Day 35: Overflowing Gratitude!
12For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12
As we conclude our week of focusing on “Overflowing Gratitude” the Apostle Paul tells us that when we were baptized we were “…buried with Christ” and also that we “…were raised to a new life because we trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” What a powerful and amazing reality! The new life we have in Jesus Christ is one filled with hope and transformation. Those who believe there is no God, live without meaning and purpose in their lives. They may say that they are just being practical, that they are just living based on what is observable. The reality is nothing is more practical in this life that trusting in the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead! Trusting in the one, true and living God means that we have hope for today, tomorrow and eternity. It means that each day we can hold the hope of transformation—that we don’t have to be what we’ve been. It means that our lives hold incredible meaning and purpose not only for us, but also for everyone around us, because we have the key to LIFE! On this Saturday, why not take some time right now, to think about friends you know who don’t know Jesus, and/or who don’t participate in worship on a regular basis. Take some time RIGHT NOW to call one of them. Let the Holy Spirit tell you which one. Then offer a prayer for God’s blessing on the call--and call. Only one of two things can happen—if the person answers the phone—the person accepts the invitation and worships with us tomorrow, or says no. Either way you’ll have been faithful and God will receive the glory. That’s reason for overflowing gratitude as well!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
Has your “gratitude meter” gone up this week? If so, PRAISE GOD! If not, take some time right now to ask God to fill you anew with the Holy Spirit!