encouraging? What did I do to come alongside and help another?” Well I do know there are hours I have wasted, there are kindnesses I could have offered, BUT God gives me a new day every morning! “Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” Lam 3:22-23
In the back of that calendar is a list of who God says I am. I like that list because nobody else’s opinion matters. God says His kids are gifted, equipped, called, beloved, anointed and righteous – all because when His Spirit came to live in me, He gave me a new heart, His heart! “I have been crucified with Christ so I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal 2:19-20 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Eph 2:10
Another paper thing I keep is my ‘gratitude list’ – there I thank God for family and friends and, and.. This season of Thanksgiving has caused me to focus on things I’m so prone to take for granted. That list has grown quite long lately as I’ve listed things like hot water, clean air and a soft bed! Do you keep a list? What’s on it?
Something else that really makes me happy is knowing Jesus is my personal friend. He is in the very presence of God sticking up for me! “He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us….. nothing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Rom 8:34-39
Soooo are you ready to sing and dance with me??? Whoopie! It is time to celebrate not only all we have but all we are in Christ Jesus! “Hallelujah! I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The Lord’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them. All that He does is splendid and majestic; His righteousness endures forever.” Ps 111:1-3
Yes, He gives us the gift of a new day every morning. And if today is the last morning I have, I surely don’t want to waste it. May we use today and each of our tomorrows to glorify our God. Happy Thanksgiving!
Pam K