“As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him—firmly rooted and built up in him, established in your faith—just as you were instructed. Overflow with gratitude.” Col. 2:6-7
Dear Jesus, there’s no form of spiritual warfare more effective than gratitude. And just two days on this side of our Easter celebration, the embers of our thankfulness are still Spirit-hot. Thank you for the “inexpressible gift” of the Gospel (2Cor.9:15). By your doing, not ours, we are forgiven of all sin and robed in your perfect righteousness—deeply rooted in your love and firmly standing in your grace; sealed by the Spirit and Abba’s beloved kids.
We’re also grateful for the “creature comforts” we tend to take for granted—like clothing, shelter, a comfortable bed, and ample food. And by your creative and generous heart, we also enjoy a kaleidoscope of “creature joys”—like good friends and the beauty of creation; our kids, “grands,” and pets. Then there’s fly fishing (or any kind of fishing!), the world of the arts, travel, culinary delights, and college basketball.
Speaking of which, Jesus, though there are two great Final Four’s underway in April 2024, here’s the Final Four for which we’re most grateful: 1. Jesus, you are joyfully reigning and will return on the perfectly-timed Day to finish making all things new. 2. We will be totally whole and healed, completely like you, unable to ever sin again (Hallelujah). 3. The earth will be empty of evil and brokenness, and filled with God’s glory and beauty. 4. As your every-nation, impossible to count Bride, we will inhabit the new heaven and new earth—enjoying the fullness of perfect peace, Gospel-astonishment, never-ending creativity, unfettered joy, perfect relationships—and it will only get better forever. Hallelujah, and So VERY Amen!