Someone once said,
“If you believe one-tenth of what you say you believe
you should be ten times more excited than you are.”
And I ask myself the question: Where and why do we fall short?
Maybe it’s this . . .
– We fail to remember that being called “believers” means we “believe.”
– We fail to remember what it is we believe.
– And we fail to give thanks.
We believe that God gave.
And we received.
And when we receive a gift, what should be our natural response?
Thanksgiving.
God has given us numerous gifts for which we can be eternally grateful.
Here are TEN to start out with.
#1 – God’s Son
“Our Savior Jesus Christ. . . gave himself for us.” (Titus 2:14)
God’s Son wasn’t forced into being our Savior.
Jesus Christ gave Himself freely.
Why?
#2 – Forgiveness of Sins
“. . . that [we] might receive forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 26:18)
Each of us deserves the worst punishment imaginable for the filth of our sins.
Christ took it on Himself that we might receive forgiveness in its place.
#3 – Family Status
“As many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God.”
(John 1:12)
We have received the right to be called the children of God.
We have the same family status as God’s own Son.
#4 – Grace
“. . . grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (2 Timothy 1:9)
God’s favor when we didn’t deserve it – when we deserves His DIS-favor – was so certain to be ours that He gave it to us long before He brought anything into existence.
#5 – the Holy Spirit
“. . . ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
The Spirit of truth indwells us, fills us, rebukes us, seals us, and produces His fruit through us.
#6 – Peace
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” (John 14:27)
Christ left us His peace.
It is ours – available and apart from any peace we could achieve from any other source.
#7 – Wisdom
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . . and it shall be given.” (James 1:5)
When we need wisdom, we can ask for it.
And He will give it willingly.
Again and again.
#8 – Victory over death.
“Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 15:57)
Because Christ rose from the dead, death will not have victory over us.
#9 – An Inheritance
“. . . that they may . . . receive an inheritance.” (Acts 26:18)
This inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, does not fade away, and is reserved in heaven for us.
We’re “joint heirs” with God’s own Son.
#10 – Everlasting Life
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Since we believe what we say we believe, let’s be more excited, more joyful . . . more grateful.
Ten times more.
by Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Forgiveness – Yourself and Others
Follow Us On: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest