THANKFUL

 Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Lord, You made becoming a part of the Kingdom of God so easy. To join the ranks of the redeemed we simply trust that on the cross, You Jesus, did everything necessary to forever separate us from our sin. This is indeed a cause for celebration. Membership in the Kingdom of God comes with freedom from the debt of our sins and living eternally in heaven with You, Lord God. In the Kingdom of God, You call us Your children (John 1:12) and Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11). However, Lord, both You and I know me and my struggles in life.  All I can only bring into Your kingdom is a repentant and humble heart.  My pride of my earthly accomplishments, my social status, education, the “atta-boy” placards on the wall, my ranking in the pecking order in religious hierarchy—all mean nothing. A prideful Christ-follower is not following You. Jesus, You said, “[u]nless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3). May I never forget that the Kingdom of God is about You, Jesus, and not me. Help me guard against allowing the gifts and talents You’ve given me to replace You. May my attitude be that of childlike faith, that I depend on You for my physical and spiritual needs. And Lord, keep me from thinking more of myself than I really am. I hate to think what I’d be without Your grace.

Living in childlike wonder in the Kingdom of God, amen.