“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)
Yesterday I toiled to change the 26 clocks, yes 26 clocks, in my house! What a chore, especially with the big clocks and multiple timepieces mounted high on the walls! Changing clocks, well you just have to make time for it (Pun intended!). They say we gain an hour. My body did not agree this morning. It has its own obstinate schedule. Nevertheless, whatever time I wake up on any given morning, it’s a blessing to see another day and be able to say, “Thank you Jesus!” “Thank you for paying the price for my sins!” “Thank you for the greatest love you showed on Calvary where you died for my sins!” “Thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me!” “Thank you for living a perfect example to follow!” Now I know I’m not the only one saying, “Thank you Jesus!” If you forgot to change your clock, that’s okay! It is still another day to express your thanksgiving to Jesus!
Yes, thanking the Lord is appropriate any day, anytime, anywhere, and in spite of any happenings that are unique to our lives! You agree don’t you? And you agree not just because it’s Sunday morning and it is customary to say “amen,” a few times on this day, right? Our opening verse came to mind as I walked with my coffee cup in hand, to my computer in my downstairs workspace to do my daily task of writing in an effort to increase your God consciousness. I opened my Bible to read the exact verse. As I read it, I had my own moment of meditation. I added to my thanksgiving; thankful I that Jesus is the same and that He never changes. Continuing in my thanksgiving, I was thankful that His love for me did not fall back, like the 26 clocks! His love is constant! Reading the verse in context, the seven verses that preceded our opening verse today, cause me to be thankful that I did not have to look at a new day with any new standards or expectations. The Lord’s expectations for us don’t change. It’s you and I who have to continuously charge to meet the same standards and the same expectations, only better with time. So, what I read in my personal preacher’s corner, I am passing it on to you. Take it as a Sunday School lesson and don’t use it to substitute being in worship this morning, in person or virtually. And as always worship sincerely; in spirit and in truth. When you get through, just say “Thank you Jesus” again! Here’s an early morning sent word; the unchanging Lord speaking directly to YOU!
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” (Hebrews 13:1-7 NLT)
Are you ready to do what I said? Well, get busy and say it aloud, “Thank you Jesus!” Say it again! Be blessed!
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2a NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King