all because

Sunday, December 21, 2014 (6:21 a.m.)

Holy, Most Awesome God and Father,

Again, thank You! Things are getting done around here. Progress is being made. And it's ALL because of You! Yes, Father. All because You “so loved the world” (John 3:16).

That's what this particular season is here to represent. You so loved the world that You sent Your One and Only Son to save us. And in so doing, teach us to truly love one another.

♫Thank You, Lord. Thank You, Lord♫. Digging into Your Word we get to find Your standard. Your unmovable, perfect standard. Love. Love for You, ourselves and others (Mark 12:30-31).

Thank You for the work You are doing in uniting this household. You continue teaching us Your best for us. Paul wrote “to strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their relationships with God and with each other” (The Life Recovery Bible – THE BOTTOM LINE).

He begged them from prison for serving You “to live a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

He went on reminding them, “We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us and living through us all” (vs. 4-6).

TLRB comment for these verses prompts us to remember “the recovery process is hindered by our faults, especially our stubborn pride that prevents us from taking searching and fearless inventory of our life. Recovery is impossible until we humbly admit that we are powerless and need God's help.”

It goes on to promise, “As we trust God to help us, His Holy Spirit will replace our character flaws with humility, love, and patience. When God asks us to live a certain way, HE [emphasis mine] provides the power we need to succeed.”

Oh, “Amen” to that!

Reading further on this, the Illustrated Bible Handbook (Live in Unity Ephesians 4:1-6) declares, “It is humility, patience, and love that is willing to put up with others that make the experience of unity possible. The body is one. We are to 'make every effort to keep the unity' by our relationships with others.”

You are doing that here in this household. And we are grateful. Incredibly, lovingly grateful. Use us well this day. To Your good and to Your glory. We love You Father. All because You first loved us (1John 4:19). Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(463 words ~ 7:25 a.m.)