Good morning on this beautiful 14th day of July. I've been reading in the book of Romans and have once again been impressed with every advantage that we have as believers who are "in Christ". The Lord certainly anticipated our every spiritual need and saw to it that their provision would be made through our personal relationship with Christ. The list of what God makes available to us is astounding including: salvation, assurance, righteousness, intercession, love, joy, peace of God, peace with God, hope, strength, healing, reconciliation, restitution, relationship(s), restoration, victory, access, ability, spiritual gifts, guidance, counsel, forgiveness, discipleship, fellowship, worship, ministry, witness, growth, faith, encouragement, patience, boldness in prayer, answers to prayer, freedom, help in trouble, companionship, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control, fruitfulness, gladness, gratitude, hospitality, honesty, humility, illumination, understanding, fidelity, influence, instruction, discretion, equity, leadership, loyalty, grace, mercy, mediation, morality, purpose, mission, provision, oneness, opportunities, ordinances, affiliation, forbearance, perseverance, purity, compassion, sympathy, empathy, position, power, recompense, prosperity, refreshment, renewal, revival, respect, reward, satisfaction, contentment, spirituality, steadfastness, stewardship, teaching, testimony, praise, thankfulness, tenderness, thoughtfulness, truth, unity, will of God, wisdom, zeal, sacrifice, celebration, confession, rest, and,of course, a home in Heaven. This is not an exhaustive list!; it is just the beginning of what Christ has done for us and provided to/for us. His blessings and benefits are beyond measure. All of this and more are available in Christ, but it does not mean that we avail ourselves of all of them; we must apply and appropriate the resources He provides making each a reality in our lives. They are wrapped and waiting, but we have to unwrap them. What a Christmas Christ has made available to us - how many of these packages have you personally unwrapped?
Tomorrow's sermon is on the miraculous transformation of Paul. Lord willing, I'll see you there.