Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the source of every good gift – namely our Father in Heaven – and give Him thanks. As the scripture above states, we should be living a “thanks-filled” life every day of the year. It is good to give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 92:1) and it is the right thing to give thanks to each other, as we do even little things for friend and stranger alike.
I am so thankful for knowing my Father God and His Son Who is my Lord and Savior, and His Holy Spirit Who guides my steps.
I’m thankful for a loving and understanding wife and children and grandchildren who respect and honor me.
I’m thankful for great friends, some of whom I’ve been blessed to maintain a relationship with for upwards of two, three, four and five decades and others whose bonds of faithfulness, trust, compassion and unconditional love make it seem like we’ve known each other that long – relationships I’m certain will endure into eternity.
I’m thankful for the formal education that my caring parents unselfishly financed for me; and I’m even more thankful for the Christian training and guidance I’ve received over the last 31 years from several pastors and other Church leaders who invested their lives in my own, so I could mature in the riches of the Faith.
I’m thankful for good physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, a roof over my head, and money in my bank account – and the wisdom to know that I don’t deserve any of it – but for the grace and mercy of God and my knowledge of and trust in His promises.
I’m thankful for opportunities to disciple new Christians and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others who do not yet know Him, through multiple means: through books, through social media, through one-on-one meetings and through preaching and teaching.
I’m thankful for opportunities and for the wisdom to know how and with whom to share the abundant blessings God has made available to me.