Acts 4:12 – Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” NIV
I wasn’t going to blog today. As I was going through my morning routine, listening to a playlist I found on YouTube, old gospel music began playing. I found myself reminiscing about some things, thanking God for some things, and worship began to flow out of my mouth, and out of my heart! Then I heard this song, rewritten by the Reverend James Cleveland, that Gladys Knight sang, “Jesus is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.” Then I began to weep, because He is still the best of the best that has happened to me.
If you don’t know the song, I’ll share the first part of it:
I’ve had my share of life’s ups and downs
God’s been good to me, and the downs have been few
I would guess you can say, God has blessed me
But there’s never been a time in my life, he didn’t bring me through
If anyone should ever write, my life story
For whatever reason there might be
You’d be there, between each line of pain and glory
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me
I can’t call Jesus the best thing, because He’s a person, not a thing, although I can call His great salvation to me, the best thing that ever happened in my life. Even now, as I blog, thinking about how good He’s been to me, how good He is to me, how my life has absolutely changed because of Him, all I can say is Jesus is the best!
Of course, I remember when this song actually came out. I was in college, living for God, being a witness, excited about Jesus! He kept me from so much of the “college” life and helped me to be a light to some many people. I’m grateful! When this song came out, it resonated with me then as it does now, reminding me that the very best decision that I ever made was accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I remember sponsoring an event for the fraternities and sororities, and my pastor and church members came to the university, and they heard the gospel and many got saved. Wonderful memories!
Over the years I’ve experienced many great things. I have a great home life! My husband and I have been married for over 30 years. During this time, we have developed a genuine friendship, a deep love, and loving home; and although marrying him was a great decision, choosing Jesus was a better decision. Our wedding song was, “Only God Could Love You More” and that was true then and is still true today; but we are where we are at today, doing what we are doing, because God’s been so good to us! And because He’s been in every facet of our lives!
I heard on the news that people are fighting more in their homes because of this pandemic. People are getting on each other nerves. Suicide and depression is on the rise. And all I can think is, Jesus can work that out! He can bring peace in your storm and calm the raging seas. He can be the anchor of your soul, of your family, of your home!
I must admit that in close quarters, people can get on your nerves. I recently heard a song by Jonathan McReynolds named, “People” that asked God if He can heal of us people? Yes, He can! There’s nothing too hard for Him! And He specializes in dealing with people. I’m a living testimony.
At this time of year when we rejoice in the truth that our Savior is alive and well; that He was dead, but now He lives and is alive forevermore, remember how good He has been to you! I have always felt that this time of year should be filled with more rejoicing and celebration than Christmas. True, His birth was a marvelous, miraculous time, for God brought forth His Son! But His resurrection, the reason we believe, the reason we are changed, the reason we have fellowship with the Father, the reason we are blessed is Powerful! One couldn’t happen without the other, I get that! However, I love this time of the year because it is only about Jesus!
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! There’s something powerful, wonderful, freeing in that Name. I encourage you today to realize how amazing He is! He truly is the absolute best that ever happened to me. Not the best thing, just simply the Best! And I am eternally grateful today! What about you? Have you made the decision to accept Him today as your personal Lord and Savior? Have you opened your heart to Him? Have you received forgiveness for your sins, thinking that you could live without Him? I can tell you today, when He becomes real to you, you’ll be echoing along with us, that giving your life to Him is the best thing that could ever happen to you!!
I am praying for all of you who read my blog. Truly! I am praying that you make it through this pandemic, and when you get on the other side, that you will not only know Him better, but that you will be the better for having experienced it. He causes all things to work together for our good! Wonderful Jesus!!
Wonderful Jesus! 