Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Gospel Reminders

Our theme this month is thanksgiving. Like Melissa, I had debated about making a list of thankful items, which would have been easy to knock out, but I also have a confession to make.

I don't always have an attitude of gratitude. 

In fact, I am downright ungrateful at times towards a kind and loving God. I can quickly forget His goodness and complain like the Israelites in the wilderness. (Ex. 14: 11) I've wondered whether He has forgotten to be gracious. (Psalm 77:9) I've doubted His timing. (John 11: 21) I could use trials as an excuse, but James doesn't let me off the hook either. (James 1:2) In so many ways, I fall short of giving thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thess. 5:18) 

There's no doubt that I have not done as I ought, but where I have failed…

God does not deal with me according to my sins. He does not repay me according to my iniquities. (Psalm 103:10)
God is faithful and just to forgive my sins. (1 John 1:9)
God receives me because of Christ, not because I'm thankful. (Heb. 10:19-23)

So even though I am deficient yet Christ is all sufficient. I am still a work in progress, but God is faithful to complete what He has started. And for these gospel reminders,  I am very thankful.


It's your turn now. What are you thankful for today? How does the gospel inform your thankfulness?

3 comments:

  1. The gospel reminds that that I cannot save myself, and I am thankful for that, because it takes a lot of pressure off to "perform." I can rest knowing that the God of the Universe has saved me!

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  2. Thank you for voicing what is in all our hearts at times. Thankful for my small group, for the young children at the table with a healthy appetite, for the freedom to get in the car and drive without fear. I am thankful for Paul's love for the Philippians and how we too can share that deep affection because of the gospel.

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    1. And meant to add that I am not thankful for my anger which at times can be so easily provoked. But the gospel convicts me and forgiveness is there.

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