I am so excited to get more and more in the Word of God this year! If you are tracking with me, we are winding down 2 Thessalonians today. Still looking to hear what prophet we are studying. Back to you on that later today. The scripture below is an awesome reminder of "the process"."13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."
God chose us didn't He? Sometimes it feels like we found Him, but the reality is that He had His eye on us all the while. But not just to get us, to save us through sanctification (b : the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion: Websters Dictionary). He "got us" to grow us through our commitment to Him relationally (by) His Spirit. The only change that is happening in us is the sanctifying work of His Spirit and our corresponding belief in the truth that He is leading us into. The Holy Ghost is constantly flashing truth to our mind and heart and as we agree and hold to that truth with adjusting attitudes, values and life habits, we see ourselves "growing in divine grace". That is awesome. We often think God changes us all at once at salvation "decision" but in reality it is a process and that is awesome because it doesn't depend that we get there "all at once". God is more interested in us keeping in step with Him than arriving at a finish line! Knowing these things, we can truly STAND FAST through the darkness in this world!
Peace,
Stuart
1 comment:
Yes, He did choose us Stuart; how lost we would be if He didn't, if He had turned His back on us for what was done to His Son we would all be cast into eternal darkness! How much we have to be thankful for!!!
He set us apart from those who belong to this world and eternal darkness for He overcame the world and we belonging to Him have also overcome the world and will spend eternity basking in His Holy Presence and Light.
He knows all who belong to Him present and future, nothing catches Him by surprise He knows all for He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I'm just so very thankful humbly myself before His Throne of Grace daily, there is Nothing I have done to earn His Mercy and Grace, His Love, "for God is Love" 1 John 4:16-18
We can never gain complete knowledge and understanding of God in His Ways and His Thoughts only what we are fed by the Revealing of His Truth through His Spirit, our Teacher and I'm so thankful for this! I'm standing fast! I never want to think for 1 minute I have achieved the finish line until I'm in Heaven in His Presence.
I give thanks to God for you Stuart, my brother, always! May God's Powerful Anointing Holy Spirit stay with you and upon you always! God Bless you, Mary
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