Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1, ESV)
As I am writing this devotional, it is Thanksgiving night and I have much to be thankful for. My family is fast asleep, and I am thankful for some reflection time and some things that I get to share with you, brothers and sisters, because I know you recognize with me that thankfulness is a trait we should possess every day.
How thankful my heart turns when I think about the truths of the salvation that God has given me.I am thankful for an awesome family. My wife and I welcomed in our first boy a little over a month ago now. All are healthy, all are good. The sleep, though, is not so good. There have been many exhausting and long days the past month. However, little Charlie brings much joy and happiness to our life.
I am thankful for the game of golf and the impact it has had on my life. Having played it competitively for years, now being able to minister to those who play it competitively is such a joy and privilege.
There are many things and I could go on and on for a long time. But, what am I most thankful for this evening? It is something I definitely take for granted. It is something I forget about by getting caught up in this world and the things that it offers. Sometimes, I lose sight of this precious and gracious gift that was given to me some 20 years ago.
Brothers and sisters, salvation in Jesus name is what I am most thankful for tonight as I sit in my recliner and reflect and write. It is an undeserved, unmerited, unearned salvation that God, the Father, granted me when I was a young boy.
Do you believe these words to be true? That the salvation that you have, if you are a Christ believer and follower, is undeserved, unmerited, and unearned. Oh, I can tell you what I earned as a sinner: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a).
Oh, but the news is so sweet; the Gospel news is in fact great news to the sinner. “But the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). I can’t hear the good news found in this passage—found in all of Scripture—enough.
God, you mean to tell me that the only reason why you saved me was because of your love? Father, you mean to tell me that you consider me a son now that I have your beautiful salvation in me? Abba, you mean to tell me that no matter what I do or say, you will always love me as who I am, Rosson Anderson?
These thoughts and questions enter my mind often. Why? Because this good news of Jesus is so unbelievable, brothers and sisters! Purely through God’s love, mercy, and grace did he grab me out of darkness and put me in the light. What a God we have. How thankful my heart turns when I think about the truths of the salvation that he, God, has given me. He is Abba, he is Father, he is God Almighty, he is Creator… and he is Good! May our hearts turn to gratitude and thankfulness when we ponder these things.
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Rosson Anderson
November 29, 2016
Copyright 2016 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.