This is Thanksgiving week. The introduction to the holiday season. In all the busy-ness, I really pray that we would not forget to be grateful for all that we have — as a nation, as a church, as individuals.
The letter to the Colossians has a wonderful theme of thankfulness. I want to pray through these passages this week. Will you join me?
I’m thankful for my salvation. God has redeemed me; He has chosen me; He has accepted me.
“. . .giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14 ESV
I’m thankful for those who have given of themselves to teach the Word faithfully. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit who lives in me, and who teaches me the truth.
“. . .Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
I’m thankful for the peace of God, which is a result of an attitude of gratitude. I’m thankful for my church family; for the larger family of believers who encourage me, admonish me, and call me to godliness. I’m thankful that God has given me life and breath and the health and strength to “do” things. I’m thankful that whatever I do is not done in my own strength, but it is a gift from a loving God who always wants my best. I’m thankful that He gives me opportunity to share with others how wonderful He is.
“. . .And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17 ESV
I’m thankful for the gift of prayer. I’m thankful that God wants me to pray to Him. I’m thankful that, through prayer, I see more of Him — who He is and how He works in this world.
“. . .Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 ESV
So, why have I been “camping out” on gratitude of late? Here’s a quote from the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, in a message he gave on the subject of gratitude.
An ungrateful person is only one step away from getting their needs met in illegitimate ways. You’d never be tempted or commit adultery if you were really thankful for your spouse. You would not be tempted to steal if you were really grateful for what you had. You would not be envious of others’ talents and abilities if you were grateful for those God has given you. You would not be proud if you were thankful. You see, pride short circuits thankfulness. 1
1 D.James Kennedy. The Christian’s Magic Wand, p. 7.
“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.”
Psalm 86:11-13 ESV
Precious Father, make us grateful people!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Plea for Grace 