“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). In this season of giving and receiving, one of the most precious yet free gifts we can give is thanks. Often you may wonder: “What is God’s will for me?” It’s a big question and yet this short passage of scripture tells us that one aspect of God’s will is giving thanks in all circumstances! This orientation of the heart and expression with the voice is important every day but it seems especially relevant in a season where there can be so much activity–sometimes fun and sometimes stressful–but all of it potentially distracting us from our own hearts and our need to give thanks. Giving thanks helps to reorient us to all the good things God brings into our lives through our faith in His only-begotten Son, Jesus. Giving thanks builds our faith and trust and helps us to see our whole lives through the lens of faith.
Looking back over the past year, I am thankful for so many things. Several chronic health issues have improved—mostly gradually and through different means and yet all as God has led me and all answers to prayer. I am especially thankful for the improvement in my hip and for those who prayed for this. I am thankful for a wonderful church family at St. George’s and a leadership team that really is a mutually supportive team and for Ray David’s gracious and encouraging leadership. I’m thankful to have been encouraged to write this weekly blog and the grace to trust God with this as His vehicle to bless others. I am thankful to see God’s hand at work in our family to bring people closer together in ways that I believe will bring us all closer to the Lord. All of these blessings are outgrowths of God’s having saved Jen and me many years ago. Without this gift of salvation, I would neither have experienced all that God had planned for me nor realized my need to thank God. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift of salvation through His only-begotten Son, Jesus, born for us!
Take time to give thanks and to express your thanks both to God in prayer and with other loved ones. This will build both the faith of the speaker and the hearer. This will prepare us all to end this year with renewed faith and trust in God and to look forward to all He has for us in the year ahead.
In this Christmas season of God’s love and with a very thankful heart,
Greg
The following Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” is my wife, Jen’s, favourite and I offer it to you in thanksgiving for a wonderful wife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRobryliBLQ
