Today, I want to praise God for three things (graces) He has given me: knowledge of His love and mercy, an inquisitive mind to seek Him, and the blessing and curse of free will.
Firstly, for His pursuing me when I was far from Him, wrapped up in my own selfishness. Everything I had desired, or thought I did, was for my worldly satisfaction. It was only through His divine discipline (taking me to the woodshed) that He wore away my self-reliance and made me understand the need for Him in my life. (Proverbs 15:32: "He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who heeds admonition gains understanding.") Through that discipline, He has shown me His mercy and immeasurable love.
Secondly, for giving me an inquisitive mind to seek Him, and in seeking Him, His truth. I have always been suspect of what I've been told and the motives of those telling me their version of the truth. I praise God for giving me the Holy Spirit and His gifts. I thank Him for the "cloud of witnesses" down through salvation history and their convincing testimonies and, most of all, for the truth of His Word.
Thirdly, for the blessing and the curse of my free will. I thank Him for the blessing of a free will and the grace to choose Him as I strive to do His will in my life. The curse of free will to again and again put things I want in my life first before what I should freely give to Him. I believe this selfishness is the source of all my sins. It is only through Jesus that I can continually die to myself and choose His grace and mercy. For that I praise His Holy Name.
Joe, thanks so much for sharing. Your insights continue to amaze me.
God is...my song in the night, peace when it is darkest, love beyond measure.
Today, I want to praise God for three things (graces) He has given me: knowledge of His love and mercy, an inquisitive mind to seek Him, and the blessing and curse of free will.
Firstly, for His pursuing me when I was far from Him, wrapped up in my own selfishness. Everything I had desired, or thought I did, was for my worldly satisfaction. It was only through His divine discipline (taking me to the woodshed) that He wore away my self-reliance and made me understand the need for Him in my life. (Proverbs 15:32: "He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who heeds admonition gains understanding.") Through that discipline, He has shown me His mercy and immeasurable love.
Secondly, for giving me an inquisitive mind to seek Him, and in seeking Him, His truth. I have always been suspect of what I've been told and the motives of those telling me their version of the truth. I praise God for giving me the Holy Spirit and His gifts. I thank Him for the "cloud of witnesses" down through salvation history and their convincing testimonies and, most of all, for the truth of His Word.
Thirdly, for the blessing and the curse of my free will. I thank Him for the blessing of a free will and the grace to choose Him as I strive to do His will in my life. The curse of free will to again and again put things I want in my life first before what I should freely give to Him. I believe this selfishness is the source of all my sins. It is only through Jesus that I can continually die to myself and choose His grace and mercy. For that I praise His Holy Name.
God is the one who continues to forgive and encourage me, even when I stumble! Unconditional love!
So true! Thanks for commenting.