Tag: Thankfulness

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Show Your Thankfulness

Romans 5:8 (ESV)

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

There is nothing that we can do to cause God to love us more. He loved us so very much that He gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice so that we might be saved.

As Charles Finney taught, God’s love and grace are gifts that are not earned, but they demand a response of faith and obedience, aligning with the humility of being “poor in spirit” and Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-19).

Therefore, show God how grateful and thankful you are for His love, mercy, and grace by honoring Him with your actions. By loving by the law of Christ: loving God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Show Your Thankfulness.

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Lean Into Thanksgiving Power

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. ~ Psalms 100:4

We are called to come before God with hearts full of gratitude. Thankfulness is not just a suggestion; it’s a key that opens the gates of God’s holy presence. When we give thanks, we acknowledge God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His love. It’s a reminder that no matter what we’re going through, there is always something to be thankful for, and that thankfulness can lead us into deeper intimacy with God.

When we take the time to express gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God’s provision and care. It aligns our hearts with His heart, allowing us to experience His peace and joy. It allows us to apart anxiety, stress, and doubt. It allows to put our trust and faith in the LORD our provider.

We don’t give thanks to God because He’s an egotistical God. No. We give thanks because it changes us. The more thankful of a person you are the softer your heart is towards God and your fellow man. Therefore, use the tool of Thanksgiving to soften your heart. To block our anxiety and stress. And to refocus on all that God has done for you.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Lean Into Thanksgiving Power.

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Be Thankful For Something

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Apostle Paul gives us a powerful reminder in these verses—give thanks in all circumstances. I want you to notice something. Paul doesn’t say “give thanks for all circumstances.” No. Paul says, “give thanks IN all circumstances.” This is important. It’s not about being thankful for every difficulty but about maintaining a heart of gratitude in those difficulties.

The Greek word for “give thanks” here is eucharisteō, which means:
• To express gratitude
• To offer praise to God
• To be thankful for God’s blessings, even when life is tough

So, how do we give thanks in all circumstances? We choose to look at the glass being half full instead of half empty. We choose to look at God who makes a way where there is no way. We choose give thanks—even when things don’t look the way we hoped. Thankfulness is a choice. It’s a decision to focus on what God has done, rather than what is lacking.

So, no matter what today brings, let’s choose to be thankful. There’s always something to be grateful for when we see the hand of God at work in our lives.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Thankful For Something.

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Honoring Sacrifice, Finding Strength

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in service to others. Their courage reflects a profound truth Jesus spoke in John 15:13—there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others. This holiday invites us to reflect not only on the sacrifices of service members but also on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for our salvation. Both remind us that love, at its core, is selfless and sacrificial.

As we remember those who died for our freedom, we’re also called to consider how we live in response to such sacrifices. The freedoms we enjoy—whether to worship, to love, or to pursue our purpose—come at a cost that someone else paid. Similarly, the spiritual freedom we have through Christ’s sacrifice calls us to live with gratitude and purpose. Yet, living out this calling can be challenging. We may feel weary from daily struggles, uncertain about the future, or overwhelmed by division in our world. In these moments, we can draw strength from God’s presence, just as Isaiah 40:31 promises: those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, soaring like eagles, running without weariness, walking without fainting.

Memorial Day is a time to honor, but also to recommit. How can we honor the fallen and Christ’s sacrifice all at the same time? It might be through acts of service, praying for peace, or extending love to those around us. But either way, it commands us to do something, say something, and be the light. As we place our hope in God, He equips us to live lives that reflect gratitude for both earthly and eternal sacrifices. Today, let’s hold space for remembrance and ask God to renew our strength to love sacrificially, as He does.

Father, thank You for placing me exactly where I was born and where I am now. It is because of Your grace and Your mercy that I heard the Good News of Hope in Jesus Christ Your Son. Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy, for without it, where would we be? Thank You for the freedom that we have in Christ, in Jesus’ mighty name I pray, amen.

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Honoring The Price of Freedom

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us … (Romans 5:6-11).

As we approach Memorial Day, we pause to honor two profound sacrifices: the death of Jesus Christ for our spiritual freedom and the lives of brave soldiers for our national freedom. Romans 5 reminds us that Christ died for us when we were weak, helpless, and even enemies of God. His love didn’t wait for us to be worthy—it met us in our brokenness. Similarly, our fallen heroes laid down their lives not for a perfect nation, but for the hope of freedom, justice, and a better future for all.

