Have you ever heard someone talk about an experience that seemed perfectly fine to you, but the person presents it as entirely negative? I know—It’s easy to point fingers when we think others aren’t grateful. The truth is, though, that I can think of many times when I was blind to the good things that I had in my life. One of the sad realities of our lives is that we don’t enjoy what we’ve been blessed with, and as believers, we have the blessing of the treasures of heaven! Here are “Three Things the Lord’s Done for You” from a church meeting encouraging liberty of conscience (Acts 15:13-20; see Acts 15:1-20) to encourage us to see God’s gifts and move forward with thankful hearts!

THE LORD REDEEMED YOU

The Lord redeemed you (Acts 15:13-15). The Lord had made a covenant with King David along with his descendants. James referred to them as David’s “tabernacle,” and although this tabernacle, or tent, was laid low because there was not one of his descendants on Israel’s throne, Jesus came as David’s son to rule on his throne and has made us the Lord’s tabernacle (Henry, 155). James said that “God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name” (Acts 15:14, NASB).

Know that the Lord’s redeemed you. God “concerned Himself about taking” you out the darkness to be with Him and “for” Him (Acts 15:13, NASB). The Lord’s brought us together through Jesus, our Savior. Jesus has become “our peace,” for He has reconciled us to each other and reconciled us to God (Eph. 2:11-14, esp. v. 14, NASB). He did what we couldn’t do for ourselves when He paid for our sins. Then, He rose again, and He promises us eternal life! Believed boldly, and know with every fiber of your being that Jesus died for you, and gain a deep sense that He loves, accepts, and forgives you!

THE LORD DWELLS WITH YOU

The Lord dwells with you (Acts 15:15-18). The Lord has rebuilt this “FALLEN” “TABERNACLE” from its “RUINS” and has “RESTORE[D]” it through Jesus, David’s greater son (Acts 15:15-18, esp. v. 16, NASB). And since you’re part of this tabernacle that belongs to the Lord, He dwells in you and is with you in your life. You and I aren’t God. We aren’t divine or part of the Godhead. God is distinct from us but has chosen to be with us in a special way.

Know that the Lord dwells with you in your life. He’s the One who understands what others can’t and who’s with you in ways others aren’t and cannot be. The Lord is with you when you when you feel you’re abandoned and left behind. Jesus has “authority” over everything and everyone, and He said that He’s “with [us] always” (Matt. 28:18-20, esp. vv. 18, 20, NASB). Take Him at His Word and say, “I’m having a hard time now, but thank you for being with me. I trust You.”

THE LORD’S PROMISED TO BE FOR YOU

The Lord’s promised to be for you (Acts 15:18-19). The Lord didn’t decide to be for you in your life when you tried harder, did better, or attempted to clean up your act. James said that God made “THESE THINGS KNOWN” about His plan “FROM LONG AGO” (Acts 15:18-19, esp. v. 18, NASB). You’re important to God. And He determined to redeem, bless, and be for you for His glory and for your good.

Know that the Lord is for you. We’re all affected by sin; none of us has met God’s standard of goodness. And the way we are on the inside and our life experiences shape each of us in ways we often don’t think about and don’t fully understand. The Lord knows where you’ve come from, and He’s “for” you for a good purpose—to get bless you. He’s for you to get you through as you rely on Him for your good. Paul said he was “content” regardless of his “circumstances” because he could get you through anything “through” the Lord’s strength (Phil. 4:10-13, esp. vv. 11, 13, NASB).

SEE WHAT THE LORD’S DONE FOR YOU
See what the Lord’s done for you! See that the Lord’s redeemed you and made peace between you and others. See that the Lord dwells with you and is with you no matter your feelings, struggles, and circumstances. See that the Lord’s for you and promises to see you through even the most difficult of circumstances. As you see these things, you will be encouraged and move forward with a thankful heart for your blessing! #FCCBP

WORKS CITED

“Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE-R-, Copyright-C- 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”

Henry, Matthew, "Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible," Volume 6: Acts to Revelation, New Modern Edition (Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2000).