Thank You, Lord!

Photo by ColombiaAmazingLandscapes 2015

As I consider the blessings God bestowed on us in 2018, and looking forward to what He has in store for 2019, I want to thank Him for all He does for us (Philippians 4:6). Some gifts, like good health, loving relationships, fruitful ministries, and financial prosperity, are easy to appreciate.

There are other hidden blessings disguised as trials. We seldom like these as we receive them, yet God intends them for our ultimate good, by teaching us lessons, chastening us when we need correction, strengthening our faith, empowering us to counsel and comfort others, and molding us into His image.

The apostle Paul urges us to be thankful in all things (Ephesians 5:20), for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). So, thank You, Lord, for:

Having a plan and purpose for me since before the beginning of time (Ephesians 1:11; 2:10; Jeremiah 29:11).

Designing me in your image (Psalm 139:13-16).

Creating me (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 1:16) and breathing life into me from dust (Genesis 2:7).

Sustaining me (Psalm 3:5; 55:22; John 15:5; Colossians 1:17).

Providing for me (Psalm 37:25; Luke 12:22-31). You are my Living Water (John 4:10-11), Bread of Life (John 6:35), all that I need! (Psalm 16:5)

Redeeming me (Job 19:25; Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 47:4; Colossians 1:13-14) from the slave market of sin by paying my purchase price in full (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Hebrews 10:10-12).

Saving me (Romans 10:13; Acts 2:21; 4:12; Hebrews 7:25) by your grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), by giving me faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Your Son (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6).

Clothing me in Your righteousness (Job 29:14; Isaiah 61:10; Luke 15:22).

Forgiving me (Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13) and cleansing me from all my sins (Psalm 103:12; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 1:9).

Reconciling me to God the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 1:20-22; Hebrews 2:17).

Transforming me from Your enemy (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21) to God’s child (Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:5) and Your joint heir (Romans 8:16-17; Ephesians 1:11).

Appointing me as Your ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) and fellow worker (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Gifting me with what I need to accomplish Your will for my life, spiritually (1 Corinthians 12) and materially (Philippians 4:19).

Answering my prayers in the best possible way (Matthew 6:8, 32; Ephesians 3:20).

Strengthening me (Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:11) through your righteousness Isaiah 41:10), for Your strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Empowering me to witness and live for You (Matthew 28:18-20).

Keeping me from evil (Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Protecting me from danger (Psalm 91).

Never leaving me nor forsaking me (Psalm 139:7-10; Matthew 28: 20; Hebrews 13:5).

Appointing angels to look after me (Psalm 91:11-12; Hebrews 1:14).

Guiding, counseling and teaching me through Your Holy Spirit indwelling me (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13; Colossians 1:27).

Knowing all about me (Psalm 139:1-1), yet having mercy on me (Lamentations 3:22-23, 32; Psalm 57:3, 66:20; 86:15) and loving me anyway (Romans 5:5; 8:39; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 2:4; 1 John 4:7-10).

Working all things together for my good and your glory (Romans 8:28).

Correcting and chastening me (Job 5:17; Psalm 94:12; Proverbs 3:11; Revelation 3:19) as a loving Father (Hebrews 12:5-11) through Your Spirit, Your Word (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16), and trials You allow into my life.

Comforting me through Your Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4;7:6).

Healing me from all my diseases (Psalm 103:3; Matthew 4:23-24; 9:35), if not physically in this world, then spiritually in the next.

Molding me into Your image (Romans 8:29-30; Philippians 3:10).

Rejoicing over me with great joy and singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Interceding for me with the Father (Isaiah 53:12; Romans 8:26-27, 34; Hebrews 7:25).

Advocating for me against Satan’s accusations (1 John 2:1).

Betrothing Yourself to me (Isaiah 54:5; Revelation 19:7-9).

Building a mansion for me (John 14:2-3).

Coming back for me at the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Transporting me to Heaven with You  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 4:1).

Giving me a glorified body (1 Corinthians 15:35-50).

Allowing me to rule and reign with You (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:5).

Living with me forever and ever ((1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Thanks to You, Lord, I am intelligently designed, custom made, quality built, guaranteed to last forever! May I praise You, thank You (Psalm 92:1) and glorify You in all my thoughts, words and deeds!

© 2019 Laurie Collett