This morning, I am thinking about all the things I am grateful for. Here is my list:
1. My eternal security and assurance of salvation (my eternal home when I die here on earth is with God in His kingdom in heaven).
2. The Scripture that clearly confirms my assurance.
3. My loving husband, and our marriage relationship.
4. My loving family and friends, so supportive of me, esp my parents.
5. My church, and all believers in Jesus, those I worship with, those I serve with, those who keep me accountable and remind me that my behavior here matters with their grace and love! All of God's Church in Jesus, reminds me He is God, and He is much bigger than me and I am a part of His great plan.
Looking back to number 2. I look at Luke 23:42-43
"Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:42-43)
I absolutely love this passage, this man asking Jesus to remember him is a criminal, about to die. He just repented of his sins, and the big thing he did was recognize who Jesus is. He confessed Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus himself assured him, TODAY you will be with me in paradise.
John 5:24
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."
Luke 10:20
"Rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven."
Romans 8:1-2
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
1 Peter 1:3-5
"All honor to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salavation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see."
There are more. Whenever I struggle with doubt, I look to Him and His word, so I know that no matter what others may say or think, this is something I can always be grateful for.
