this statement was given at mosaic (bethel’s wednesday night youth program). we were asked to finish it.

i sat there and considered many things that i could thank God for — my wife, my job, family, His’ provision, friends, bethel, etc.

but i didn’t thanking him wasn’t really what we were being asked to do, we were being ask what about God caused me to praise Him…

it has taken me some time but i praise God because He forgave me, when i deserved it the least.  one of my first posts talks of my salvation.  in early 2006, i had been living with sin knowing that something wasn’t right in my relationship with Christ, i didn’t have one.  i had been living a lie for 14 years pretending to be a Christian.  i won’t go into all of it because to can read all about it in my other post.

God’s mercy is the foremost reason for me to priase Him, recieving salvation when i had no reason to deserve it.

Later Pastor Thomas finished the evening with the reading of Psalm 103:1-5 and a song…

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

that was an amazing passage and  the song was based on the passage.

so God, i praise You. thank you for Your mercy, i am so undeserving of heaven, i should have been given death and You have given me life.  may i never forget where You brought me from; may i never cease to praise your name.  Lord, i still struggle with sin and often grieve You. may Your Spirit bring conviction to my heart, and keep me in Your righteous ways. i praise you Lord, because You are God, because You are almighty, because You are merciful.

Tags: Christianity, Grace, Praise