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Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus, part of the growing repentance remnant, members of His flock, of which Jesus is the Shepherd (John 10:16), Jesus being the first to preach His gift of repentance (Matthew 4:17), now calling on each of us also to preach repentance (Luke 24:47).
"Thanks" can be really a small word in English. But it's a beginning word, a beginning of a beginning of profound, deep, deep, deep appreciation for what the Living God, in the Person of Yeshua/ Jesus has already done for each of us.
Years ago Sister M. Basilea Schlink, founder of the Lutheran-based Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, combined Scripture with her "thank you" notes, thanking Jesus for each step from Gethsemane to His being revealed as a Lamb in Revelation chapter 5.
The more you and I repent, removing old lies of the enemy, the more you and I can come close to Him, deeply, deeply appreciating His love for each of us, His Creation. The more you repent, the more you want to praise Him and thank Him for His Love and His Kingdom, now and for eternity.
Here are Sister Basilea's words, featuring the first five steps; more tomorrow:
Gethsemane "He went a little farther and fell on his face, and prayed saying, 'O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39. "I thank You, Lord, for all Your agony once long ago there in Gethsemane."
The Arrest "The band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him." (John 18:12). " I thank You, Lord, The fetters that You wore have bound we close to You for evermore."
The Tribunal " The chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death." (Matthew 26:59). " Oh Lamb of God, I thank You fervently. For me You bore each charge so silently."
The Scourging " Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for hem Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." (Mark 15:15).
"I thank You, Lord. O wounded Lamb divine, Your stripes bring healing for all ills of mine."
The Crown of Thorns " The soldiers of the governor took Jesus...and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" (Matthew 27: 27-29). "I thank You, Lord. You suffered scorn and shame, that I a crown of glory may attain."
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