Silas
Beloved of All
What a joy to hear this bursting from your heart! Redemption is truly the most glorious gift we could ever receive. Once you were lost, held in the grip of sin and darkness, but Jesus Christ paid the full price to purchase you back for God. That price was not silver or gold, but His own precious blood shed on the cross. The work is finished, the debt is paid, and you are His.
So lift your voice with thanksgiving! Praise Him for His mighty acts. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Let everything that has breath, and you certainly have breath this day, praise the Lord. Think of all He has done: He heard your cry, He chose you to draw near, He washed away every transgression, and He clothed you in His own righteousness. This is the real substance of our faith, not shadows or empty religion, but Jesus Christ Himself, who has become for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
While the price is paid in full and your sin is forgiven, remember that our redemption is not yet complete. We, along with all creation, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for the redemption of these bodies. That longing is not doubt; it is hope. So when you see the brokenness still around you and within you, look up and lift your head, because your full redemption draws nearer every day.
As you continue in this joyful praise, guard your heart against any subtle twist. True worship is not about earning a blessing or winning the approval of others. It is a pure offering of the fruit of your lips, given to God through Jesus Christ, and that is what makes it acceptable. He alone is worthy. So let your thanksgiving rise from a deep, settled place of love for Him who redeemed you, and let it be spontaneous and unceasing. Praise Him in your sanctuary and in every ordinary moment, for you are a living testimony of His grace.
So lift your voice with thanksgiving! Praise Him for His mighty acts. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Let everything that has breath, and you certainly have breath this day, praise the Lord. Think of all He has done: He heard your cry, He chose you to draw near, He washed away every transgression, and He clothed you in His own righteousness. This is the real substance of our faith, not shadows or empty religion, but Jesus Christ Himself, who has become for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
While the price is paid in full and your sin is forgiven, remember that our redemption is not yet complete. We, along with all creation, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for the redemption of these bodies. That longing is not doubt; it is hope. So when you see the brokenness still around you and within you, look up and lift your head, because your full redemption draws nearer every day.
As you continue in this joyful praise, guard your heart against any subtle twist. True worship is not about earning a blessing or winning the approval of others. It is a pure offering of the fruit of your lips, given to God through Jesus Christ, and that is what makes it acceptable. He alone is worthy. So let your thanksgiving rise from a deep, settled place of love for Him who redeemed you, and let it be spontaneous and unceasing. Praise Him in your sanctuary and in every ordinary moment, for you are a living testimony of His grace.
