EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT

Recently I received an e-mail asking I respond to the question, “What are you thankful for?” Based on the recommended scripture, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change," (James 1:17), it didn’t take me long to come up with many answers and I’d like to share some of my reasons for thankfulness at Daily Diamonds.
It is not just at this time of year, but so often during the year...almost each Sunday when my thoughts center around Christ's death, burial and resurrection in celebration and remembrance of His supper as we are commanded to do (Luke 22:17-20,I Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 20:7) that I thank God that Jesus was willing to come to live on this earth. That kind of boggles my mind, that He would be willing to leave Heaven...what kind of love is that? I pray that I learn to love more like that but know I am far from beginning to fathom even the smallest inkling.
Following that my thought is often coupled with how thankful I am that because Jesus came to this earth and lived an obedient life to the point of death, was raised and is at the right hand of God, and I have chosen to follow Him as God's child, I have the privilege to pray in Jesus' name! Without Jesus as my Mediator, God would still have to see me as a sin-filled being, but now instead He sees me through the blood of Christ. (Romans 8:1-4)
I am also thankful for the stories and lessons left to us of Jesus' time on this earth… His very own words and answers to some of life's questions. I can go to the Bible at any time and read the messages presented that Jesus wants me to have.
I am thankful for the people who helped teach me about Him...first my family who instilled in me that the answer for life is/was God, because as a child I always knew He was and is. Hebrews 13:7-8 says, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes, and forever.”
In summing up a few of my responsive thoughts, I am thankful that in an ever-changing world, the good and perfect gifts I was given at the beginning have been with me throughout my life and will continue to be with me right through to the end and on into glory!
What gifts I have been given! I am thankful!
© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 12-17-2009