Giving Thanks

Good morning!  Today, I feel thankful for so many things. I am thankful that Jesus loves me and that He wants to share His kingdom with me.  I am thankful for everything God has given me. One way I show my thanks is through prayer.  In Psalm 145, David praises and exalts the name of the LORD.  He tells God that future generations will know of His works and the power of His Name.  "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations" (vs. 13).

Prayer isn't just about asking for forgiveness of our sins, or the healing of a friend.  Of course it is a way we can lift up our problems and concerns, but it is also a way to give thanks and praise for the wonderful things He has done for us now and in the future.  Today, I praise the Lord for the mind He has given me, along with the talents and gifts He will provide for me to use in the classroom.  "My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.  Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever" (vs. 21).  Amen and amen!

Bearing the Marks for Jesus

Good morning! This morning, I read Galations 6:11-18 and something really opened my eyes about the importance of boasting in the Lord; not boasting about ourselves.  In this letter to the Galations, Paul encourages them (and us) to remember that the former traditions are not as important as understanding that when Jesus died on the cross, He took away our sins and we became a new creation.  He sacrificed Himself so that we could be made new but it doesn't stop there.

In verse 17, Paul writes "Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." Up until that point, Paul had been stoned (Acts 14:19), beaten (Acts 16:22, 2 Corinthians 11:25), and had suffered illness (2 Corinthians 12:7, Galations 4:13-14).  He literally had marks on his body for being a servant of Christ.

I don't know about you, but I don't have any physical proof (on my body) that I am Christ's servant.  However, many people of this day and age do suffer in that way.  I think it's very important that we remember those who do bear the literal marks of Christianity.  Here's a link to Voice of the Martyrs.  Please check it out.  http://www.persecution.com/