“In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light.” (Ephesians 5:8 Easy-to Read Bible)
I just had an anniversary! What type of anniversary? The best kind of anniversary! You see, on August 11, 1960 I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Spiritually, on that very day I had passed from darkness into the marvelous life. But the truth be told, I was just an enthusiastic beginner, and I had to endure a lifetime of development. Yes, the Potter is till working on me, as He is working on you! Thank God for His personal attention!
However, respecting the value of integrity and the impact of transparency, I must share that the reality of my journey over the past 65 years has been progressive, perhaps much like yours. The Lord is still devoted to making you and me better! Thank God a second time!
Let’s be real for a minute this morning. You know that coming out of the forest of life, a jungles filled with darkening elements, dangerous debris and that which we now deemed as discarded and described as, “The things I used to do, I don’t do no more,” took effort and divine help discard the stuff that tried to hinder our progress. . Thank God a third time this morning;; thank Him for His help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we navigated through distractions, deterrents, and devilish influences that tried to keep us from being accurately and noticeably described as a witness for the Lord. Thank God a fourth time, that you can declare what I am about to divulge in the phrase to follow,” If it had no been for the Lord how was on my side, where would I be?” I know the answer! We would still be stumbling through the forest of life.
Let us be direct! We have a distinct message for those living in the forest with no hope of distancing themselves from the destructive elements that lie within it. That message, “Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Thank God, one more time, a fifth time as you are reading this meditation! We have definitely experienced the truth in that wisdom shared by the inspired writer in Proverbs, and on top of that we absolutely have a to shared with others! Thank God, a sixth time!
Today may not be the exact day you accepted Christ, but every new day should be viewed as a special anniversary of your becoming one of Jesus disciples, anchored by a determination to be seen by all that we are a follower of Christ. Let’s show some completeness and thank God a seventh time! “Thank you Lord!” Love you! Be blessed!
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” (Colossians 1:11-14 NLT)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
I thank God for the eighth time for having the opportunity to read this meditation. This makes me realize how far the Lord has brought me and all the things He helped me circumvent. It’s remarkable and wonderful to be in His hands with His love and tender mercy.
I’m inspired by your response and admire your showing thankfulness to God. Be blessed!