Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Something to Be Thankful For


"If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either."

Romans 11:17-21


What a wonderful blessing that we have been grafted in with God's chosen people, the nation of Israel. That is something that we--as Gentile Christians--can take for granted sometimes... without even realizing it. The part about God grafting us in with His chosen people that amazes me most is that we were undeserving sinners, yet He saw fit to bring us together as one. It wasn't a result of our own good works or something we had done, but quite the opposite. -Now that is grace! :)

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:1-5

"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Ephesians 2:11-22

Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in... PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE EARTH! :)

Picture: Spring Farm Work--Grafting from Wikipedia

6 comments:

Kayla said...

Very good post! Thanks for the award!

Blessings,
Kayla

Miss Grace Elizabeth said...

Hi Taylor!
My name is Grace,
I'm Hannah's (@upnorthhannah) older sister
I just started following you
I really Like your blog!
It is really encouraging to know other young woman following on to know the Lord
Keep bring honor and glory to Him!
~Grace

Hannah said...

Those are some good thoughts Taylor.
I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
~Hannah

Rachel said...

I greatly enjoyed reading this, just what we all need to hear before thanksgiving

Anonymous said...

I love your blog every one loves your blog!!!!!

Tessa Voccola said...

Thanks for the comment!