Don't Miss Out On These Benefits

Today's episode is a "STOP"-Scripture Today for One To Ponder from Psalm 103:2 "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits."   If you collect scriptures on 3x5 cards, this is a terrific one to write down. It first leads us to ponder on how our souls can bless the Lord. You can't help but be drawn into a state of heart worship! Then it leads us to ponder on all His benefits. It's simple yet so deep. Both thoughts could lead to hours of reflecting who God is, His lovingkindness, and compassion. For the sake of time, I would like us to focus on the second portion of the scripture, "forget none of His benefits." Allow me to expound on the scripture reading and share with you Psalm 103:1-5. Listen carefully for a few of the benefits we have in Christ. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." The presence of God is woven throughout our daily journey. God is personal and is interested in you and loves you. No matter what emotion, circumstance or situation you are in don't forget His benefits. Consider what He has done and still does for you? Did you hear the five benefits in the verses I just read to you? 1) Pardons all your iniquities 2) Heals all your diseases 3) Redeems your life from the pit 4) Crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion 5) Satisfies your years with good things As Easter is approaching, I am reminded of the most significant benefit we have in God. His saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ. Those that believe in Him benefit by having all their iniquities pardoned. That was the first benefit mentioned. He has paid our debt. This is critical to comprehend! Our iniquities (sins) have separated us from God, and the wages (debt) of our sin is death (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23). But there is good news! God knew we all would sin and fall short of His glory so He had His one and only son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for our sins so that when we believe in Him, He will bring us to God (Romans 3:23-24,1 Peter 3:18). God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). I love John 1:12, "But to all who did receive Him, who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." Then Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Jesus was crucified, buried, rose on the third day and ascended to heaven. The tomb is empty y'all! All this took place so that we would have the benefit of spending eternity with Him. Don't miss out on these benefits. The value is life! What a word Psalm 103:2 offers us to ponder on not just today but every day!   Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash