All posts by janrhodes

Blessings of Being Confident of Eternal Life

Once we,

too,

were foolish and disobedient.

We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures.

Our lives were full of evil and envy, 

and we hated each other. 

But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,  

he saved us, 

not because of the righteous things we had done, 

but because of his mercy. 

He washed away our sins, 

giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 

He generously poured out the Spirit upon us 

through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Because of his grace he made us right in his sight 

and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Titus 3:3-7

Blessings of Being Prized By God

So don’t be misled, 

my dear brothers and sisters. 

Whatever is good and perfect 

is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, 

who created all the lights in the heavens. 

He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 

He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. 

And we, 

out of all creation, 

became his prized possession.

James 1:16-18

(Leoncita Ranch, West Texas)

Blessings of Christ Jesus

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
 

he did not think of equality with God
 

as something to cling to.

Instead,
 

he gave up his divine privileges;
 

he took the humble position of a slave
 

and was born as a human being.
 

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God
 

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8

Blessings of the Father’s Perfect Plan

But when the right time came, 

God sent his Son, 

born of a woman, 

subject to the law.

 God sent him to buy freedom for us 

who were slaves to the law, 

so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 

And because we are his children, 

God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, 

prompting us to call out, 

“Abba, Father.”

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.

And since you are his child, 

God has made you his heir.

Galatians 4:4-7