Thanksgiving VI ~

24-30 March:  This week, I have been thankful  to have heard the knock at the front door even before the device D.S.I.L. set on my desk sounded its echo of the doorbell chime and flashed its little strobe-light (a look at the clock revealed that I was prob'ly already waking at that time); thankful for snow-melt and warmer temps; thankful for this cautionary promise in Romans 6:23 where it is written: "... The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (AMP); thankful to be able to sleep and rest in the night hours; thankful to know that, according to Jesus - and to others through whom the Word of God was given - what happens when our physical body stops working is dreamless sleep from which all will awake to their eternal reward when Jesus returns (John 11:11-15; Daniel 12:2); thankful for this message in 1 John 1:9 where it is written: "If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]." (AMPC); thankful that God has called me (and you, and ALL of us) to live a life that is fitting for a child of the King; thankful that as I make that choice, our Savior, Jesus, will live out His life through me - for HIS glory (Philippians 2:13); thankful as I read these words from Isaiah 12:2 where they are written: “Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation.” (AMP); thankful for all the books that have brought blessings into my life; always thankful for sound sleep, two nights in a row is a rare occurrence; thankful to know that "My help and glory are in God—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—So trust Him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for Him. God is a safe place to be." (Psalm 62:7; MSG); thankful to have been able to go with D.D.to the little home prayer-meeting with a few of our church family Wednesday evening; thankful for all the prayers I've seen answered through my life 'til now; thankful for these two promises shared by the apostle, John: " ... Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him ...." (1 John 3:22); "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13); thankful for a home that is protected from the chilly, wet weather outside; thankful for the precious warmth of my Father's steadfast love for me (and for you,too!); thankful for this powerful affirmation found in 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 where it is written: "... We are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ’s personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God. For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." (AMPC); thankful for the opportunity to join my sisters and brothers for a time of study and prayer, worship and praise at the Grangeville, ID Seventh-day Adventist Church, 280 US 95, just N. of Grangeville - come join us at 10:00 for Bible study (finishing a study in the book of Revelation), worship service follows; thankful for faith that the Bible is most truly God's Word to us; and thankful for these words from the apostle, Paul, to all who read them: "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way." (2 Timothy 3:16; MSG).