These sacrifices come at a great cost. Jesus gave His life to reconcile us to God, securing our eternal freedom from sin and judgment. Soldiers gave their lives to protect our nation, leaving behind families who carry the weight of their loss daily. Freedom—spiritual and earthly—is never free. It demands gratitude, responsibility, and action.

Yet, we see challenges today that dishonor these sacrifices: injustice, misuse of resources, and neglect of veterans and the vulnerable. As believers, we’re called to honor Christ and our fallen heroes not just with words, but by living out their values—standing for truth, caring for the hurting, and uniting in love against division.

Father, thank You for Your great love, that while we were still sinners, You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to die for us. Thank You that we can enjoy freedom in Him. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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A Reflection of God’s Love

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. ~ Proverbs 31:28NIV

Today, we pause to honor one of God’s most beautiful gifts to the world: mothers. Whether biological, adoptive, spiritual, or chosen, mothers embody a unique reflection of God’s love—nurturing, sacrificial, and steadfast.

From the sleepless nights of infancy to the prayers whispered over grown children, a mother’s care speaks of a love that keeps right on giving. It reminds us of the way our Heavenly Father loves—tirelessly and unconditionally.

The Bible lifts high the role of a godly mother. Proverbs 31 paints the picture of a woman clothed with strength and dignity, full of wisdom and kindness. But beyond her deeds, it is her heart that shines—the heart that serves, that believes, that hopes.

Many of us can trace our faith journey back to a mother or grandmother who prayed us through trials, who brought us to church, who taught us to believe in God’s promises. Her faith became a foundation for our own.

But we also acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be bittersweet. Some grieve a mother now in heaven, some long to be mothers, and others carry wounds from broken relationships. Yet even in these places, God meets us with comfort. As Isaiah 66:13 says, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

So today, let us:

  • Thank God for the mothers who shaped us
  • Encourage the mothers among us
  • Comfort those with heavy hearts
  • And honor the One whose image of love shines so clearly through a mother’s embrace

Heavenly Father. Thank You for we are blessed because of good mothers. Those mothers who put their family first and loved, and molded, and shaped their children. We are blessed most of all because of Your steadfast love. Thank You for all that You do, in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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A Mother’s Legacy of Love

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. ~ 2 Timothy 1:5NIV

Mother’s Day weekend invites us to celebrate the women who not only shape our faith but also shape our lives. Mothers and grandmothers pour into their families. They are the backbone of the family unit. The glue that sticks everyone together. In 2 Timothy, Paul honors Lois and Eunice, whose sincere faith was passed down to Timothy, nurturing his calling. Mothers, grandmothers, and spiritual mentors plant seeds of faith through their prayers, teachings, and examples.

Even if the father is a preacher and has a full-time pulpit, the mother or grandmother will still normally be the one to teach her children and grandchildren the gospel. A mother will do her utmost to ensure that she passes down her faith and beliefs, just as Lois and Eunice passed down their sincere faith to young Timothy.

A mother’s legacy isn’t always in grand gestures but in quiet moments—bedtime prayers, shared Bible stories, or steadfast trust in God during trials. Think of a mother figure in your life: perhaps a mom who modeled forgiveness, a grandmother who sang hymns through hardship, or a mentor who prayed for your growth. Their faith, like Lois and Eunice’s, ripples across generations, pointing us to Christ.

As we prepare for Mother’s Day, take a moment to reflect on how these women have shaped your relationship with God. Their love reflects His, nurturing us to grow in faith. Even when they falter, their sincere devotion inspires us to persevere. Today, let’s honor them by embracing the faith they’ve shared and passing it forward, trusting God to water the seeds they’ve sown.

Heavenly Father, thank You for mothers and grandmothers who mold and shape the lives of their children and grandchildren. Thank you for my own mother. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Prepare For Thanksgiving

[19] And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. [20] They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. [21] The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. ~ Matthew 14:19-21NIV

Both times, Jesus multiplied the bread and the fish. He never prayed for it to be multiplied. Jesus simply gives thanks for it. He then breaks it and gives it to His disciples to distribute. I want you to notice that there is no record of Jesus praying for a miracle. No record of Jesus praying for the loaves to multiply in order to feed the five or four thousand. The only thing Jesus does before breaking the food and handing it out, is give thanks for it.

Imagine, all Jesus did was give thanks and the food multiplied more than enough for five thousand men plus women and children. Let that sink in. A prayer of Thanksgiving is more powerful than we give it credit for. So many of us pray and pray for things to happen in our lives, but rarely do we see it come to pass. Could it be because we’re to give thanks and then act in faith? I’m not saying that we should stop asking for things, James says we have not because we ask not. Therefore, we must still have to ask for what we need, but this is giving thanks for what they had, and it multiplied to more than they needed.

