Irvin Wasswa, Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Jude 24-25
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
The servant of the Lord, Jude lays out in the book of Jude some encouragement for the Jewish and Gentile believers to stand for the Lord. There were false teachers who were secretly coming into the fold looking to stir up drama by preaching and teaching a false Gospel. Jude encourages them to stand firm in the truth and contend for the faith (Jude 3). At the end of the book however, he shares the reality of how this can be accomplished for the child of God: by clinging to the Lord. He was so sure of this reality that in the last two verses he shares a word of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for who He is and what He is able to do! WOW!
When we think of our lives, there is a good bit to be thankful for. Many of us will give a word of thanksgiving for good health, for family, and many other blessings that the Lord has given us. Amen and Praise HIM! However, choose to also give thanks to the Lord for what He has done and is able to do spiritually. He saved us when we turned away from our sins and called on His name (Ephesians 2:5-9). He has grown us in Him as we have walked with Him as Christians (Colossians 2:6-7), and listen: He is able to keep us from falling into the bondages of sin and the traps of the enemy! Praise be to Him! Hallelujah!
This thanksgiving, be encouraged and be thankful for the God whom you serve. In Him you can stand for Him and be used by Him to be an impact in the world. In Him, you are eternally secured through His finished work on the cross. You cannot and will not lose your salvation. You are His forever. Be thankful for who He is (v.25). There is no one else who is worthy!
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the ability to stand and to walk with You. Help me to lean in on you and remember to have a heart of thanksgiving for Your salvation. Amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Hebrews 13:15-16
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.