Happy Labor Day!

According to the U.S Department of Labor, this is the definition of Labor Day: Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

That sounds pretty cool. As I pondered on this topic, I couldn't help but cast my mind on the work done by Jesus on Calvary. We typically use Labor Day as an extra day of rest from work. Yet, because of Jesus dying on the cross, we never have to work for our salvation. We serve and faithfully obey because now we are created unto good works. Rest in that truth today. GOD DID. He did what we could never do ourselves. He took on flesh and the law and defeated them! What a mighty God we serve. Speaking of resting in this truth, allow me to share what you and I now are because of Jesus:

• redeemed (Rom 3:24),

• alive to God (Rom. 6:11),

• possessors of eternal life (Rom. 6:23),

• free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2),

• members of one spiritual body (Rom. 12:5),

• sharers in Christ’s work (Rom. 16:3, 9),

• sanctified (1 Cor. 1:2),

• recipients of grace (1 Cor. 1:4),

• secure in death (1 Cor. 15:18),

• bold to speak the truth (2 Cor. 2:17),

• new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17),

• free (Gal. 2:4),

• justified (Gal. 2:17),

• recipients of the blessings given to Abraham (Gal. 3:14),

• sons of God (Gal. 3:26),

• one with others regardless of race, gender, or social condition (Gal. 3:28),

• recipients of every spiritual blessing in heaven (Eph. 1:3),

• seated in the heavens (Eph. 2:6),

• created for good works (Eph. 2:10),

• brought near to God (Eph. 2:13),

• partakers with Jews of the promises (Eph. 3:6),

• forgiven by God (Eph. 4:32),

• encouraged (Phil. 2:1),

• at peace (Phil. 4:7),

• provided for (Phil. 4:19),

• anticipating the resurrection of our bodies (1 Thess. 4:16),

• overseen by providence (1 Thess. 5:18),

• alive (2 Tim. 1:1), and

• saved (2 Tim. 2:10).

That right there is quite awesome! I love you Cedar Grove and whether you're off work or not enjoy the day of resting in God's provision and promise. Happy in the Lord, amen. Buh-bye.

Pastor Jacob Lannom