My Thanksgiving List

All month people on Facebook have been putting what they are thankful for each day. I think that’s a great idea. Unlike our Christmas lists, my thanksgiving list isn’t necessarily in order of importance! Just because one is further down the list doesn’t mean it is less important. So here are the things I am thankful for. (There is a humorous video at the end of the post.  I hope you enjoy it!)

I am thankful for Jesus

I wrote about this in an earlier post. He delivered me, saved me, changed me, and gave me hope and a future.
He set me free from the bondage of sin, Satan, and the world.

I am thankful for salvation

Save – “to free”; “to open wide”; “to get victory” “deliverance”, and “health.” I am so thankful that Jesus has saved me. Jonah 2:9

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is my guide and comforter. He works in me and through me . He is an active part of my life to teach me to be like Christ. He is my power and strength.

I am thankful for God’s peace

Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Peace is: harmony and accord between individuals. Security, safety, and prosperity. The tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ. Jesus came to give us peace. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.”

I am thankful for God’s grace

1 Corinthians 1:4 – “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.”

Grace is: the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon you, turns you to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases you in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and stirs you to the exercise of the Christian virtues. This is all God’s doing! It isn’t your ability but God’s!

I am thankful for God’s mercy

Psalm 106:1 – “Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Mercy is: goodness, kindness, and faithfulness. We all need more mercy, and we all need to give more mercy! Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

I am thankful for God’s righteous judgments

Psalm 119:62 – “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.” Not every one’s judgments are correct! All of God’s judgments are righteous and accurate. I can place my hurts in God’s hands knowing He will vindicate! I no longer have to “worry about what someone else has done to me.” Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath, for it is written vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord.” So just forget about it!

I am thankful for forgiveness

Not just from God, but from others! I wish I could tell you I am perfect…but I’m not! I need forgiveness from others and I need to forgive others. Matthew 6:14-15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” That’s pretty straight forward!

I am thankful for the truth

Jesus said “ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Truth is vital to any relationship. You cannot have a healthy relationship that is based on a lie. It has to be based on truth.

I am thankful for my family

My family is so important to me! I don’t know what I would do without them. As much as I love my friends, I know my family will always be there for me. I am thankful for my mom and dad.

I am thankful for the church body

Psalm 26:8 – “Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” I love being a part of a local body of believers and the universal body of believers! It is this group that has the awesome responsibility of making known the manifold wisdom of God to the world!

I am thankful for shelter

Many stormy, cold, and windy nights I have laid in the bed with Anita and we have expressed to each other how nice it is and how blessed we are to have a warm and cozy bed and home that shelters us from the storm.

My list could go on and on! We have so much to be thankful for. It is important that we express our thanksgiving. Don’t assume that God or others know you are grateful…tell them today!

What are you thankful for?  Leave a comment and let me know.

— Keith