In other words, if you have money but you can’t pay the bills because it’s not enough, you give thanks and then act in faith. If you have food to eat, but it’s not enough, you give thanks, and you act in faith. Now, I want you to understand that this isn’t a cheat code or a way to easy living. I’m not even saying this is the formula to always get what you have multiplied to what you need. Why? Because giving thanks will only work if your heart is pure and your prayers are heard.

Here’s what I mean. Jesus prayed every morning, regardless of how early it was or how late He went to bed the night before. It didn’t matter. Jesus got up early before His day’s work and prayed. I’m willing to bet He never prayed for less than an hour. He would never hold Prayer to a higher standard than He held Himself. Therefore, every morning Jesus prayed at least one hour. Then, every night, Jesus prayed. It didn’t matter how long of a day He had or how tired He was, or how late it was. Jesus secluded Himself and prayed. And when He prayed, He didn’t sleep. He didn’t get distracted. Jesus prayed.

How many of us can say that we do the same thing? How many of us can say we’ve followed in His footsteps? I know for myself, I can say with utmost confidence that I have not. I pray when I get up and I pray before I go to bed, but my prayers aren’t an hour in length. And if I’m really tired, I’ll fall asleep, wake up, and then have to apologize to God. While my spiritual growth has grown, I’m not there yet.

If we want to do miracles like Christ did and even greater ones like He promised, our spirit man has to be stronger. Our spirit man can’t be weak and our flesh control our lives. We have to be strong in the LORD. Our flesh has to be crucified each and every day. Our prayer life has to be strong. Our worship has to be strong. Our faith has to be strong, and the only way to strengthen our faith is to read the Word of God. Therefore, the time we spend in the Word has to be strong. Our walk with Christ has to be strong. Our good fruit-bearing has to be strong.

We can’t allow ourselves to think too much of ourselves than we ought, or we’ll never grow. We have to look at ourselves with honesty. These things need to change, so let me start with this one. And we tackle it one step at a time so that when we are in a situation where we need our bread and fish to multiply, our prayer of Thanksgiving will be heard by God and answered when we act in faith.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Prepare For Thanksgiving.

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A Son Given

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

At Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of over a millennium of prophecies. Over 600 years before His birth, Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born but that a Son would be given. Isaiah was differentiating between the physical and the eternal being of Christ. Jesus, as a child had to be born, but Jesus as the Son of God, He had to be given. Why?

Because Jesus’ role in the Trinity is that of the Son. Therefore, He has and will always be the Son. Isaiah was speaking to the eternal God that is Christ Jesus. So, this Christmas, let us rejoice and give thanks for our God Himself saved us. He Himself redeemed. He Himself washed us clean and cleansed us from all unrighteousness.

Thank You, LORD, that You didn’t leave my redemption up to chance. You didn’t leave it up to fate or even a person You created just for the part, You Yourself set off Your Godliness and stepped into the form of man to save me. Thank You, LORD, for Your never-ending love. Please help me not to get caught up in all the things that are currently happening this Christmas, but instead, help me to focus on You. Help me to dwell in Your unconditional love. Teach me to love You the way You love me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Count Your Blessings

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for His steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the LORD of lords, for His steadfast love endures forever. ~ Psalms 136:1-3

The Psalmist starts out shooting straight from the hip. He boldly states, give thanks to the LORD for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. He continues the theme of God having, or possessing, and showing an everlasting, steadfast love. Then, to back up what he is saying, he reminds them of all the great things that God has done. How He created the heavens and the earth, and all of the stars that we see at night, including the sun and the moon.

Then the Psalmist makes it personal to the Israelites; he reminds them how God judged the Egyptians who had enslaved them for 430 years and how, by His great power, and because of His everlasting, steadfast love, He delivered them out of bondage. He reminds them how God was with them as He led them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land and how He gave them victory over all of their foes.

It reminds me of the hymn that we used to sing:

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done

That is exactly what the Psalmist is doing here. He is counting all of their blessings, and he is naming them one by one and finds that God is the possessor of an enduring, everlasting, steadfast love. A steadfast love that remembers that we are of low estate. That we are but dust, just mere mortals.

So, this Thanksgiving, let us start a new tradition, a tradition of being thankful. Every morning, remind yourself of two or three blessings that you have enjoyed. New ones and blessings from years and years ago. In so doing, you will see that God is indeed good, and His steadfast love endures forever.

Father, thank You for being so kind to me. Thank You for blessing me even when I do not deserve it. Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me. Help me to have a thankful and grateful heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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