Give Thanks

As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT

Happy Thanksgiving! So often we give thanks at this time of Thanksgiving for “things”—for blessings that have occurred in the last year. With this scripture that Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica we note that he was thanking God for “dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord.” What a great idea—thank God for people—particularly for God’s chosen people. Who in your life has been instrumental this year in helping you to grow spiritually? Who have you spiritually encouraged, guided or even brought to salvation or sanctification this year? Several years ago the concept was brought to my attention that everyone should be mentored by someone and they should be mentoring someone. My mentoring efforts have been a casual rather than intentional arrangement with a friend over the last couple of years. Personally, I would really like to be mentored in a more specific way.  Consider this verse. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14. We must have goals if we are ever to go or grow! It isn’t too early to set some goals for the coming year for yourself and those you mentor. One of those goals could be daily thanking God for choosing you to be part of His family. Giving thanks shows a true trust in God and initiates closer growth to Him. Seems to me that He is the One on whom we should focus our thankfulness. Enjoy your day of Thanksgiving—and remember those who have touched your life…spiritually.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—Shower us with Your love and draw us closer to You today. Thank you for being part of our lives—and giving us hope, love, joy and peace, no matter what happens.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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